I don’t think you can really insist on the tenant signing the inventory. We do some properties through Foxtons in London and some through openrent. If the tenant doesn’t sign the tenancy it is normally deemed to be accepted. I think insisting signing on handover is a bit of an issues as they normally need a bit of a time to check things. Most of our tenants don’t sign and it has never been a major problem over the last 20 years. If they did sign they could still argue it later if they felt deductions were inappropriate.
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You have to give them time to check everything on move in day snc yes, you can insist on the inventory being signed before you hand over the keys. If you later wish to use it, this may be essential.
If you haven’t finished the set up it’s perfectly normal to contact him surely. Most tenants will know that there’s plenty of admin involved.
And for minor errors to sometimes be made unfortunately, (as with the meter) however much training you have had. Lawfully correct to point it out to the tenant.
Its usual practice for the tenant to have seven days after moving in to peruse the inventory and raise any objections, so why would anyone not contact their tenant to request that this is returned and to ascertain that they are happy with everything.
In this day and age I would think it prudent to get it signed too.
I set up a whatsapp group for my tenants and they like that very much. This is what I say when they move in. Hey guys I’m a great landlord, its not just me who says so all my previous tenants say so too. However, my relationship with you is only as good as your relationship with me cause its 2-way. I promise I will always respond to any problems immediately or latest within 24 hours. However, if you start taking your time so will I. It seems to work so far.
BTW I also insist they sign the Inventory I think there is a 2 week window
The whole point of an inventory is to show how the property was at the start of the tenancy. When claiming for damages you need to be able to prove that this happened in the current tenancy, how can you do this without the inventory.
Once the tenant has keys to the property there is no incentive for the tenant to sign.
Why would a tenant sign after getting the keys.
There is space on my inventory forms for the tenant to make a comment and challenge the form prior to signing. Also like others have stated, challenging the inventory shortly after it has been signed to comment about any unseen issues wouldn’t be unheard of, but I’ve never give keys to a tenant who hadn’t first signed the inventory.
On day one, if not not before hand, I give my tenants copies of all the required paperwork legally required. I have two copies of everything, both copies to be signed my both the tenants and myself. The last document to be signed is always the tenancy agreement.
It not about doing something, it’s about being able to prove that you have done something, that’s the whole point of a signed document.
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Ive got one like that, however, she pays the rent in full, and on time (so far, for 2 years) so… cest la vie!
No tenants sigature means that it is effectively useless as it could have been created at any time, including just before a claim!
I have the check-in inventory completed on the day or the day before the tenant moves in. I usually get it two working days later. I pass it to the tenant and tell them they have 48h to raise any issues and get the inventory amended or accept the inventory as is. I do all this by email and will have prepared the tenant in advance that this is what is going to happen (by email). I insist on getting written confirmation that the inventory is accepted. So far (touch wood) this has always worked.
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Using a third party company may give an unsigned inventory more credibility, but I would not like to have to argue it in front of a judge when the tenant claims they didnt sign because they didnt agree with it.
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Why are you advertising some paid training for landlords that has nothing to do with what this post entails: namely the nuances of communicating with tenants that you only get with experience.
I’m not advertising the training and I should make clear that I have no connection with NRLA other than being a member. My firm belief is that no self managing landlord can afford to be ignorant of the law these days as the penalties are too severe. I have undertaken the training I referred to myself and found it to be of good quality and hence my suggestion which was in direct response to the comment made by @Andy333 that he was now to self managing and feeling his way around the job. The NRLA course is not the only training out there and other examples, such as the courses offered by Tessa Shepperson I understand are also very good.
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