Top 5 Mistakes Landlords Make Without a Professional Inventory Report

Although it’s profitable, being a landlord in London isn’t always a walk in the park. Thanks to shifting regulations, demanding tenants and a saturated rental market, the last thing you need is a dispute over a damaged carpet or a missing chair. 

Yet, without a professional inventory report, that’s exactly what many landlords face. These aren’t minor inconveniences: they’re costly, stressful, and time-consuming mistakes.

At Attic Inventory, we’ve seen it all. Trusted by letting agents and landlords across London, we know how crucial accurate inventory reports are. Here are the top five mistakes landlords make when they skip professional inventory services, and why it’s never worth the risk.

1. Relying on DIY Photos and Lists

It might seem cheaper and quicker to take out your phone, snap a few photos, and jot down some notes. But here’s the rub: courts and deposit schemes rarely accept DIY inventories as reliable evidence. They lack the structure, detail and unbiased information that a professionally prepared inventory provides.

Without timestamps, descriptions of the items, itemised documentation, or signatures from both parties, your makeshift inventory may be useless in the event of a dispute. And when a tenant contests deductions from their deposit, you’re left footing the bill.

A professional inventory report, on the other hand, is a detailed, objective document. It includes photos, itemised condition notes, meter readings, cleanliness levels, and more: all verified and signed at check-in. It’s your legal safety net.

2. Failing to Document “Fair Wear and Tear” Accurately

Ever argued with a tenant over the state of an appliance or furniture? Wear and tear is one of the most ‘grey areas’ in tenancy law. What one person sees as damage, another sees as ageing. 

Without clear documentation of the property and its contents at move-in, there’s no way to judge what’s a genuine deterioration over time, and what’s a clear break in the tenancy agreement.

Landlords often lose disputes because they can’t show the original condition of carpets, furnishings, walls or appliances. This is where professional inventory services in London become worth their weight in gold. 

Our trained clerks know how to document the condition of the interiors in legal terms and use precise, impartial language that holds up under scrutiny.

3. Delaying or Rushing Inventory Reports

A proper inventory takes time. A rushed inventory is often riddled with gaps. A delayed one may be seen as invalid. If the report isn’t completed at the right moment (typically the day of or before move-in) you risk losing the chance to get it signed off by the tenant.

This leads to disputes where tenants claim pre-existing damage, and landlords can’t prove otherwise. Even worse, missing the inventory window can violate deposit protection scheme requirements, leaving you open to penalties.

That’s why our reports are delivered within 48 hours: fast, detailed, and fully compliant. And because we’re available six days a week, you won’t miss that critical move-in window again.

4. Overlooking Mid-Term or Check-Out Inventories

Some landlords think a one-off inventory at the start of a tenancy is enough. But that’s only part of the picture.

Without a check-out inventory, there’s no way to prove what’s changed during the tenancy. You can’t claim against the deposit unless you can compare the check-in and check-out condition. If the tenant objects, your hands are tied.

Even better? Add a mid-term inspection to catch damage early: mould, leaks, neglect and resolve issues before they escalate.

At Attic Inventory, we offer end-to-end reporting so you’re covered from check-in to check-out, with clear documentation every step of the way.

5. Assuming Their Letting Agent Will Handle It All

Some landlords think, ‘My agent will sort this’. But many agents outsource to the lowest bidder or rely on untrained staff to complete inventories. This leads to vague reporting and reports that wouldn’t stand up in court.

Worse yet, some agents only offer a basic inventory as part of a package, with little to no detail or follow-up. If you don’t check the quality of the report, you might be lulled into a false sense of security.

We’re trusted by letting agents across London because we deliver professional, comprehensive reports they can rely on, and so can you. With full insurance, expert clerks, and a sharp eye for detail, we protect your property and reputation alike.

Don’t Gamble With Your Investment

Let’s face it: your property is one of your most valuable assets. Skipping a professional inventory to save a few pounds is like cancelling your car insurance to afford petrol. It might save money today, but it’ll cost you big when something goes wrong.

Professional inventory services offer more than just paperwork; they give  you protection, credibility, and peace of mind.

So if you’re a landlord in London looking for fast, detailed, and dependable inventory reports, get in touch with Attic Inventory. We’re fully insured, available six days a week, and our reports are delivered within 48 hours, every time.