Inventory Specialist in London

Landlord Guide: What are the Best Countertops for Rentals?

noreply@blogger.com (hamilton james) — Tue, 09 Mar 2021 08:50:00 +0000

House rental improvements can bring in more prospective tenants. Everyone has priorities when looking for a property to rent. One of the areas in a house that tenants put a consideration is the kitchen.

Kitchen countertops are considered to have a great impact on the look of a kitchen. There are several factors that must be taken into consideration when choosing countertops, such as cost, upkeep, aesthetics, and durability.

Countertops are one of the surfaces in a house that are often used, they will show signs of wear and tear if the material is not durable enough.

Here are the best materials you might want to consider for the countertops of your rental property.

Granite

Potential tenants often love the look of granite countertops. Granite is one of the most considered options for countertops as it lends elegance and beauty to a kitchen. It is a metamorphic rock that is composed of quartz, mica, feldspar, and other minerals. It is resistant to acids and chemicals. It is stained and wear-resistant. And with proper care and maintenance, it will last for years without staining or wearing away.

The most durable granite are the darker ones as they are less permeable and denser. It adds value to a kitchen. But of course, elegance and durability come with a cost. Granite is an expensive material for kitchen countertops.

Marble

It is a natural stone that is made up of limestone. It is commonly used for kitchen countertops. The sheets of the marble are unique, and no two sheets of marble are the same. Marbles are often used in a section of countertop or kitchen island.

Marbles are exceptionally beautiful stones and are also expensive. Moreover, it can be scratched and stained easily.

Quartz

Quartz is a man-made stone product that contains crushed up waste of different natural stones, ceramic, silica, mirrors, etc. It is one of the most popular materials for countertops.

But quartz is expensive and may a bit pricier than granite. It is more durable than granite as it is harder compared to granite. It is resistant to stains and scratches and is not porous.

If you are a landlord or a letting agent, Hamilton James Property Inventories can help you with your property inventory needs. Feel free to contact us at 0208 769 7488, you may also visit our website www.hamilton-james.co.uk

Glossary of Terms for Landlords

noreply@blogger.com (hamilton james) — Wed, 24 Feb 2021 09:35:00 +0000

Are you a first-time landlord? It can be hard enough letting a property without the added confusion of some of the industry terms used by letting agents, tenants, contractors, and other vendors in the property market industry.

We have gathered to help landlords old and new, with a glossary of useful terms.

Alternative Dispute Resolution ADR (“ADR”) – refers to the means of settling disputes outside the court. The common forms are arbitration and mediation.

Arrears – refers to the money owed such as unpaid rent. If the tenant has two months unpaid rent, there are “two months in arrears”.

AST – stands for Assured Shorthold Tenancy. The main feature of this type of tenancy is the landlord can evict a tenant without a reason, but the landlord must follow the eviction procedure – giving a notice to tenant and getting a court order for eviction. The contract can be fixed term or periodic.

Buy-to-let (“BTL”) – refers to buying a property to rent out.

Client Money Protection (“CMP”) - refers to a scheme to protect money such as rent and deposit monies, if an agent could not give back the money.

Deposit – it is the sum of money that the tenant agrees to place with a landlord at the start of the tenancy which acts as a financial safety net for any deductions needed at the end of the tenancy. The deposit should be protected through a Government approved Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme.

Electrical Inspection Condition Report (“EICR”) – It is a formal document that is carried out by a registered electrician to identify the condition of the property. This is done every 5 years in rental properties.

Energy Performance Certificate (“EPC) – It is an energy efficiency rating of the property from the most efficient (A) to the least efficient (G). All privately owned properties must have an EPC before they can be let or sold.

Furnished – If the rental property includes furniture and appliances that a person needs to live in. Furnished property usually have higher rental rate.

Gas Safety Check – It is done annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Guarantor – is someone who cosigns the rental lease. A guarantor acts as a guarantee in situations when tenant could not pay the rent. The landlord can legally ask a guarantor to pay the rent if the tenant fails to.

HMO – stands for House in Multiple Occupation. This is when a house is shared by more than one household.

Property Inventory – It is a documentation of all the contents and condition of a property. Check-in inventory is a document of the property at the start of tenancy. At the end of the tenancy, this documentation is referenced for any changes of the condition of the property. Having a thorough property inventory at the start of the tenancy helps avoid disputes at the end of the tenancy.

Letting Agent – refers to the third-party company that manages the property on behalf of the landlord.

PAT – stands for Portable Appliance Test which is an examination to ensure that the electrical equipment is safe to use.

PCM – stands for “Price per Calendar Month” and this refers to the monthly rental fee of the property.

Section 21 - Section 21 notice is a notice that a landlord must give the tenant to begin the eviction process. This can be done after a fixed term tenancy ends or during a tenancy with no fixed end date.

Stamp Duty Land Tax (“STDL”) – this is a tax paid on any property purchased over a certain price.

Tenancy Deposit Scheme (“TDP”) – is a government backed scheme that guarantees tenants get their deposits back as long as the terms of tenancy agreement are met, and no damages done to the property at the end of the tenancy.

Unfurnished – If the rental property does not include any furniture. The tenants will be responsible for furnishing of the property throughout their tenancy.

Valuation – refers to the assessment of the value property or how much the property can be rented out or sold.

Wear and tear – refers to the gradual damage of the property over time.

UK Entered Third National Lockdown: What does this mean for house moves?

noreply@blogger.com (hamilton james) — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 09:48:00 +0000

Covid-19 cases are rising across the UK rapidly. This prompted the UK to enter another national lockdown. The UK has entered the third lockdown last January 4, 2021. We are all asked to stay at home, work from home where we can, and all schools are closed with online learning for most. England is in lockdown until mid February half-term.

So, what does this mean for house viewing, sale, purchase, or move? House moves are one of the exceptions, and, therefore, will still be allowed.

Can I still view house while in lockdown?

Yes, viewing of houses is still allowed despite the lockdown as estate and letting agents can continue to work. Traveling to other areas to view a property involving in buying, selling, moving, or renting a house can still be carried out.

All parties should follow the safety procedures that the UK government has required in moving homes, which include social distancing, washing hands regularly, and wearing a facial covering.

In viewing of properties, you should have an appointment and there should be no more than two (2) households inside the property at the same time. This includes any agent accompanying either party. And landlords or homeowners should keep the internal doors open. And after the viewing, the surfaces and door handles should be cleaned.

Can I still move house while in lockdown?

Yes. The sales and rental housing markets are still open. But all should follow the national guidance on moving home.

Can a relative or friend help me move?

People outside your house or support bubble should not help with moving house unless it's ’absolutely necessary’.

Can I still list my home for sale despite lockdown?

Yes, you list your home. You can appoint an estate agent. You can still market your home and estate agents can visit the property to take photos or videos of your property.

If you need assistance in property inventory , please do not hesitate to call us 0208 769 7488 or simply visit our website www.hamilton-james.co.uk

New Year 2021: Making Your Office a Better Work Environment

noreply@blogger.com (hamilton james) — Sun, 10 Jan 2021 11:47:00 +0000

2021 is here, and there is no doubt you have already started thinking about your company goals for 2021. There are a couple of things to think about when writing or planning your 2021 goals. When setting goals make sure that they are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely.

Our immediate surrounding and workplace environment has a huge impact on our state of minds. And you can only create a positive and healthy workplace when you start within you.

Here are some ways you can incorporate for a better work environment in your office.

1. Create a great company culture

Company culture is a combination of company values, style of leadership, internal communication, company structure, etc.

Creating a healthy company culture requires participation by all the members of the company. It is something that needs to be worked upon regularly and not just a one-time agenda.

As managers, demonstrating and encouraging values that nurture the growth of employees and motivates them to deliver their best are important.

2. Promotes Wellness in the Workplace

With the current situation we have, Covid-19 continues to linger within the community, prioritizing health and wellness is pivotal in the workplace. The health of everyone in the organization is largely related to the condition and offering of the workplace.

Once you start prioritizing wellness, it can reap much greater benefits.

3. Greet Your Team

A little hello or hi goes a longs way in the workplace. Your team members want to be happy or feel happy, so give them a little nudge in the morning or a big smile.

Creating a positive workplace environment is crucial when it comes to happiness and the productivity of your team members.

4. Giving Praise and Recognition

Giving consistent praise and recognition has the power to give your team an eagerness to contribute to the company-wide initiatives.

5. Make Job Fulfilling

Almost everyone wants to feel like they are doing something that matters or influences others.

To make the team members feel good about the work that they are doing, they need to know the company’s mission and goal, so it is important to let them know what that looks like.

Make it a habit to express gratitude on a regular basis.

Hamilton James Property Inventories is based in south London. If you are looking for an inventory specialist visit www.hamilton-james.co.uk

London: Housing Market in Tier 4

noreply@blogger.com (hamilton james) — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 13:26:00 +0000

Yesterday, 20 December 2020, London has been placed in Tier 4. The announcement was made over the weekend during the Saturday evening speech of Prime Minister Boris Johnson. London and part of South East and the East of England would face a full lockdown starting 20 December 2020. These include the whole of London, Surrey, Kent and Medway, Hastings and Rother, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, and parts of Hampshire, Essex, Bedfordshire, and Peterborough.

What does Tier 4 mean?

Tier 4 is a tougher restriction than Tier 3 to slow down the new strain of Coronavirus.

People are not allowed to travel abroad on holiday in Tier 4 areas
There will be no restrictions on outdoor exercise
Non-essential shops and hairdressers are closed.
No Christmas bubbles
No overnight stays outside the home
Essential shops are remained open.
Schools and colleges are remained open.

What does it mean to the real estate market?

The government has revealed that the real estate industry can still work within the new Tier 4 restrictions with strict observance of the government guidelines of the house move, this includes wearing a face covering and social distancing.

Hamilton James Property Inventories provides property inventory services in south London and the surrounding areas. Visit our website for more information about our check-in inventory service, midterm inventory service, and check-out inventory service.

5 Gifts for Real Estate Investors (Not boring)

noreply@blogger.com (hamilton james) — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 10:02:00 +0000

Holidays are just around the corner. And when you hear the holiday, the word gifts would probably pop into your mind.

No one likes to give a dull or boring gift (I supposed!). So here are the top 5 gifts for real estate investors that will not bore them.

1. Power Bank

The power bank has become essential especially for people on the go. Most real estate investors usually rely on smartphones to check on almost everything – from emails to photos, from news updates to social media, etc. There are so many things that mobile phones provide and as much as a lot of smartphones out there claim to have a long battery life, phones get emptied quickly. And for real estate investors, nothing is scarier than losing a phone's last sign of life just when they are closing a deal, so they could not afford to have an empty phone battery. Thus, something to keep their smartphone charged is a great thing for real estate investors.

A power bank is essential for real estate investors. When choosing a power bank, be sure to pick a pocket-size that can provide power to mobile phones many times.

2. USB Flash Drives

In today’s world, although cloud data storage has been introduced to the market, USB flash drives are still best in keeping files that can be easily sent or printed on-the-go.

USB flash drives are used by real estate investors to eliminate the overwhelming clutter of paper and are existent in any real estate transactions such as closing documents, private listings, neighborhood demographics, etc.

When picking a USB flash drive as a gift, you can add personalization to the flash drive such as engravement – that would be cool.

3. Portable Hygiene Kit (For Travel)

Each day, real estate investors interact when numerous people, and a portable hygiene kit would be very helpful in maintaining a good impression as well as good hygiene practice especially with the current pandemic.

A portable hygiene kit would be a great gift for real estate investor to keep their hands clean and maintain a good impression wherever they go.

4. Good Quality of Pen

The pen has been a redundant gift for most people in the real estate industry. Although we are already in a world of iPads, tablets, and mobile phones, real estate investors still need to use a pen – for signing documents, checks, and legal documents most of the time.

So good quality of writing utensil would be a good gift especially when you put personalization on the pen such as the name of the recipient.

5. Gift Certificate / Gift Card

Giving a gift card or gift certificate allows you to give them what they want – even if you do not know what it is.

If there’s any gift that keeps on giving, it is the gift of giving them good feedback and more home leads (of course!). Although we are experiencing a pandemic, the holidays are still the joyous time of the year that is meant to be shared with people who matters to you.

Hamilton James Property Inventories is based in south London. We provide property inventories in south London and the surrounding areas. So if you are looking for an inventory clerk in London, feel free to call us at 0208 769 7488 or give our website a visit https://www.hamilton-james.co.uk

5 Property Management Tasks to Prior to the Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (hamilton james) — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 09:57:00 +0000

When you are busy preparing for the upcoming holiday season, even the simplest task can be forgotten. So, to help you avoid forgetting your tasks, here are the 5 property management tasks you need to do before the holidays.

Make sure to notify your landlords, tenants, and vendors about your office holiday period.

While you might be enjoying your holiday vacation, your tenant might be freaking out about a burst pipe or invasion of insects. In any case, they might need to contact you immediately.

So, it is important that you inform your clients and vendors that you’re on holiday. You can send a Season Greetings email indicating that you will be out of the office.

Your out-of-office message should include the reasons why you are gone, the period or the length of days you will be gone, your date of return, and the best person to contact when urgent help is needed.

Your out-of-office email should indicate the contact details of the best person to contact in your absence. Your substitute should be equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary in handling issues with tenants or owners while you’re on holiday.

2. Make sure there is a way to pay the landlords and vendors

If you are going on holiday at the end of the month or mid of the month, make sure that there is a way to pay the landlords and vendors. You can arrange for someone to do it for you or you can do it yourself online. If none of the options are feasible, you can pay the landlords and vendors before your office holiday period

3. Send your tenants a home security checklist

During holidays, the case of burglaries rises as gifts are left in the living room for display, making it a prime time for burglars. This is the reason it is imperative to send your tenants a home security checklist before the holiday period so they can take anticipatory security measures.

4. Engage with clients

As a property manager, your foundation should be built on trust and communication and that’s why you should engage with your tenants, landlords, and the local community in the lead up to the holiday season. You can host a socially distanced gathering, send a holiday email, greeting cards, or small give to simply express gratitude.

This will help deepen your relationship with existing clients and help you establish rapport with prospective clients.

5. Plan ahead

Imagine coming back to work after the holidays to a messy desk and pile of overdue tasks.

It is always a good idea to take a step back, assess things, and plan ahead. Ask yourself - how can you set things up for success upon your return?

This could mean decluttering your physical and digital workspace to reduce distractions. This could also mean getting ahead on a task such as inspection planning, maintenance, and tidying up accounts.

Thanks for reading this blog about the 5 property management tasks to do before the holidays! Let us know your thoughts on this blog.

Hamilton James Property Inventories is based in Tooting, London. We cover South London and surrounding areas. We provide property inventoryservices – inventory, check-in inventory, interim inventory, and check-out inventory. You can check our inventory pricing here and feel free to contact us by visiting our website www.hamilton-james.co.uk

Second lockdown is on! – Don’t be left out without guidance

noreply@blogger.com (hamilton james) — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 09:05:00 +0000

As announced on 30 October 2020, national lockdown starts today until December 2 due to Covid-19 pandemic. Although there is a national lockdown, the housing market is still open.

Below is the guidance issued last August 2020.

For property inventories in London visit our website www.hamilton-james.co.uk. Would you like to book an inventory? Email us at inventories@hamilton-james.co.uk

Tenancy Deposit Scheme: Importance of Property Reports

noreply@blogger.com (hamilton james) — Sat, 24 Oct 2020 07:18:00 +0000

A landlord has the right to use a tenant’s deposit when the rent is unpaid and when there are damages to the rental property caused by the tenants. In a case in January 2020 by Property Industry Eye, a landlord unable to keep the deposit when they believed that the damage done to the property is beyond what could be classified as ‘fair wear and tear’.

In the case, the tenant raised a dispute as they did not agree that the landlord wanted to claim the full amount of their security deposit for various items in need of repair.

The check-in inventory report completed by the agent was vague – only stating if the condition is clean, fresh, and bright. It has no detail as to the condition of the décor, fixtures, fittings, and furnishing. And there were no photographs taken which could let the adjudicator see the difference with the items claimed as “damaged” at the end of the tenancy.

Although the landlord has inspected the property before the end of the tenancy and the landlord claimed that the items that have been listed should be fixed to the same standard as the check-in report, in the evidence presented to the Tenancy Deposit Scheme there was no any check-out report to support the claim.

The agents submitted a list of statement claim that the landlord did prior to checkout, but there was no evidence supporting the claim. Even though the landlord took several photos, these were limited use without similar photographs taken in the check-in report.

The adjudicator could not be certain about the condition of the items claimed for at the check-in report as there were no photographs taken at the start of the tenancy to compare the condition and the claims.

What are the key points pointed in the case?

· There should be clear, concise, and accurate inventory for the check-in and check-out reports that are signed by the parties.

· Words alone are not enough to establish the condition of the property and a landlord has to produce clear and more evidence.

If you require check-in inventory service, mid term inspection and check-out inventory service, call us at 0208 769 7488 or email us at inventories@hamilton-james.co.uk Check here our inventory pricing

With the imposed lockdown, Can I still view, buy, sell and move house?

noreply@blogger.com (hamilton james) — Sat, 17 Oct 2020 19:56:00 +0000

The rates of people getting Covid-19 are rising and the government has set new rules and have created a three-tier system to help control the spread of the Coronavirus. Regions in the country are now classified according to the three-tier system – medium, high, or very high. And each tier has different lockdown rules.

● Tier 1 – Medium Alert

It has the features of the current rules – rules of six and the closing of pubs at 10 pm

● Tier 2 – High-risk level

People must follow the tier 1 rules and people cannot mix with other household indoors

● Tier 3 – Very high-risk level

People are banned from household mixing and all bars and pubs are closed.

On Saturday, October 17, London has moved from the Tier 1 alert to Tier 2 alert. What does this mean?

It means that you will not be able to meet individuals with who you do not live with even your family and friends. With an exception, if you have created a support bubble with them.

You are only allowed to meet with a maximum of 6 others outdoor like the garden or park. And must follow social distancing rules.

Pubs and restaurants are still open, but they are required to close at 10 pm. While takeaways are still allowed but orders should be made through online, by phone, or by post.

Can I still view house during a local lockdown?

With the latest lockdown measures, in some areas, the viewing of houses can be more difficult. The current government advice still states that in-person property viewing can still take place with appropriate precautions. Nevertheless, some sellers may decide to suspend viewing of the property or may do them virtually.

Can I still list my house for sale during a local lockdown?

Listing your house for sale is still applicable during a local lockdown. You may want to appoint a local estate agent. You may give them a call if you wish to speak to them and book an appointment.

Can I still buy a house during a local lockdown?

The process of searching for a house can be done online. Buying a house during a local lockdown is still possible. You may want to look for estate agents and give them a call.

Can I still move house during a local lockdown?

Moving house can still be done during lockdown but the government advises that you do the packing yourself. There are certain rules when someone outside your household is helping you.

There might be delays in the process. Please be reminded that property agents and other professionals have modified how they work to minimize the risk from Covid-19.

Hamilton James Property Inventories provide fast and reliable property inventory services in south London and surrounding areas. If you wish to book Hamilton James call us at 0796 658 4262 or email us at inventories@hamilton-james.co.uk

Adding Indoor Plants with Health Benefits to Your Living Space

noreply@blogger.com (hamilton james) — Sat, 10 Oct 2020 10:54:00 +0000

Adding foliage to your rented home is a brilliant and easy way to add a bit of character to your place.

Here are the five plants you can grow indoor that do not only bring aesthetic appeal to your place but has health benefits.

English Ivy

English Ivy is a woody vine. It can be a very wonderful houseplant. It is not difficult to grow as long as you provide the needs of the plants.

One of the well-known benefits of English Ivy is for inflammation issues. It relieves discomfort and irritations of eczema and acne. It is one of the best indoor plants for air purification recommended by NASA. It can remove toxins like such as benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.

Snake Plant

One of the common houseplants that are native to Africa and Asia is the snake plant. It has sword-shaped leaves that grow upright. It is visually appealing, easy to care for, and require little water to survive. It is a great indoor plant with little maintenance.

Snake plants can absorb excessive carbon monoxide. It cleans the air indoor. It also filters the air from toxins such as benzene, xylene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.

Spider Plant

The spider plant is one of the easiest indoor plants to maintain. It is great even for those people who are not much of a green thumb. It has the ability to grow in any type of soil. It is easy to take care of and requires little maintenance as it is one of the hardest houseplants to kill.

It is one of the most effective indoor plants that clean the air from carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. The snake plant can also absorb nitrogen dioxide effectively.

Apart from its health benefits, the snake plant is very pleasing to the eyes. It can be planted in a hanging basket or any pot.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a succulent plant that has a long history of being used for medicinal purposes, dating back to ancient times.

In Ancient Egypt, it was considered as the elixir of eternal life with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.

Today, Aloe vera is widely used in cosmetics, food supplements, and herbal remedies. It heals burns, improves digestive health, promotes oral health, and can relieve anal fissures.

Aloe vera can be a great indoor companion.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a type of herb that originated in the Mediterranean. It is fragrant, delicious, and loaded with antioxidants that are thought to help boost the immune system. It has been used in treating indigestion and joint muscle pain.

It can be a nice decoration near windowsills.

Hamilton James Property Inventories is based in south London. We provide property inventory services in south London and surrounding areas. To know more about our property inventory services visit our website www.hamilton-james.co.uk

Most Common Complaints of Tenants at Check-In

noreply@blogger.com (hamilton james) — Sat, 03 Oct 2020 13:21:00 +0000

Most tenants are very particular about the state of the property. They want to love their new home below is the list of common complaints tenants have at check-in.

Lack of cleanliness of the property. It sets a negative tone at the beginning of the tenancy.
The landlords left so things in the property that tenants do not want in the property such as ornaments and items in the drawers or shelves.
The kitchen has too much cutlery and kitchen wares that tenants do not want to use as they have their own.
Unwanted beddings as the tenants have their own.
Maintenance or repair works that are incomplete.
There are items left in the toilet that the tenants to want to use as they have their own.
The appliances that the landlords provide do not have manuals or instructions. There should be manuals or instruction booklets of the appliances for their reference.
Tenants were not advised in advance of their check-in that some things promised at the agreement of the tenancy were not met.

Remember, that having a happy tenant is the key to a successful letting.

If you need an unbiased property inventory, Hamilton James Property Inventories is here to provide you with your inventory needs. Visit our website at www.hamilton-james.co.uk

What does an Inventory Clerk Do?

noreply@blogger.com (hamilton james) — Sat, 26 Sep 2020 13:23:00 +0000

Letting business can be very risky at times without putting proper safeguards. However, when a landlord takes time in managing the property or when the landlord chooses a good letting agent to manage the property, the risk can be lessened.

There are many options a landlord can safeguard his/her property such as getting landlord insurance, getting an experienced property manager, tenant referencing, inspections, inventory reports, and getting an inventory clerk.

This article will discuss what does an inventory clerk do.

What is an Inventory Clerk?

The property inventory clerk receives professional training regarding the creation of detailed inspections of letting property. It is an independent body that inspects and records the condition of the property and the contents of the property. The inventory clerk creates a detailed account of the property itself such as the condition of the wall, floors, ceiling, windows, fixture, furniture, etc. Most importantly an independent inventory clerk provides an impartial report to the tenant and the landlord. This makes sure that there is a fair inspection that has been taken.

What does in Inventory Clerk do before an inspection?

Before the inspection takes place, usually the inventory clerk will talk to the landlord or the letting agent. This allows for both parties to have the property check-in the best time possible and when to get the keys. The inventory clerk will usually ask who the keys should be given to after the property inspection has been done.

The inventory clerk will request a copy of the previous inspection done at the property. And using the previous report, the inventory clerk will be able to familiarize himself with the property before the visitation takes place.

What does the Inventory Clerk do during the inspection?

On the day of the inspection, the inventory clerk will arrive in the property to be inspected. The clerk will take photos of the exterior of the property such as the front door, the path from the gate to the property, etc.

The inventory clerk will test all alarms in the property and will collect meter readings at the property.

Inspection of the Property

The inventory clerk will check the cleanliness and the condition of the property.

The clerk will take a record of the color, material, condition, and cleanliness of each item in the property. The following will be included but may not be limited to:

Doors

Walls

Floor

Fixtures

Fittings

Windows

Furniture

White goods

Outdoor spaces such as garden

Also, the property inventory clerk will test the items such as handles, locks, gates, blinds, doorbells, light switches, taps, flushes, etc.

At the same time, the property inventory clerk will take photographs of their findings. Then the property clerk will make a second round around the property to make sure that no missed items in the inventory.

What happens at the end of the inspection?

Towards the end of the property inspection, the clerk will create a schedule of the condition of the property. The schedule of the condition is the summary of the findings of the inventory clerk.

- If it is a check-in inventory, the clerk may now meet the tenant who is moving into the property, expresses the findings of the property, and will provide the schedule of condition where the tenants will sign that they agree with the condition of the property. Then, the keys will be handed over to the new tenants.

- If it is an inventory or checkout, the clerk locks up the property and leaves the property. Then gives back the keys to the landlord or letting agent.

After Inspection

The findings are typed up and referenced to the photographs which feature the findings of the inventory clerk.

Hamilton James is a property inventory specialist based in south London. If you are looking for an inventory clerk, Hamilton James Inventory Specialist is here to help you with your inventory needs. Visit our website www.hamilton-james.co.uk to know more.

Property Inventory: Who should prepare the inventory report?

noreply@blogger.com (hamilton james) — Sat, 19 Sep 2020 11:04:00 +0000

Property inventory, why it is so important?

The property inventory is a catalogue of the property and its’ contents – containing record of the property’s condition and any items that are included in the tenancy. This is essential protection for both the landlord and the tenant. It is part of the legally binding contract that is set out in the tenancy agreement between the landlord and the tenant. It can be used in a court of law as evidence in the event of disputes between landlords and tenants.

Reasons why property inventory is important for landlords and tenants

It provides both parties with the details of the current condition of the property.
It will highlight any areas that needed to be fixed before the tenant moves in.
It will help protect both the investment of the landlord and the deposit of the tenant.

Who should prepare the property inventory report?

For years, the property inventory has been written by landlords. Some landlords got away with just a few scribbling notes on a paper about the condition of their property. But with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, the situation changed. Deposit monies are protected and insured and therefore an accurate inventory should be taken by landlords and signed by tenants if the landlords want to be protected in the future.

It is more important to have a carefully prepared inventory at the beginning of the tenancy and end of the tenancy, otherwise, it could end up into disputes or losing money in either party. Property inventory lessens the likelihood of disputes and allows the process of exiting tenancy hassle-free.

The property inventories can be done by either the landlord, letting agent, or by an independent inventory clerk. But in the time of dispute protection schemes usually favors inventories done by inventory professionals as compared to the report carried out by the landlord.

If you are interested in hiring an independent inventory clerk, Hamilton James is a property inventory specialist based in London. Hamilton James provides property inventory, check-in inventory, mid-term inventory, and check-out inventory. Visit www.hamilton-james.co.uk for more information.

Why Check-out Inventory Report is Important?

noreply@blogger.com (hamilton james) — Sat, 12 Sep 2020 13:39:00 +0000

The check-out process is an important aspect of tenancy management. Perhaps, it is one of the most sensitive and litigious times for tenants and landlords at the end of a tenancy.

Landlords want to recover the property in the same state as they let it and so they can re-let it straight away. On the other hand, tenants are most likely moving to a new home and trying to juggle the several things involved with moving to a new house which can likely forget to check that everything is done by the required standard.

Unfortunately, this could lead to disputes. For landlords, it could mean repairing and cleaning of the property and this means losing rental income during the time the property is being repaired for the new tenants to move in or for the property to be advertised and seen by potential tenants. While for tenants, it could result in the deposit to put at risk. It creates problems that could be easily prevented if every person knew what it is expected of them from the beginning.

Thus, a check-out is important at the end of a tenancy. It is done by an impartial party to avoid potential issues or bias.

What exactly is a check-out report?

Check out report is done at the end of a tenancy. It provides a thorough record of the condition of the property on the departure of the tenants. Each part of the house is inspected and assessed. It states whether any action is needed. The report provided clear evidence to justify deduction from the deposit of the tenants. It provides information to the landlord of what action should be taken before letting it out again.

The check-out report, together with the inventory at the beginning of the tenancy are evidence of the changes in the condition of the property. If disputes occur; such documents can be used as part of the negotiation process.

What are the benefits of the check-out report?

A check-out report provides assurance to tenants that the checking is done without bias as the process should be done by an independent inventory specialist

Tenants usually find the report is agreeable as the process is done without bias

It saves time for both landlord and tenants

It prevents unnecessary cost for the landlord as the process helps landlords for the property to be handed over without problems

It helps provide a good relationship between the tenant and the landlord

It makes the transition for new tenants’ smoother

Issues can be identified earlier and thus actions can be done early before new tenants come in or before potential tenants view the property

Hamilton James provides property inventory services. We have trained inventory specialist that provides a comprehensive check-out report that both landlords and tenants can have confidence in. If you would like to find out our property inventory services, contact us today.