Terms

Important Information

You are reminded that it is your responsibility at the beginning of the agreement to note any specific discrepancies on the inventory with which you do not agree i.e., marks on walls, carpets, etc. If no such additional notes are made at the start of the agreement, the inventory will be deemed “accepted as read".

Disclaimer

JEM Property Management act independently to provide a fair and accurate record of the contents of the property and the property’s internal condition. The person preparing the report is not an expert on fabrics, woods, materials, antiques etc nor a qualified Surveyor or Valuer.

The inventory should not be used as an accurate description of every piece of furniture and or equipment, or as a structural survey report.

The inventory relates only to the Landlord’s furniture, equipment and contents in the property. It is not a guarantee or report on the adequacy or safety of any such equipment or contents, merely a record that such items exist in the property at the date of preparing the inventory and the superficial condition of same.

Testing of Appliances and Supplies

It is not the responsibility of JEM Property Management to test electrical, heating, or plumbing appliances. A visual check of all such appliances will be made and any defects relating to the physical appearance noted.

Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detector

Where the inventory notes the presence of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, JEM Property Management will test for power supply only and should not be interpreted to mean that these items are fully working order or that the property complies with the 2015 regulations.

The Inventory Company take no responsibility for damage or malfunction during the testing of such alarms.

Furniture & Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 as amended 1993

The fire and safety regulation regarding furnishing, gas, electrical and similar services are the ultimate responsibility of the Letting Agent or Landlord (see below for Landlord Responsibilities).

Where the Inventory notes “Fire Regulation Label Attached”, this should be interpreted to mean the item complies with the “furniture and furnishing (fire) (safety) (amendments) 1993”. It is a record that the item had a label as described like that detailed in the “guide” published by the Department of Trade and Industry, January 1997. (Or subsequent date). It is not a statement that the item can be considered to comply with the Regulations. In the case of any relevant furniture and furnishings where no labels are identified, and the landlord has not confirmed that the items comply with the above regulations they will be marked with 4 asterisks (****) on the inventory.

Using the Inventory

Standing in doorway, the forward-facing wall (F.F.W) is directly in front, the back wall (B.W) is behind, left wall (L.W) and right wall (R.W) are as indicated. A full list of abbreviations used will be found on the inventory report.

All static, loose or moveable items in the inventory are listed as far as possible from left to right starting at the main door, with multiple items grouped together.

Settling cracks to walls and ceilings are acceptable and will not be mentioned unless necessary.

All descriptions within a Report are for identification purposes only, e.g., where the words "gold", "silver" or other similar descriptions are used, they refer to the colour of the item and not the metal.

Measurements, where stated within the report are approximate and are provided for guidance purposes only.

Rooms Excluded from Reports

Lofts, attics, and cellars
Inaccessible rooms
Poorly lit rooms
Rooms housing a dog, or any other potentially dangerous animal (unless the owner is present)
Outbuildings (unless previously negotiated)

Items Excluded from Reports

Perishable items, such as houseplants, garden plants and food items
Garden livestock, such as fish in ponds
Contents of garden sheds and garages (other than garden tools)
Trivial household items, such as cleaning materials and light bulbs

Items Listed within Reports, but not itemised or counted

General property contents, such as books, CD’s, DVD’s
Extensive amounts of crockery, cutlery, or ornaments

Items listed within Reports, but not fully inspected

Heavy or awkward items of furniture will not be moved to check condition beneath or behind the item
Bed linen, towels and other similar items which are heavily soiled
Windows are not opened to determine whether they open and close correctly
Curtains or blinds will not be drawn to determine whether they draw correctly should the appearance of the curtain, fixing or pole appear fragile

Check-Out Inspection at the End of Tenancy

On termination of the tenancy, the check-in inventory is re-checked, any discrepancies and /or variations will be reported to the instructing principal. The report will indicate, in the opinion of the Clerk, as to whether there is any liability on the tenant, or whether such deterioration could be assessed as Fair Wear and Tear. Fair Wear and Tear is assessed on the length of the tenancy and the type of occupancy, noting that certain items will receive higher usage. It is acknowledged that the contractual terms listed in the Tenancy Agreement may overrule the opinion of the Landlord or Letting agent who will assess this.

Landlord Responsibilities

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are needed whenever a property is built, sold or rented. An EPC is valid for 10 years. You must order an EPC for potential buyers and tenants before you market your property to sell or rent and a copy of this should be issued to each new tenant.

This is mandatory by law. To find out more click here

Gas Safety

Under The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1994, amended by Statutory Instrument 1996, and The Regulations Re-enact 1998 all gas appliances must be checked for safety at intervals of not more than 12 months. The certificate issued must note the date of inspection, defects identified, and all remedial work action taken.

This is mandatory by law. To find out more click here

Electrical Safety

Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 all ‘fixed’ electrical parts of the property such as wiring, the socket-outlets (plug sockets), the light fittings, any permanently connected equipment and the consumer unit (or fuse box) must be inspected every 5 years by a person who is qualified and competent. This report needs to be issued to each new tenant.

This is mandatory by law. To find out more click here

Portable Appliance Testing

We recommend that landlords regularly carry out portable appliance testing (PAT) on any electrical appliance that they provide and then supply tenants with a record of any electrical inspections carried out as good practice.

To find out more click here

Furniture & Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 as amended 1993

The fire and safety regulation regarding furnishing, gas, electrical and similar services are the ultimate responsibility of the Letting Agent or Landlord.

To find out more click here

Tenancy Deposits

You must place your tenants’ deposit in a tenancy deposit protection (TDP) scheme if you rent out your home on an assured shorthold tenancy that started after 6 April 2007.

To find out more click here

Right To Rent

You must check that a tenant or lodger can legally rent your residential property in England.

To find out more click here

How to rent guide

You must issue your new tenant with a How to Rent Guide

To find out more click here

Tenants Responsibilities

During the tenancy, it is the responsibility of the tenant to ensure that any of their own electrical appliances are safe.
It is the tenant’s responsibility to ensure that the property is adequately ventilated to prevent condensation, e.g., windows open to allow change of air temperature following bathing, washing drying, etc and damage caused by condensation will be noted on the check-out at the end of the tenancy.
On termination all items must be returned to their original positions as indicated in the Inventory. A charge or search fee for locating and repositioning items will be raised against the security deposit if items are not correctly positioned.
The property must be left clean and in good order.
All curtains, linen and soft furnishings must be cleaned, carpets shampooed, or steam cleaned.
Freezers and refrigerators must be clean, devoid of any food and fully defrosted.
Household waste and personal items must be removed from the property. Any items that have been broken or mislaid must have been replaced.
At the check-out inspection you must provide any receipts for professional cleaning, details of your forwarding address, and the utility company information to the Inventory Clerk.