Managing rental properties is not always about collecting a good amount of rent in return. In fact, it's about protecting and maintaining the house and amenities. To do this you need to do the move-in and move-out inspection. And the property inventory check-in is part of the inspection. In this article on AF-Residential, we are going to briefly explore what inventory check-in is, why it is important when to do this, and the checklist for move-in inventory.
Read this article: Tenant management guide for landlord
What is an Inventory Check-In?
An inventory check-in is a detailed inspection that is done before the move-in of the tenant and after the move-out of the tenant. This process can be done by both tenants as well as landlords. Moreover, after the first inventory check-in report the property condition is clearly mentioned in the tenancy agreement to make things more transparent. This is considered a legal report throughout the tenancy.
Why Inventory Check-in is Crucial for Landlords and Tenants
Tenant move-in inspection is always taken as a beneficial practice throughout the tenancy period because this becomes evidence for both entities. Well, here are some factors that make it more important.
Legal Protection for Landlords
Check-in of the rental property inventory at the time of tenant move-out helps the landlord to claim the deduction from the deposit if there are any demands or missing in inventory. In another case if there is no legal evidence of the inventory. This will create problems for landlords.
Peace of Mind for Tenants
This report is also an advantage for tenants. Tenants feel secure when the property's current condition is documented. This will decrease the chances of facing any problem at the end of the tenancy.
Dispute Prevention
Having clear photographic or detailed notes prevents the chances of getting involved in any dispute and saves time for both figures while checking out inventory.
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Types of inventory check-in reports
There are multiple types of inventory check-in reports and here is the list:
Standard Check-In Inventory Report: A written document that is used as a record of the condition of the rental property.
Photographic Inventory Report: A visual document of the rental property's condition.
Video Inventory Check-In Report: A high-resolution video about the rental property.
Digital/Smart Inventory Report: Creating the report by using the property management software. These apps and software are cloud-based which ensures that the data must be stored and secure. As proptino manager software which helps them to manage rental properties and secure the inspection data.
Comparative Check-In/Check-Out Report: The comparison of both reports gives the surety of each thing according to the initial state of the tenting. Further, this assists in case of dispute between them.
Inspection Report: The check-in report is added to the inspection report. This is the part of the inspection and each and everything is being documented.
Rental Property Inventory Checklist
The comprehensive property inventory report must be included:
- High-resolution photographs of each room and items.
- Descriptions of each thing should be mentioned such as walls, floors, ceilings, doors, and any fixtures.
- List of appliances that are available in the rental property.
- Utility meter readings such as water, gas, and electricity.
Download file: Inventory Checklist for Tenant Check-In Process
When should an inventory check-in be carried out?
The ideal time for doing the inventory check-in is just before the move-in of the tenant or before the tenant gets into the property with his belongings. That time period ensures or reflects the current condition of the property before moving in.
Read this article also: Letting Agents Responsibilities to Ensure Tenant Safety.
Property Inventory Services by AF-Residential in Luton
At AF-Residential, we are offering property management services in which a check-in report is a part of the inspection, and our experienced team will tackle this process with great focus and ensure that each item is checked out with care and at the end generate the digitalized inventory report with photographs, video, and written evidence. Additionally, we shared the real-time updates with the landlord and tenants to create transparency between both of them and save them time.
Bottom line
In the rental property, the professional inventory check-in is not an option; in fact, it is an essential process to ensure the protection of both tenant and landlord. Knowing the check-in list will help you to prevent any misunderstanding. If as a landlord you want reliable property inventory management then Af-Residential is here to assist you in this process. Let us handle your paperwork, inspection, and reporting for you. Contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do property management services help with inventory check-in?
Hiring professionals to handle the inventory process and prepare the reports will help prevent any disputes at check-out time.
Is a rental inventory check-in legally required?
Legally it is not required, but having the documented report will be helpful for the landlord to claim against the tenant deposit.
How are check-in and check-out inventory different from each other?
Inventory check-in is carried out at the beginning of a tenancy, and a check-out inspection is carried out when the tenant vacates the property. These two reports are contrasted to identify any alterations or damages that could warrant deductions in the amount of money held by the tenant as a deposit.
Is it possible to conduct inventory inspections online?
Yes, many property managers and landlords have shifted to digital-based inventory with associated mobile applications that allow taking photos, cloud storage, and e-signatures to have immediate access and sharing. And Proptino Manager is considered a great application for this.
Who makes the inventory report?
The landlord, letting agent or a professional property inventory service should conduct an inventory check-in. Sometimes, landlords hire professionals to do this.