What does an Inventory Clerk Do?
Letting business can be very risky at times without putting proper safeguards. However, when a landlord takes time in managing the property or when the landlord chooses a good letting agent to manage the property, the risk can be lessened.
There
are many options a landlord can safeguard his/her property such as getting
landlord insurance, getting an experienced property manager, tenant
referencing, inspections, inventory reports, and getting an inventory clerk.
This
article will discuss what does an inventory clerk do.
What is an Inventory Clerk?
The
property inventory clerk receives professional training regarding the creation
of detailed inspections of letting property. It is an independent body that
inspects and records the condition of the property and the contents of the
property. The inventory clerk creates a detailed account of the property itself
such as the condition of the wall, floors, ceiling, windows, fixture,
furniture, etc. Most importantly an independent inventory clerk provides an
impartial report to the tenant and the landlord. This makes sure that there is
a fair inspection that has been taken.
What does in
Inventory Clerk do before an inspection?
Before
the inspection takes place, usually the inventory clerk will talk to the
landlord or the letting agent. This allows for both parties to have the
property check-in the best time possible and when to get the keys. The
inventory clerk will usually ask who the keys should be given to after the
property inspection has been done.
The
inventory clerk will request a copy of the previous inspection done at the
property. And using the previous report, the inventory clerk will be able to
familiarize himself with the property before the visitation takes place.
What does the
Inventory Clerk do during the inspection?
On
the day of the inspection, the inventory clerk will arrive in the property to
be inspected. The clerk will take photos of the exterior of the property such
as the front door, the path from the gate to the property, etc.
The inventory clerk will test all alarms in the property and will collect meter readings at the property.
Inspection of the Property
The
inventory clerk will check the cleanliness and the condition of the property.
The
clerk will take a record of the color, material, condition, and cleanliness of
each item in the property. The following will be included but may not be
limited to:
Doors
Walls
Floor
Fixtures
Fittings
Windows
Furniture
White
goods
Outdoor
spaces such as garden
Also,
the property inventory clerk will test the items such as handles, locks, gates,
blinds, doorbells, light switches, taps, flushes, etc.
At
the same time, the property inventory clerk will take photographs of their
findings. Then the property clerk will make a second round around the property
to make sure that no missed items in the inventory.
What happens at the end of the inspection?
Towards
the end of the property inspection, the clerk will create a schedule of the
condition of the property. The schedule of the condition is the summary of the
findings of the inventory clerk.
-
If it is a check-in
inventory, the clerk may now meet the tenant who is moving into the property,
expresses the findings of the property, and will provide the schedule of
condition where the tenants will sign that they agree with the condition of the
property. Then, the keys will be handed over to the new tenants.
-
If it is an
inventory or checkout, the clerk locks up the property and leaves the property.
Then gives back the keys to the landlord or letting agent.
After Inspection
The
findings are typed up and referenced to the photographs which feature the
findings of the inventory clerk.