How do you inventory a furnished property?

1 Prepare in advance

Before you start the inventory process, make sure you have all the necessary tools and documents. You will need a digital camera or a smartphone, a clipboard, a pen, a tape measure, a flashlight, and a copy of the previous inventory report if available. You will also need a standard inventory template or checklist that covers all the rooms and items in the property. You can find online examples or use software to create your own. Make sure you have enough time to inspect the property thoroughly and avoid any interruptions or distractions.

2 Start from the outside

The first step of the inventory is to check the exterior of the property, including the front and back doors, windows, locks, keys, walls, fences, gates, roofs, gutters, drains, and gardens. Take photos of any defects, damages, or wear and tear, and note them down on your template. Be as specific as possible, and include the location, size, color, and shape of any issues. For example, instead of writing "crack on the wall", write "vertical crack on the left side of the front wall, about 10 cm long and 2 mm wide".

3 Move to the inside

The next step is to inspect the interior of the property, room by room, starting from the entrance hall and moving clockwise. Follow the same procedure as for the outside, and take photos and notes of everything you see. Pay attention to the walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, switches, sockets, lights, heating, ventilation, smoke alarms, and fire extinguishers. Then, focus on the furniture and appliances in each room, and check their condition, functionality, cleanliness, and safety. For example, in the kitchen, you should test the oven, hob, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, microwave, kettle, toaster, and any other appliances. In the living room, you should check the sofa, armchairs, coffee table, TV, DVD player, bookshelves, and any other items. In the bedrooms, you should check the beds, mattresses, pillows, sheets, blankets, wardrobes, drawers, mirrors, and any other items. In the bathrooms, you should check the sink, toilet, shower, bath, taps, shower head, tiles, grout, sealant, and any other items. Remember to measure the dimensions of any large items and record them on your template.

4 Compare with the previous report

If you have a previous inventory report from the last tenancy, you should compare it with your current one and look for any discrepancies or changes. You should also check if any items are missing, broken, or replaced without your consent. If you find any differences, you should highlight them on your report and take photos as evidence. You should also contact the previous tenant and ask for an explanation or a compensation if necessary.

5 Finalize and share the report

The last step is to finalize and share your inventory report with the relevant parties. You should review your report carefully and make sure it is accurate, clear, and comprehensive. You should also sign and date it and ask the current tenant to do the same. You should provide a copy of the report to the tenant and keep one for yourself. You should also store all the photos and notes securely in case you need them in the future. You should update your report at the end of the tenancy and repeat the inventory process to assess any changes or damages.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?