Guidance shaped for you
Your inventory is important to you too
The inventory is not only for the landlord or letting agent. It gives you a record of the property at the start of your tenancy and an opportunity to identify anything that has been missed or described incorrectly.
Overview
Review the report promptly
Read the report within the review period supplied with your invitation. Work through it room by room and compare it with the property as you received it.
Overview
Submit specific comments
A useful comment explains:
- the room or area;
- the item or surface;
- what you believe is missing or inaccurate;
- a clear photograph where helpful.
For example, “Bedroom 2, left wall beside radiator: existing 4 cm scuff not visible in report photograph” is more useful than “walls marked”.
Overview
Keep your own records
Retain the report, your submitted comments, relevant emails and photographs. Use the secure CJH verification route rather than sending sensitive evidence through unrelated channels.
Overview
Fair wear and tear
Normal use will affect a property over time. Fair wear and tear is different from damage, missing items or a failure to return the property to the required standard of cleanliness.
Any deposit decision should consider the starting condition, age and quality of the item, length of tenancy, number and age of occupants and ordinary expected use.
Overview
Preparing for check-out
- follow the tenancy agreement;
- remove belongings and rubbish;
- clean to the standard required by the agreement, judged against the starting evidence;
- return keys as instructed;
- record final meter readings where appropriate;
- report unresolved maintenance issues;
- leave gardens and exterior areas in the agreed condition.
Overview
If a deposit claim is proposed
Review the tenancy agreement, inventory/check-in evidence, check-out report and supporting documents. Discuss the claim with the landlord or agent first. The relevant deposit scheme provides dispute information where agreement cannot be reached.
CJH does not decide deposit deductions.
Next step
Arrange your report with confidence.
Choose the route that matches your instruction.
