What Use Inventories?
Over the years I have had many debates with members about whether they use inventories, whether they create their own or use an agency, how they support them with photos or videos and whether, at the end of the tenancy they are of value in agreeing cost sharing for any remedial works or cleaning required.
I am sure I will be involved in many more debates of this nature and that there is no correct answer - there is a huge overhead in preparing a good inventory and the value on the one occasion when you need it can be debatable (a bad tenant who absconded is no more or less likely to agree to a reduction in the amount of deposit returned because you have a complete and up to date inventory).
However, it suddenly dawned on me a couple of months ago, while putting new students into my houses, what the real value of inventories is....
Having an inventory and having to agree its contents before mutually signing it is a great way to ensure you spend 15-20 minutes (or more) explaining how the house works. With students especially, who have yet to learn how to change a loo roll let alone operate a washing machine, it is the perfect opportunity to run through the important stuff:
- Keep the front door locked / How to lock a UPVC door (if appropriate)
- What to do if there is a fire and how you will know
- Where the washing machine and tumble drier are and how they work
- The need for a cleaning rota, respect for others, likelihood of mice or rats if ignored, etc
- How to avoid black mould
- How refuse collection works in Portsmouth, where the bins are, where to put your bike
- What the WiFi password is and what happens to your connection if you all stream or Skype at the same time
- And so on...
About the author
Martin began his landlord journey 18 years ago, while working in an international role for a global telecommunications company. Since retiring he has extended his portfolio, which he manages with his wife, but has always focussed on the ‘small student HMO’ sector preferring to offer homes in the community for small groups to the more common ‘pack them in and take the money’ mentality. He has chaired the PDPLA for the past 9 years and has overseen the Associations transition from small local self-help group to a much larger and more professional institution which is recognised and listened to nationally. Alongside his PDPLA role, he also has leadership roles in a number of other local organisations – bringing his unique perspective, driving for change and increased use of technology while respecting the history that brought us here.