The Association of Independent Inventory Clerks is accusing agents and landlords of incorrectly and unnecessarily assessing compensation charges at the end of tenancies.
The association claims that many disputes arise because the expectations of landlords, agents and tenants will be different and that agents do not always explain how they have worked out the compensation deductions.
There are a few bits of information that agents and landlords need - namely the original cost of an item; age and condition at time of check in; length of tenancy; average life expectancy of the item; and any extenuating circumstances says AIIC chair Pat Barber.
The association says floor coverings are a major bone of contention for landlords, agents and tenants with 42 per cent of tenants' insurance claims for accidental damage being about this issue.
So for example, if a tenant damages vinyl or laminate flooring with drag marks, deep scratches or scrapes, burn marks and stains, these are considered to be chargeable issues. A small number of surface scratches, nicks' and minor indentations are considered to be consistent with fair wear and tear depending on the length of tenancy and original condition says Barber.
Household circumstances, location, environment, quality, pets, previous wear and so on will all have an effect on the final compensation amount. Landlords and tenants need to put all the evidence together to reach a safe conclusion, one which can be justified in writing at some point if required says Barber.
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