Fair Wear & Tear

According to The Association of Independent Inventory Clerks (AIIC), tenants are renting their properties for longer, which may lead to a rise in wear and tear disputes. 

They say that ‘Landlords and tenants have different expectations when it comes to fair wear and tear issues, so it is no wonder that so many tenancies end in dispute.

‘Normal wear and tear is a fact of life with rental properties, just as it would be at home, but if landlords and agents wish to avoid the hassle of arguments over who is responsible for damage, prepare a thorough inventory of the condition of the property that details the condition of everything in it. And, since a detailed inventory is designed to protect both the landlord and the tenant, it is not unreasonable to suggest splitting the cost of having one professionally prepared.’

All inventories should be professionally prepared by an independent inventory clerk as they are impartial.  Judges tend not to look favourably upon inventories prepared by landlords as they see it as an amateur attempt to fulfil a duty.
 

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