This is a question to the blog clinic from Amanda who is a landlord.
Hi there. I’m a landlord with a managed property, using a new letting agent.
I asked to see a copy of the initial inventory to make sure that all items and their condition were captured accurately and that nothing was inadvertently missed off. The letting agent has refused stating it is a document between them and the tenant in order to manage any future disputes.
My point of view is that unless we agree with the initial inventory they’ve compiled, I’ll potentially be liable for something that’s been omitted or whose condition has been incorrectly captured.
My contract with them only states that they will carry out an inventory at the start and end of a tenancy. I’ve always had visibility of inventories with a past letting agent. I hope you’re able to clarify the situation.
Answer
I agree with you, Amanda. The agency agreement may not specifically say that they will provide you with a copy but that does not mean that they are entitled to withhold it.
Your letting agent works for you. The inventory is, yes, a document between the tenant and them – but as your agent. You are entitled to check to make sure they have done it properly.
As you say, if the inventory is incorrect, you are the person who is likely to lose out financially, not them (although you would probably have a claim against them in negligence).
If the agents continue to refuse to allow you sight of the inventory, my advice is to make a complaint to their Property Redress Scheme.
I suspect that the real reason they don’t want to show it to you is because they have made a mistake and don’t want you to know about it. See if you can find out whether they always withhold inventories from their landlords or whether it is just you.
I agree and would add that Amanda could always ask the tenants for a copy of their copy, presuming the agent has actually given them one.
Something like this would seriously make me doubt their integrity. Are they even registered with a redress scheme? A huge number of the agents I deal with arent.
Another agent malking it all up as he goes along. Time for strict regulation.
They probably haven’t done one!
Which self-respecting agent would not provide their landlord a copy of the inventory? I’ve worked in agency for 9-10 years and never heard of something so preposterous. You as their client are perfectly entitled to see this. Good luck!