Inside the Day of a Professional Inventory Clerk: the London Edition

For most people, property inventory reports are little more than something on their to-do list before tenants move in or out. 

But for professional inventory clerks in London, it's a day-to-day profession where the tiniest details and accuracy matter every time. Behind every report is a highly trained eye, a camera, and an in-depth understanding of property law.

So what does a day in the life of a professional inventory clerk really look like? If you think it's just ticking boxes and snapping a few pictures, you might be surprised!

7:30 AM – Early Start, Route Planning, and Kit Check

The day begins early. After all, traffic in London waits for no one! Plus our inventory clerks are often booked back-to-back across multiple boroughs. Mornings start with reviewing the schedule, each job carefully plotted to minimise travel time and maximise efficiency.

We bring along the latest technology to carry out each inventory, including high resolution cameras and laptops or tablets. 

When your job is to document the condition of someone’s investment, there's no room for technical glitches.

9:00 AM – First Property Inspection: Check-In Inventory

The first booking of the day is a check-in inventory report for a furnished two-bedroom flat in Islington. The tenant is due later that day, and the landlord wants the report completed beforehand.

Arriving at the property, one of our inventory clerks begins a methodical room-by-room inspection. During this time, they document:

• The condition of walls, floors, and ceilings

• Windows, doors, fixtures, and fittings

• White goods and appliances

• The condition of furniture and cleanliness

• Light switches, sockets, smoke alarms

• Meter readings

Every item is photographed with timestamps. Descriptions are exact: no vague terms like “good condition.” Instead, it's “light scuff marks on lower left wall,” or “microwave – clean interior, minor wear to front panel.”

What sets our professional inventory clerks apart is this level of detail. It's about accuracy that holds up in a dispute.

11:30 AM – Second Property: Mid-Tenancy Inspection

Next up: a mid-tenancy inspection in Clapham. These are crucial for long-term rentals and ensure landlords are aware of how the property is being maintained before issues become costly.

The clerk meets the tenant on-site. Professionalism is key: tenants are often nervous, so it’s important to explain the process clearly and act as a neutral observer.

Today’s inspection reveals:

• Slight damp in the bathroom (photographed and noted)

• Wear on the carpet in the hallway

• No major damage or unauthorised alterations

The report will flag the damp to the landlord and recommend a contractor review. It’s not about blaming anyone: it’s about keeping the property in good condition and ensuring everything is properly recorded.

1:00 PM – Lunch (and Report Writing)

Thanks to software like InventoryBase, images and notes taken on-site are synced to cloud-based templates.

Our clerks add:

• Written descriptions

• Embedded images

• Meter readings

• Notes from tenant interactions (if applicable)

The aim? To deliver a single document report that’s clean, thorough, and ready within 48 hours. If there’s one thing Attic Inventory takes seriously, it’s a fast turnaround without sacrificing quality.

2:30 PM – Final Job: Check-Out Inventory

The final property of the day is a check-out inventory report in Shoreditch. The tenants have already vacated. This report is the most sensitive: landlords may be seeking deductions, and tenants may contest findings.

The inventory clerk compares the original check-in report with the current condition, looking for:

• Missing or damaged items

• Unauthorised decorations

• Uncleanliness

• Wear and tear vs. negligence

Today, there’s moderate damage to a kitchen worktop and a broken blind in the lounge. These are flagged, documented with close-up photos, and included in the final report with a suggested categorisation (wear and tear or tenant damage).

It’s important that the clerk remains impartial. These reports may end up in front of a tribunal or used in deposit disputes, so neutrality is everything.

5:00 PM – Admin, Uploads, and Customer Queries

Back home or at the office, the clerk wraps up the day's admin:

• Finalises reports

• Answers queries from landlords or agents

• Schedules appointments for the next day

• Uploads all documents to the client portal

Everything is stored securely and available for both landlord and tenant access. This transparency helps prevent disputes before they start.

More Than Just a Checklist

Being a professional inventory clerk in London isn’t glamorous, but it is essential. The job requires:

• Legal awareness

• Technical precision

• Strong communication skills

• Punctuality and planning

• A genuine eye for detail

It’s a role that protects landlords from risk, gives agents confidence, and gives tenants peace of mind.

At Attic Inventory, every report is a reflection of nearly two decades of experience, and every clerk is trained not just to inspect, but to capture reality without bias. In a city where properties can cost millions, that kind of diligence isn’t just helpful, it’s absolutely necessary.

Need a professional inventory clerk in London?

Whether it’s check-in, check-out, interim inspections or snagging, Attic Inventory delivers fast, accurate reports that help landlords and tenants stay protected. 

Discover more about our services in London.  Or simply contact us today for more information.