What is an Inventory?

Once signed by both Landlord (and/or their agent) and tenant, an Inventory is a legally binding document describing in accurate detail the interior of a property and recording furniture, fittings and the decorative order. Without one, there is no proof of the property's original condition and one must be in place to safeguard against any future disputes that may arise. With the new TDS Scheme in place, the worth of a good Inventory has risen substantially. Landlords or agents will only be able to withhold deposits providing they can prove that what they're claiming for has been originally documented and agreed to by the relevant parties.

Inventories are an absolutely essential document that provide a written benchmark that should be amended, updated and recreated before the beginning of each new tenancy"
- The Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA).