ARLA reports that the average length of Tenancies has increased by 17%

ARLA stated that potentially Tenants are staying in their properties for longer due to the costs associated with moving property.

The average tenancy is in excess of 19 months and ARLA is calling for both tenants and landlords to remember the benefits of creating a comprehensive inventory at the beginning of each new tenancy. The longer the Tenancy, the greater the risk of higher wear-and-tear in a property.

A professional inventory can easily reduce the headache of a dispute at the end of a tenancy, if at the start of the Tenancy, the state of the property is professionally documented.  Tenants should ensure that the property Inventory details the contents within the property, as well as the condition of each item and the property itself. This should include fixtures and fittings – such as carpets, curtains and light fittings.

As a licensed letting agent, Let-Leeds offer both our tenants and our landlords good advice on inventories.

ARLA has issued the following advice to tenants when moving into a new rented property:

Use an APIP member for professional Inventories:  the Association of Professional Inventory Providers (APIP) offers a recognised standard of inventory provision, advice and guidance. Letting agents who are members APIP have been through a training process and have passed an assessment to demonstrate their abilities in drawing up an inventory and conducting the check in and check out. In addition the fully qualified member of APIP will have their name and membership number included in the inventory. At Let-Leeds we will prepare a check in check list which will record the condition of the property prior to the start of teh tenancy. The Landlord has the ability to upgrade to a professional Inventory.

Make sure you take a photo:  taking a record of the property using your camera at the beginning of the tenancy can help provide evidence to protect both the landlord and the tenant. If on moving into the property you find an iron mark on the carpet under the bed, ensure you take a photo of the burn and send to us within 7 days of the start of the Tenancy, so that we know it wasn’t you!!

Note the detail: tenants and landlords should ensure that the inventory notes all the contents and features of the rented property, and that it accurately records their condition.

Check the utility readings: to avoid bill disputes – both between tenants and landlord, and with energy suppliers – make sure that accurate and up-to-date utility meter readings are taken, and that these are included on the signed inventory. At Let-Leeds we set your utilities up for you on your behalf. We’re always MAKING MOVING SIMPLE.  

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