DISCLAIMER INFORMATION
DISCLAIMER
The term 'Inspector' is used hereafter to define the Cloud Homes user that is responsible for sending this inventory report. It is the duty and ultimate responsibility of the Inspector and Tenant to agree upon the accuracy of this report.
This inventory has been prepared by an inspector who is not an expert in buildings, furnishings, decorations, woods, antiques or a qualified surveyor.
This inventory relates only to the furniture and all the landlord's equipment and contents in the property. It is no guarantee, or report on, the adequacy of, or safety of any such equipment or contents, merely a record that such items exist in the property at the date of preparing the inventory and the superficial condition of same.
Windows throughout the property have not been tested for function or operation. Descriptions are purely based on the superficial appearance of windows, frames and restrictors. The inspector can accept no liability arising from any failure of the windows or parts thereof to function properly at all.
Inspectors do not check gas or electrical appliances and give no guarantee with regard to the safety or reliability of such items. It should be noted that inspectors are not required to inspect smoke or carbon monoxide alarms, testing such alarm 'test functions' may occur. However, this is no guarantee, or report on, the adequacy of these alarms. It is merely a record that batteries were present (if tested) upon completion of this report.
Guidance notes for tenants
What should I do about the checkout process?
At the beginning of the tenancy it is important to note any specific discrepancies on the inventory that you do not agree with, i.e. marks on the walls or carpets. If no additional notes are made via the electronic process at the start of the tenancy, the inventory will be deemed as accepted.
The condition of the room and communal areas (where applicable) at the start of the tenancy, as described in the inventory will be compared to the condition of the room and communal areas (where applicable) at the end of the tenancy.
A ‘Check Out’ report will be conducted to determine any changes to the inventory. The tenant should gain permission from the managing agent if they wish to remove or store any items during the tenancy and this should be confirmed in writing.
What should I know before the checkout inspection is completed?
All items should be returned to their original position (as detailed on the inventory); this includes stored or boxed items not used during the tenancy. Any items listed as ‘Item Missing’ can often result in a replacement cost or charge being made. Managing agents may also charge for the removal of unapproved items left by a tenant at the end of the tenancy that were not included in the original inventory.
At the time of the room ‘Check Out’ all personal items (including consumable items) should have been removed and cleaning of the room completed. Tenants should be advised of the date of their check out and organise an inspection with the managing agent.
The ‘Checkout’ report is advisory and is based on information available to the inspector at the time of the ‘Checkout’. It must not be treated as a final statement of tenant responsibility. It remains the responsibility of the managing agent and tenant to fully agree any issues or deductions from the deposit.
Issues to look out for during the tenancy
Cleaning
Soiling is not considered to be ‘fair wear and tear’ (as defined by the House of Lords as ‘reasonable use of the premises by the tenant and the ordinary operation of natural forces i.e. passage of time). Generally speaking, tenants are liable for the property to be cleaned to the same standard as detailed in the inventory at the starts of the tenancy.
Soft Furnishing
Excessive discolouring which cannot be attributed to sun bleaching and/or passage of time, soiling or damage may result in repair or cleaning costs being charged to tenants. Discolouration due to smoke, staining, burns or tears to items may also incur costs.
Flooring
Carpets should be either cleaned or vacuumed including edges and corners depending on the level of soiling and/or the terms of the tenancy agreement. Hard floors require sweeping and mopping where necessary (in accordance with any specialist cleaning materials/advice from the management agent. Tenants are often charged by the management agent for repairs or replacement costs due to soiling, staining or damage.
Decoration
Nails, pins and other fixtures should not be placed into the walls, and the use of tac or tape should be avoided. Additional marks/fittings are often noted as the ‘Checkout’ and any damage or repair work required is often charged to tenants by the managing agents.
Beds
Mattresses are often inspected for soiling where practically possible. Costs may be incurred by tenants for clearing, compensation or a percentage of the replacement charge by the management agent in the event that any such items are soiled beyond that noted to the inventory.
Kitchen Surfaces and Sinks
Kitchen surfaces and sinks are often inspected for knife cuts, cup marks, scorch and burn damage. Using appropriate items such as chopping boards and heat pads will help prevent damage.
Keys
All keys/key fobs listed in the inventory should be kept safe and handed back at the ‘Checkout’. When keys/key fobs get lost or are not returned to the managing agent tenants are often charged for replacement keys, or possibly for the changing of locks.