Periodic Tenancies: When Should Landlords in London Update Their Property Inventory?

With periodic tenancies now a major part of the private rented sector, many landlords in London are wondering whether an existing inventory remains suitable indefinitely. The short answer is no: it does not necessarily need replacing simply because a tenancy becomes periodic. However, it should accurately reflect the condition of the property and its contents.

If significant changes have taken place, your tenants have changed, the property has been refurbished or the original report is no longer an accurate baseline, arranging an updated inventory can be sensible.

At Attic Inventory, our inventory clerks help landlords, letting agents and tenants across Greater London maintain clear, detailed records of rental properties throughout a tenancy.

Does a periodic tenancy require a new property inventory?

Not automatically. Since 1 May 2026, most existing assured shorthold tenancies in England have become assured periodic tenancies, while new assured tenancies operate on a periodic basis rather than having a fixed end date.

Changing to a periodic tenancy does not, by itself, mean that landlords must immediately commission a completely new inventory.

The more important question is whether the existing inventory report still provides an accurate record of the property's condition.

A detailed inventory and schedule of condition establishes a baseline showing features such as décor, flooring, furniture, appliances, fixtures and fittings. Photographic evidence can also demonstrate pre-existing marks, wear or damage.

As time passes, however, that original baseline may become less representative of the property as it stands today.

When should landlords consider updating an inventory?

There is no single timetable that suits every London rental property. Instead, landlords should consider what has changed since the original inventory was prepared.

An updated report may be particularly useful following significant refurbishment or redecoration. If a landlord replaces flooring, installs a new kitchen, changes furniture or carries out substantial repairs, an old inventory may still describe items and conditions that no longer exist.

New tenants can also be important. For example, in a shared property in London, one occupant may leave while other tenants remain. Depending on the tenancy arrangements and extent of the change, it can be helpful to obtain updated documentation so there is greater clarity over the property's condition at that point.

Long-running tenancies are another consideration. The longer a tenant remains in a property, the greater the potential difference between its present condition and the original check-in inventory.

What happens if the original inventory is several years old?

An older inventory can still provide useful evidence because it records how the property looked at the beginning of the tenancy. Age alone does not make a report worthless.

However, landlords should think about the changes that have occurred since it was completed.

For example, normal use of a home will result in fair wear and tear over time. Maintenance may have been carried out, appliances may have been replaced and the condition of paintwork, carpets and other surfaces may naturally have changed.

This is where good ongoing property documentation becomes valuable.

At Attic Inventory, we provide interim inspections alongside inventory compilation, check-in and check-out services. Interim inspections provide landlords with an updated view of their property's condition during the tenancy rather than leaving a gap of several years between check-in and check-out.

Keeping a clear record throughout a periodic tenancy

Periodic tenancies make it particularly useful to think of inventory reporting as part of an ongoing property management process rather than a document that is created once and forgotten.

A clear record might include the original inventory, check-in documentation, photographs, records of repairs and replacements, and appropriate interim inspection reports.

This creates a clearer history of the rental property.

For landlords, it can also make the eventual check-out inspection easier to understand. At check-out, the property's current condition can be compared against the original inventory while taking account of changes that occurred during the tenancy.

Good documentation helps everyone distinguish between pre-existing issues, reasonable deterioration over time and changes requiring closer consideration.

Do you need property inventory clerks during a long-term tenancy?

Professional property inventory clerks can be valuable at several points, not only when a new tenant first receives the keys.

For a longer or periodic tenancy, landlords may want professional assistance when the property has materially changed, when an interim inspection is required or when the tenancy eventually comes to an end.

Using an independent inventory service also creates a consistent, detailed approach to recording the property rather than relying on informal photographs or notes taken at different times.

Professional property inventory services across London

At Attic Inventory, we provide professional property inventory services across Greater London, working with landlords, letting agents and tenants.

Our services include compiling inventories, check-in reports and check-out inspections, along with interim inspections. Our trained clerks compile detailed reports that document the property and establish a clear baseline for the condition before a tenancy, while our check-out service compares the property with the original inventory.

We personally inspect properties and provide detailed reports with photographs, with inventory reports available within 48 hours.

If you have a periodic tenancy and are unsure whether your existing inventory still gives an accurate picture of your London rental property, reviewing the report is a sensible starting point. Where significant changes have taken place, an updated inspection can provide the clear property condition record landlords and tenants need.

Need an up-to-date record of your rental property? Contact Attic Inventory to arrange professional property inventory services in Greater London.