Inventory and Check-Out Explained
Why the inventory protects your deposit, and how the check-out at the end works.
Founder & Director, SPL Agency · 24 June 2026
The inventory is one of the most important documents in your tenancy — it protects your deposit.
What is an inventory?
An inventory is a dated record, usually with photos, of the property's condition and contents at the start of your tenancy. You should review it, note anything you disagree with, and keep a copy.
Why it protects you
At the end of the tenancy, the check-out compares the property's condition against the inventory. Deductions from your deposit can only fairly be made for damage beyond normal wear and tear, or for missing items — and the inventory is the evidence. This links directly to deposit protection.
The check-out
Before you leave, clean the property to the standard it was in, return all keys, and provide a forwarding address. A clear inventory and a tidy check-out are the fastest route to a full deposit return. Questions? Contact us.
Frequently asked questions
What is a tenancy inventory?
A dated record, usually with photos, of the property's condition and contents at the start of the tenancy. Review it, note any disagreements, and keep a copy.
How does the inventory protect my deposit?
At check-out the property is compared against the inventory, so deductions can only fairly be made for damage beyond fair wear and tear or missing items, with the inventory as evidence.
How do I get my full deposit back?
Clean the property to its original standard, return all keys, give a forwarding address, and rely on a clear inventory and tidy check-out.