Making an inventory

This content applies to Scotland only.

Housing laws vary between Scotland and England. This page applies to Scotland only. Get advice relating to England

Having an inventory is important if you want to get your deposit back.

What is an inventory?

An inventory is a list of everything that is in the property you're renting (for example, furniture, carpets and curtains, kitchenware, etc) and the condition it's in.

Here's an example of how an inventory might look:

Why do I need an inventory?

An inventory can help avoid a dispute over your deposit when you move out because it proves what state the property was in when you moved in. It's in your landlord's interest to provide an inventory, because if you break or damage anything while you are living there, the inventory shows that it wasn't broken before you moved in. On the other hand, if anything in the property is already damaged, the inventory proves that you didn't do it.

How do I get an inventory?

• Your landlord or letting agent should supply you with an inventory. If they haven't done so by the time you move in, ask for one.
• If you aren't given an inventory, you can make one yourself and get an independent witness who doesn't live in the property to sign it. You can download an inventory form here. You could also take photos of the property when you move in.

What else do I need to do?

• Before you sign the inventory, check it carefully and make a note of anything that is damaged, broken or worn. Make sure that everything in the property is listed on the inventory, and that there is nothing listed on the inventory that you can't find in the property.
• Once you are happy that the inventory is correct, make sure that both you and your landlord or letting agent sign it.
• To be on the safe side, take some photos, so you prove what state the property was in when you moved in.
  
• Keep a copy of the inventory in a safe place.