If you have ever been unsure on the importance of a property inventory, the latest government findings show that the number of tenancy deposit disputes reached its highest ever level in 2015-16.

Figures released by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) show that in the year leading to March 2016, the three deposit schemes in England and Wales resolved 28,100 disputes – the highest level recorded.

Most common deposit disputes

In total, these disputes represented 0.82 per cent of the total amount of deposits protected by the three schemes. The Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) says that cleaning is the most common cause of disputes, being cited 57 per cent of the time.

“Cleaning, damage and redecoration claims feature in many of our disputes and this highlights the need for a comprehensive inventory and check out report,” says Steve Harriott, chief executive of TDS. “This enables landlords to show the condition and cleanliness of the property at the start of the tenancy compared with it at the end.”

Without a detailed inventory it is difficult for a landlord to show evidence that supports their claim for a deposit deduction. Property damage and poor cleanliness can be identified if there is an inventory management report and schedule of condition in place.

Overall, TDS report that payments are allocated to both parties in 61 per cent of cases, tenants win around 17 per cent and landlords 21 per cent.

Property inventory services

Our team of inventory clerks have been trained to meet our strict standards and currently have a 100% success rate in winning disputes. Skribes provide landlords in Birmingham with inventory reports, check-in reports, interim reports, check-out reports and legionella reports, all of which aim to minimise issues that arise when a tenant’s contract has ended.

To find out how we can make it easier for you to manage your property, call us today on 07891 551 905 or email info@skribes.co.uk.