There was a surge in the number of fake lettings inventories submitted last year, allowing tenants to be conned out of thousands of pounds.

That’s the claim by Danny Zane, chair of the Association of Independent Inventory Clerks. 

“It is simple for us to illustrate how easily an arbitrated claim can be manipulated via the very inventory report and check-out process that should be protecting both the landlord and the tenant. This must urgently now be addressed. As property inspectors we must be covered by law and regulation” explains Zane, 

He makes his claim in a statement saying that there has, so far in 2020, been a surge in demand for legitimate inventories.

In particular, Zane says large letting agency chains have been active in instructing inventories. 

“The property lettings market has been evolving dramatically over the last few years, regarding regulations and compliance, and it seems it will carry on doing so throughout the year ahead. Already confirmed for this year is the retrospective fee ban and electrical safety certificates for landlords” he says. 

“We believe that everyone in the lettings industry now understands the vital importance of providing inventory and check-out reports in addition to making sure they are transparently compiled by an unbiased, third party. Making sure these contracts and enough inventory clerks are in place for a busy lettings market this year is essential to any solid, law abiding lettings agency”. 

And he concludes: “This spike in demand for unbiased inventory reports shows that people mean business and the future is bright for landlords, tenants and the property sector as a whole”.