Once you have found your dream home or apartment, and that you are ready to move, there is one last step to complete: the property inventory.
What is a property inventory?
The property inventory is a binding legal document, issued between the tenant and the landlord that provides an accurate written record of the condition and contents of a property at the beginning of a tenancy. It should include all the parts of the building: rooms, flooring, windows, doors, balconies, garage, parking, cellar, terrace…The property inventory should contain all information concerning the dwelling: surface area, water system, cooking system, electric, gas and water meters, the number of key sets, access codes…and should compulsorily mention the name of both parties (tenant, landlord) and the residential address of the landlord.
Two inventories are carried out: one when the tenant is moving in and the other, when he is moving out, upon handing back the keys of the dwelling.
Why is it important?
Upon the first rent installment, the landlord will require make a guarantee deposit. This amount of money will be reimbursed provided that you hand back the dwelling in good condition. To do so, the landlord will compare the property inventory at the beginning of tenancy with the one at the end. If they are identical, he will have the obligation of giving back to you your guarantee deposit as a whole.
Caution: certain types of damages do not fall under your responsibility, for instance normal wear and tear over time. In fact, after spending a couple of years living in an apartment, walls tend to yellow, tiles start tarnishing, and you decent cannot hand them back in the same conditions as at the beginning of the tenancy.
Tip n°1: Keep one copy of the property inventory
Request for one copy of the property inventory. In fact, as it the case for any contract, both parties should possess one original copy. Moreover, we recommend that you can the document and save it on a Cloud server or in your email inbox, for example.
Tip n°2: Pay attention to details
To avoid disputes, take time to specify for each room and equipment its state: new, good, customary or bad. Be precise and do not leave room for interpretation. If the floor is striped, note it as ‘striped’. If there are holes on the walls, count the number of holes and note them down. In case of doubt, do not hesitate to take photos and insert them in the inventory report. Do not forget to verify the functioning of electric sockets, washing machines and water pipes.
Tip n°3: Pay attention to details
To be precise, it is better to carry out the inventory under proper conditions. Perform it during the day rather than at night to see all details. Verify if electric and gas supply is on to test the equipment.
Tip n°4: Read carefully the gas, electric and water meters
Take note of the gas, electric and water meters directly on the inventory reports when tenancy starts and ends to make sure that you will pay only for your consumption.
Good luck for your move-in!
