Property Inventory Clerk vs Letting Agent: Who Should Handle Your Inventories?
Should you rely on your letting agent for inventories, or hire a property inventory clerk? We break down the key differences, pros, and cons so landlords can make the right choice.
Introduction
If you’re a landlord, you’ll know how important it is to have a clear, detailed inventory in place before tenants move in. But here’s the big question: who should prepare it — your letting agent, or a professional property inventory clerk?
On the surface, both might seem capable. In reality, there are key differences in accuracy, independence, and legal reliability that can affect whether you win or lose a deposit dispute.
What Does a Letting Agent Do?
Most letting agents will offer an inventory service as part of their package. This usually involves:
- A basic checklist of the property’s contents
- General notes on condition
- Sometimes photos, though not always detailed
While it’s convenient to let an agent handle everything, inventories are not their core focus. Their priority is usually finding tenants and managing the tenancy.
What Does a Property Inventory Clerk Do?
A property inventory clerk is a specialist whose sole role is compiling detailed, impartial reports. Their services include:
- Comprehensive written inventories with full descriptions
- High-quality photographic evidence
- Independent check-in and check-out reports
- Neutral assessments recognised by deposit protection schemes
Because clerks are independent, their reports are seen as more reliable in disputes compared to an agent’s in-house documents.
Why Landlords Should Choose a Clerk Over an Agent
Credibility in Disputes – Adjudicators prefer unbiased third-party reports.
Attention to Detail – Clerks are trained to spot even the smallest issues.
Better Protection – Thorough reports mean fewer grey areas in deposit claims.
Tenant Confidence – Tenants see clerks as neutral, making the process feel fairer.
Can You Use Both?
Yes — some landlords use their letting agent for day-to-day management and bring in a professional clerk just for inventories. This ensures they get:
- The convenience of a managed tenancy
- The legal security of professional reports
It’s the best of both worlds.
Conclusion
While letting agents can prepare basic inventories, a property inventory clerk provides a higher standard of accuracy, independence, and legal reliability. For landlords who want peace of mind, especially when it comes to deposit disputes, hiring a professional clerk is the safer choice.