The selection of examples provided here are meant primarily as an illustration of the nature of attention and detail we apply to our reports.

We’ve been providing inventories and check out reports since 2010 and we still come across situations and scenarios that we’ve never previously encountered. We also learn, constantly, from experience and we’ll continue to approach every instruction with open minds.

Kitchens and bathrooms are always going to be the primary source of contention at check out. For this reason we pay particular attention to these areas and ensure that any potential source of dispute is clearly described and documented in inventories. This, for instance, is the same shower enclosure at inventory and check out:

Inventory Photograph

Check-Out Photograph

Quartz / Granite Worktops Quartz or granite block worktops can be the single most valuable fitting in a property. It is important that any chips or damage noted at the commencement of tenancy are clearly highlighted.

Wood Block Worktops Wood block worktops can also be contentious. We have seen these “treated” with coats of varnish at the end of tenancies. We always recommend that preservative treatment products and clear instructions are provided at commencement of tenancy.

This property has not been adequately ventilated during the tenancy. Condensation discolouration and mildew deposits have accumulated.

Condensation Discolouration

Mildew Deposits

Heating Appliance

Wall Condition Above Heater What is pivotal about this image is not the heater but the wall above it — experience tells us that heaters of this nature have a tendency to be used for drying damp clothing, resulting in evaporation type discolouration like this.

This newly refurbished property has two aerial points in an unmarked wall. We illustrate this specifically because, whether the tenant has permission or not, they may be tempted to affix a television to the wall.

Start of Tenancy At the end of the tenancy it is their responsibility to make good any damage.

End of Tenancy It would be reasonable to request a deduction from the deposit in this instance.

We’ve seen inventories which correctly refer to stains or burns in carpets, then include a close up image of the damage. This is not really useful when we compile check outs as it doesn’t set the damage in a broader context.

Location Marker for Context By laying down a marker we indicate the relative location of damage within the room or area. This helps us to establish whether any further damage has been incurred during the tenancy.

Stairwells are vulnerable to damage. Even the most careful and conscientious tenant could struggle to manoeuvre furniture up and down stairs without causing rub marks to the walls. We will document the condition of stairwell décor in inventories.

Stairwell Condition Documented

Whodunnit? This door shows damage to the external skin around the handle.

External Damage Assessment Assessing damage like this at check out requires an open mind and a pragmatic approach. It’s perfectly possible that someone may have attempted to force entry here. We’d ask the outgoing tenant to account for this damage but we can’t definitely ascribe it to them.