Blue Sky Inventories - check-in and check-out reports

Check In
Blue Sky offers a thorough check-in service at the commencement of a tenancy. We will endeavour to fully explain the process to the tenant in order to manage their expectations and to ensure they fully understand any deposit deductions that may have to be made at the end of the tenancy.

The check in process involves:

Inspecting the property room by room in the presence of the tenant to ensure that the inventory provides an accurate and fair description of the condition of the properties décor, contents, fixtures, fittings and furnishings. Any discrepancies, additions or amendments are added to the inventory report during the check-in.
A thorough report on the cleanliness of the property will be made with specific attention paid to each major appliance and item of sanitary ware. This will be compiled in a separate cleanliness report.
Utility meter readings will be taken and the status of the telephone connection confirmed.
A full record of keys handed over to the incoming tenant will be compiled.
A full list of relevant appliance instruction manuals will be made.

On completion of the check-in appointment a signed declaration agreeing to the contents of the inventory and check-in report will be obtained from the tenant and inventory clerk present.

The check-in report will then be combined with the inventory to provide a complete inventory and check-in document. A hard copy (including the signed declaration sheet) and an electronic copy via email will be sent to the instructing principal within 2 working days of the check-in appointment. Additional copies can be provided at a charge of £5 / report.

The tenant has a further two working days upon receipt of the report to note any amendments / changes. The working copy is to be retained by the instructing principle. Once this period has elapsed, the tenants agreement with the contents of the report is assumed.

An example report is available - download Word or PDF version

Check Out
Blue Sky offer a full inventory check-out process. The first step involves arranging a check-out appointment with the outgoing tenant on the date of the liability date (end of tenancy). A letter confirming the appointment will be sent to the tenant with a ‘notes for outgoing tenant’s’ detailing how the property should be prepared for the check-out procedure.

The check out process involves a thorough examination of the properties décor, contents, fixtures, fittings and furnishings against the inventory and check in cleanliness report agreed at the start of the tenancy. Any additional information relating to major works carried out at the property or items added or removed during the tenancy must be provided by the instructing principal at this stage.

The tenant is then made aware of any potential areas where a reduction in the deposit may be incurred along with the reasons behind this. This is crucial is defusing any discrepancies which may later arise. A signed declaration agreeing to the contents of the check out report is then obtained from the out going tenant.

A thorough report is then compiled room by room detailing any differences and ascribing responsibility for any dilapidation’s, damage, missing items and additions (allowing for fair wear and tear) and cleaning.

Blue Sky follow guidance produced by the AIIC in regards to the definitions of fair wear and tear.

The check-out process also includes:

A thorough report on the cleanliness of the property will be made with specific attention paid to each major appliance and item of sanitary ware and where required responsibility will be assigned for any additional / professional cleaning required. This will be compiled in a separate cleanliness report.
Where possible a list of forwarding addresses will be made for all outgoing tenants.
A full list of keys handed back by the outgoing tenant will be made.
A full list of utility readings will be compiled and where possible a list of service providers for the new incoming tenant.

At the end of the check-out appointment every effort will be made by the inventory clerk to leave the property in a safe and secure manner and the keys returned to the instructing principal.

If urgent action is required as a result of the check-out inspection the instructing principal will be notified at that stage.

A hard copy (including the tenants signed declaration sheet) and an electronic copy via email will be sent to the instructing principal within 2 working days of the check-out appointment. The instructing principal has 5 working days or until the next tenancy commences (whichever is the sooner) to contest any of the findings within the check-out report.

An example report is available - download Word or PDF version.