Inventory and check-in: your rights as a tenant

When you move into a rented home, one of the most important steps is the inventory check-in. This is where the condition of the property and its contents are recorded. Getting this right at the start can protect you from unfair deposit deductions when you leave. Here is what an inventory is, what your rights are, and what to do if one is not provided.

What is an inventory?

An inventory is a document that describes the condition of the property and everything in it at the start of your tenancy. It typically covers:

• The condition of each room, including walls, floors, and ceilings
• The condition of fixtures such as doors, windows, and light fittings
• The condition of any furniture or appliances the landlord has provided
• Meter readings at the start of the tenancy

A thorough inventory is usually supported by photographs or a video walkthrough. The landlord or letting agent prepares it, and you are asked to sign it to confirm you agree with the contents.

Am I entitled to an inventory?

There is no law that specifically requires a landlord to provide an inventory, but it is strongly in both parties' interests to have one. Without an inventory:

• You have no way to prove the property was already marked or damaged when you moved in
• The landlord has no way to prove damage was caused during your tenancy

Many landlords and letting agents provide inventories as a matter of course. If yours does not, consider preparing your own written record and sending it to the landlord.

What should I do when I receive the inventory?

• Read it carefully, check every room and every item listed
• Raise any disagreements immediately, if the inventory says a wall is in good condition but there is already a stain, note it before you sign
• Take your own photos, even if the inventory includes photos, take your own. Include a date stamp if possible
• Note the meter readings, confirm they match what is on the document

Once you have checked everything, sign the inventory. If you want to add notes or corrections, make sure they are on the document before you sign, or write your objections in an email to the landlord straight away.

What if I sign without checking?

Signing the inventory without checking it is risky. By signing, you are generally accepting the described condition of the property as accurate. If damage is later disputed, a signed inventory will carry significant weight.

If you have already signed but want to raise an issue, do so in writing as soon as possible. The sooner you flag a problem, the more credible your account will be.

What if there is no check-in process?

If you move in and no inventory is provided:

1. Create your own record, walk through the property room by room, photograph everything, and note any existing damage or wear
2. Send it to the landlord, email it to the landlord within a few days of moving in, noting that it is your record of the condition at the start of the tenancy
3. Keep a copy, store it somewhere secure

This creates a dated record you can refer to if there is a deposit dispute when you leave.

What happens at check-out?

When you leave the property, the landlord will usually carry out a check-out inspection. This is compared with the check-in inventory to identify any changes. Fair wear and tear must be allowed for, a landlord cannot deduct from your deposit for normal use.

When should I contact Support for Tenants?

We handle housing disrepair claims. If the property was already in disrepair when you moved in and this was not properly recorded in the inventory, it can complicate a disrepair claim. We can advise on how to document and pursue the issue.

Call us on 0800 030 4669. No upfront cost. You only pay if you win, and the fee comes out of the compensation, not your pocket. If you don't win, you pay nothing.

Sources

• Tenant Fees Act 2019 (legislation.gov.uk)
• Housing Act 2004 (legislation.gov.uk)

Related articles

• How to report disrepair to your landlord