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Inventory Makes, Check-In and Check-Out reports and Periodic Visits

Portable Appliance Testing, Gas Safety Check and Energy Performance Certificate


Inventory Make
The inventory report is a complete and detailed record of the condition of the property, contents and decor. An HD video recording is taken of the property in conjunction with the written report and is a key tool to support the inventory make.

The report will include details of rooms, including outbuildings, decor, fixtures and fittings, furniture, appliances, curtains etc. In the case of a fully furnished property all items of padded furniture are checked to ensure compliance with FFR labelling (The Furniture & Furnishings (Safety) Regulations. Any furnishing that do not comply will be brought to the attention of the landlord for their action.

The inventory is agreed by the tenant at the begining of the tenancy and is used at the end of the tenancy to check for any changes, deterioration and other dilapidations.
An inventory should be made shortly before the tenancy commences and the property should have all modifications and refurbishments completed, appliance testing certified, be clean, tidy and ready to be occupied.     

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Check-In
The inventory clerk will accompany the tenant round the property at the start of the tenancy utilising the detailed inventory. All points will be agreed between the two parties and any changes will be amended on the inventory. At the end of the Check-In procedure a report will be produced with any key issues noted, including all keys listed and service meter readings. The tenant and inventory clerk will sign their acceptance of the check-in and inventory reports at the time of check in. Copies will later be e-mailed to the agent or landlord who will in turn send a copy to the tenant with the inventory.  

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Check-Out
At the end of the tenancy the inventory clerk will accompany the tenant round the property utilising the detailed inventory report. Any changes to the property which differ to the inventory will be noted and a list of dilapidations will be produced. This may list issues such as further cleaning required, any damage, missing items or even items added. Where possible we will make recommendations such as possible compensation amounts or suggest replacement or even redecoration (in this case the landlord will need to source up to three quotes). The report will be agreed between the tenant and inventory clerk and will be signed by both parties. As the report is compiled on a laptop computer it can be speedily e-mailed to the landlord/agent who will in turn forward a copy to the tenant.

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Interim Property Visits

It is very important that properties are visited every so many months in order to ensure they are being maintained to an acceptable standard by the tenant. A report will be produced and e-mailed to the landlord or agent grading the standard of the property from cleanliness to damages incurred. This is a key tool in order to recognise problems before check-out and take steps to ensure they are rectified.
It is important to note these are not inspections but visits, they should be seen as a two way service where tenants can report ongoing problems and not just a policing action by landlords/agents.      


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Portable Appliance Testing, Gas Safety Check and Energy Performance Certificate


Portable Appliance Testing  (PAT)
The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 states that if you let any sort of residential accommodation for financial gain then you must ensure that any equipment supplied as part of the tenancy is safe to use from the outset. All new and second hand mains electrical equipment must be covered from small items such as irons up to cookers and dishwashers. Compilance checking must be completed prior to the tenant moving in and a report issued noting when and who checked it. It must be completed by a qualified tester who will examine each item and either pass or fail it. The appliances are then labelled with a code and status (pass or fail), the date tested and a recommended date for the next test. Items with a fail must be either repaired or removed from the property. These tests are usually completed annually as well as at the commencement of a new tenancy (and annually thereafter until a new tenancy).   

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Gas Safety Check
Gas Safety checks cover all appliances, piping and flues within the property.
A Gas Safety Check must be completed by a Gas Safe Registered engineer every twelve months and a copy presented to the current tenant within 28 days. A copy of the report must be given to all new tenants at the commencement of the tenancy. In additionand these reports must be retained for two years.  
Visit the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) web site for further information on Gas Safety Checks at http://www.hse.gov.uk/gas/domestic/faqlandlord.htm


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Energy Performance Testing
An Energy Performance Certificate will inform you how energy efficient your property is and on rental properties it is valid for ten years (unless related changes to the property are made). Most properties for sale or rent in England, Wales and Northern Ireland require an Energy Performance Certificate.  
They are commissioned by the seller/landlord or their agent from an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor. The operative will visit the property and note all necessary data before producing a detailed report in the form of a certificate. The data will encompass the property date of construction, heating systems, double glazing and insulation as well as taking into consideration any building regulations relevent at the time of construction. The energy efficiency is rated on a scale from A-G with the most efficient homes rated in band A signifying the lowest fuel costs.  In addition the report will indicate on a scale from A-G how the property impacts on the environment, therefore better rated properties will have lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The report will also offer recommendations on how to improve energy efficiency.

Non compliance with the terms of the act can result in the relevant enforcing body issuing a Penalty Charges Notice (PCN) with a penalty of £200.
         
Samples of the Energy Performance Certificate can be found at http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/319282.pdf

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