Comments on: Guide On How To Put A Property Inventory Together http://www.propertyinvestmentproject.co.uk/blog/how-to-secure-a-tenants-security-deposit/ DOCUMENTING ONE MAN'S JOURNEY TO BECOMING A PROPERTY MILLIONAIRE Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:13:32 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Lizzy http://www.propertyinvestmentproject.co.uk/blog/how-to-secure-a-tenants-security-deposit/comment-page-1/#comment-128334 Lizzy Wed, 02 Feb 2011 10:04:21 +0000 http://www.propertyinvestmentproject.co.uk/blog/?p=1072#comment-128334 Letting agents or private landlords should provide all tenants with an inventory on the day that they move into a property as best practice. The inventory should cover all items within the property detailing the condition of all fixed and none fixed items. The most efficient way of creating an inventory is through the use of specialised inventory software and a PDA which allows quick and effective reports to be created which not only document the condition of the property but also take photograph evidence protecting both the landlord and the tenant. We have been using a company called Isurvey Inventory to create these reports who I would highly recommend particularly as there are no up-front costs. Their details can be found at www.isurvey-inventory.co.uk I think all landlords and letting agents should be providing this service for tenants. If I was you I would take pictures of the damage so that you can prove that the bed and mattress were in that condition when you moved in and insist that the landlord carries out a full inventory which will also help you protect your deposit. Letting agents or private landlords should provide all tenants with an inventory on the day that they move into a property as best practice. The inventory should cover all items within the property detailing the condition of all fixed and none fixed items. The most efficient way of creating an inventory is through the use of specialised inventory software and a PDA which allows quick and effective reports to be created which not only document the condition of the property but also take photograph evidence protecting both the landlord and the tenant. We have been using a company called Isurvey Inventory to create these reports who I would highly recommend particularly as there are no up-front costs. Their details can be found at http://www.isurvey-inventory.co.uk
I think all landlords and letting agents should be providing this service for tenants. If I was you I would take pictures of the damage so that you can prove that the bed and mattress were in that condition when you moved in and insist that the landlord carries out a full inventory which will also help you protect your deposit.

]]> By: karen http://www.propertyinvestmentproject.co.uk/blog/how-to-secure-a-tenants-security-deposit/comment-page-1/#comment-71550 karen Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:20:43 +0000 http://www.propertyinvestmentproject.co.uk/blog/?p=1072#comment-71550 Hi have been in the property for a month and have repeatedly asked for the agreement which I have just received. The bed was damaged but only noticed the day I moved in. IE the mattress has seen better days and one side of the bottom divan has caved in. Is it my responsibility to replace the bed or should I contact the landlord and ask him to replace it? although i have contacted him and haven't received a response. Hi have been in the property for a month and have repeatedly asked for the agreement which I have just received. The bed was damaged but only noticed the day I moved in. IE the mattress has seen better days and one side of the bottom divan has caved in. Is it my responsibility to replace the bed or should I contact the landlord and ask him to replace it? although i have contacted him and haven’t received a response.

]]> By: Alan http://www.propertyinvestmentproject.co.uk/blog/how-to-secure-a-tenants-security-deposit/comment-page-1/#comment-51130 Alan Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:26:39 +0000 http://www.propertyinvestmentproject.co.uk/blog/?p=1072#comment-51130 Wear & tear is distinct from damage, in that wear & tear is deterioration of condition through using the property in the manner for which it was intended, whereas damage is using it or abusing it in other ways in excess of what could be considered wear & tear. For example: A sofa which was new when the tenant went in, has had 2-3 years use and is no longer as pristine or springy as a result of sitting - that's wear & tear and as the tenant has paid for the use of the sofa through their rent, they should not have to pay for renewing it. On the other hand, stains from red wine, holes in the walls from picture hooks etc., the tenant could be made to pay for cleaning or repair from their security deposit as those could not be considered wear & tear. Government guidance on Tenant's Responsibilities: "You have a responsibility to return the property in the same condition that it was let to you, allowing for fair wear and tear." http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TenancyDeposit/DG_066373 Wear & tear is distinct from damage, in that wear & tear is deterioration of condition through using the property in the manner for which it was intended, whereas damage is using it or abusing it in other ways in excess of what could be considered wear & tear. For example:

A sofa which was new when the tenant went in, has had 2-3 years use and is no longer as pristine or springy as a result of sitting – that’s wear & tear and as the tenant has paid for the use of the sofa through their rent, they should not have to pay for renewing it.

On the other hand, stains from red wine, holes in the walls from picture hooks etc., the tenant could be made to pay for cleaning or repair from their security deposit as those could not be considered wear & tear.

Government guidance on Tenant’s Responsibilities:

“You have a responsibility to return the property in the same condition that it was let to you, allowing for fair wear and tear.”

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TenancyDeposit/DG_066373

]]> By: Dr Nogood http://www.propertyinvestmentproject.co.uk/blog/how-to-secure-a-tenants-security-deposit/comment-page-1/#comment-49036 Dr Nogood Sat, 21 Feb 2009 00:18:49 +0000 http://www.propertyinvestmentproject.co.uk/blog/?p=1072#comment-49036 You do know that tenants don't pay for wear and tear? That's why it's called wear and tear...not 'damage'. It is very gratifying seeing you degenerate into a con artist slum lord and confirms that with the best intentions a combination of one off bad tenants and the odd credit crunch can turn any so called 'geezer' landlord into a mizerly penny pinching theif. You do know that tenants don’t pay for wear and tear? That’s why it’s called wear and tear…not ‘damage’.

It is very gratifying seeing you degenerate into a con artist slum lord and confirms that with the best intentions a combination of one off bad tenants and the odd credit crunch can turn any so called ‘geezer’ landlord into a mizerly penny pinching theif.

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