Checking in to a new tenancy this summer?

Moving into a new rental property to set up home is an exciting time for tenants but it is also time to check the property thoroughly to help avoid any disputes when it comes to checking out in the future.  It’s worth allowing enough time with the letting agent on the first day of the tenancy to carry out the vital ‘checking in’ process before you unpack your boxes.
 
Lily White, director of Henry Adams Lettings in Chichester, and her experienced team liaise with tenants from the very start of their occupation to get tenancies off on the right track.
 
“We prepare a comprehensive and professional inventory and schedule of condition for all of our properties a couple of days prior to the tenancy starting,” explains Lily.
 
“An average sized two bedroom flat would be covered in around 25 pages or more making this a time consuming process to accurately convey the condition of all fixtures and fittings plus overall presentation. We have a team of property managers based in our lettings offices to carry out these checks, especially as a furnished property would naturally be much more involved and take considerably longer.”
 
Inventories are compiled on a tablet and go straight on to a ‘cloud based’ database which is easy to refer back to for future property visits and referring back to during the check out at the end.
 
“Once the inventory is signed and agreed by the tenant as they move in, we then take the meter readings if a landlord has instructed us on a ‘Full Management’ or ‘Rent Administration’ basis and notify the main utility suppliers. If we are asked by a landlord just to introduce a tenant, then the landlord will arrange for the readings to be taken and notifications made.
 
“Generally we find tenants prefer to have a robust and comprehensive inventory which sets out the facts clearly as they move in and this certainly makes everyone’s life easier ”
 
A formal check-in procedure with a professional, comprehensive inventory will help cover both landlord and tenant and reduces the likelihood of later disagreements.
 
If you’d like advice about any aspect of property investment, letting, or becoming a landlord or tenant, simply contact your local branch of Henry Adams Lettings.