An inventory is a written and photographic record of the condition of the property at the beginning, during and end of a tenancy. It is agreed and signed by both Thrive and the tenant and minimises potential misunderstandings in the future.
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When should an inventory be used?
Inventories are carried out:
- when a house or flat is let
- each year during the Home Plan visit (every five years a full stock condition survey will be completed during the visit)
- at the inspection before keys are returned
- at the end of the tenancy.
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What should be included in an inventory?
It covers the structural condition, state of all fixtures and fittings, decorative standards and cleanliness, recording any obvious existing damage or wear and tear.
It will include the condition of garages, sheds, fences, patios etc. You will be asked to provide identification for any new household members (including photographs for those over 18) and details of any change of circumstances.
We'll also collect meter readings so that we can make sure your home is performing at the energy standard we'd expect. Where this isn't the case, meter readings can help us understand what steps we need to take in order to improve the energy efficiency of your home.
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Why does Thrive carry out inventories?
An inventory records the condition of the property before the customer moves in, during and before the customer leaves to clarify what - if any - damages need to be rectified or paid for. An inventory is useful for both Thrive and our customer as it can be used to prevent disputes about the condition of items in the future.
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How long does the inventory take?
It can take up to three hours depending on the size and condition of the property.
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The property is unfurnished - why is it still needed?
Even though the property is unfurnished an inventory will be prepared recording the condition of fixtures such as ceilings, walls and sinks etc.
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What details need to be included?
A full description of items e.g. walls are clean and painted, patio is free of weeds.
Photographs will be added, and the condition will be recorded.
Where items differ in condition, each item should be recorded separately.
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Who needs to sign the inventory?
Each occupier at the property who is named on the tenancy agreement must sign and date the inventory as being correct. Customers usually sign the inventory at the tenancy sign up appointment.
If for any reason a longer time period is needed to check the inventory this can be agreed at the appointment. However, if the inventory is not returned within seven days, it is considered that the tenant agrees with the inventory.
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What do you do with the inventory when it is signed?
Each occupier named on the tenancy agreement should be given an electronic copy of the inventory. The original should be kept safe with the original tenancy agreement. Thrive will also keep digital copies of the inventories on file to refer to at each Home Plan visit.