maxinecfield@gmail.com
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I totally agree with Rob.
We are members of the AIIC, overseen and trained by the Association of Independent Inventory Clerks. As members we are bound by a code of practice to have clear and impartial reporting by our governing body. At what point has the quality of our work been under question and by whom?
Dual reporting with the landlord during the inventory make would be an absolute nightmare. In the main landlords would disagree with our view of the condition and cleanliness and this would definitely affect the ‘independent’ concept. I have been on the receiving end of ‘bully’ landlords and tenants who obviously want the outcome in their favour. The check in process conducted with the tenant is to ensure that the tenant(s) is happy with the report at that point and additional notes can be made if necessary to the report.
I understand it is important to conduct regular inspections during the tenancy. However I feel 2 people attending would be intimidating for the tenant and totally unnecessary.
We have enough processes already in place for resolutions between the landlord and tenant. As inventory clerks we are professional people who do not need to be overseen in order to conduct our job in a professional manner.
It has already been mentioned that this would incur additional costs and I feel this would be the downfall of our industry.
I have been working as an inventory clerk for 13 years and feel this topic is very disrespectful and I feel very offendedI also started in 2011 and still use a dictaphone and camera. I couldn’t think of anything worse than being stuck in a freezing cold or hot house in the summer for 3-4 hours when I could be typing up in the comfort of my own home. Also gives me more flexibility to fit in more work on the busy days and type up the next day.
The question I would like addressed is how the board of the Association of Independent Inventory Clerks can make a radical change in direction without first informing and consulting its members
AIIC needs to address this issue to all members so that they can make am informed choice of whether to renew their subscription.
The job of an inventory clerk is to be impartial regardless of where the payment comes from. If the landlord doesn’t make payment take him to the small claims court. If you have had problems with this landlord previously I would decline any future work.
I don’t make mid term inspections but I do know that you cannot enter the property without the tenants permission
If the carpets were replaced at the tenant’s expense and there are marks at the end of the tenancy the landlord has still benefitted and therefore no charge. However, I do add the marks to the check out report, if any, and that the ‘tenant advised carpets replaced at their expense therefore considered fair wear and tear – landlord confirmation’.
Hi Matthew
I didn’t have time to answer fully as I was on my way out. I had a similar situation with a private landlord who checked with her solicitor and he advised not to enter without consent.
When having difficulties arranging access I often say to the tenant ‘It isn’t necessary to you to attend I can go in with the management keys on said day if you prefer’ Often this encourages them to agree a day/time to be there.
If I still can’t get confirmation from the tenant I hand it back to the agent.
Hope this helpsAs I understand you are not legally allowed to access the property without the consent of the tenant
I did work for an agent years ago only supplying inventories. The agent checked the alarms on the day of tenancy and gave them my inventory to check themselves, amend if necessary, sign and return to them. I see this is as the only alternative way which will save them the check in fee.
I am having a few landlords through one agent who no longer want to pay the fees and do it themselves…
I always dread staff changes at letting agents as they often have different ways of working and requirements. Don’t lose hope as it sounds like they would prefer to carry on working with you even though it seems like she had endless new additions to add to your report. There are numerous examples of check out reports available on the internet, have a look, this may help you determine what you agree to change. Having said that I would agree with Jo’s comments. I do also take meter readings on check out as if the tenant doesn’t pay their utility bills on check out there needs to be a record on the date they moved out to cover landlords whilst the property is empty
I had an agent years ago who went on maternity leave, during her absence we agreed that I would no longer print copies of the reports and instead send as a pdf file by email. When the lady returned she wanted the reports printed again I didn’t want to offer this any more but I offered a £5 charge for each report as there were printing costs, not to mention the time to collate and deliver them. I lost the contract for a time until the new inventory company realised, I presume, that it just wasn’t viable. The lesson I learnt from this was to spread my work across a number of agents so in the event of losing a contract it didn’t impact my earnings so drastically.
Its a tough job for independants working on their own, this forum is great for the support it offers
Good luck