Invicta

Inventories

Why is an Inventory Necessary?

TENANCY DEPOSIT PROTECTION

Tenancy Deposit Protection (TDP), was set out in the Housing Act 2004, and came into force in April 2007. The legislation requires that all deposits paid under an assured shorthold tenancy (AST) are protected under a government-authorised tenancy deposit scheme within 14 days of receipt.

The landlord is responsible for protecting the deposit, whether or not an agent has been instructed. The deposit remains at all times the property of the tenant.

If the deposit remains unprotected, there is a possibility that the landlord may be fined.

The law is intended to ensure that tenants who are entitled, receive all or part of their deposit back at the end of the tenancy.

ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Inventories are not compulsory, but in practice they are essential.

In the event of a dispute over entitlement to the return of a deposit, the burden of proof lies with the landlord. This evidence must be submitted promptly.

To avoid disputes going to court, each tenancy deposit scheme is supported by an Alternative Dispute Resolution service (ADR); whose aim is to make disputes faster and cheaper to resolve. In the event of a dispute which the parties are unable to resolve by themselves, the adjudicator from the ADR service needs good quality written evidence to carry out the role - a well prepared inventory, checked at the start and end of a tenancy, is an effective way of gathering quality evidence which is ready to hand when required.

LINKS

Gas-Elec Safety Systems

Provider of gas and electrical safety inspections, including Landlord Safety Inspections

www.gas-elec.co.uk

Furniture and Furnishings (Fire)(Safety Regulations)

www.berr.gov.uk/files/file24685.pdf

Landlord Zone