CHECK-OUT
A clear Check-Out record at the end of the tenancy
Dock Inventories prepares detailed Check-Out Reports that record the property’s contents, condition and cleanliness at the end of the tenancy and, where available, compare them against the original Inventory or Check-In report.
Visible changes, missing items and cleanliness observations are recorded with supporting photographs. Meter readings and alarm information are recorded where safely accessible, and all keys returned are documented. Every report is internally reviewed before delivery.
Compared with the starting report
Visible changes clearly recorded
Meters, alarms and keys documented
Internal quality review
USING THE STARTING REPORT
A clearer comparison when a starting report is available
Where the original Inventory or Check-In report is available, the Check-Out can compare the property room by room against the recorded starting position. A Check-Out can still be completed without the original report, but the extent of any comparison will be limited. For a wider overview of professional reporting standards, read our guide to what letting agents should expect from a property inventory report.
WITH A STARTING REPORT
A room-by-room comparison
The original Inventory or Check-In report is used as the starting reference, allowing visible changes in contents, condition and cleanliness to be recorded against the earlier description and photographs.
WITHOUT A STARTING REPORT
An end-of-tenancy condition record
Where no suitable starting report is available, the Check-Out can still record the property’s visible contents, condition and cleanliness at the end of the tenancy. However, it may not be possible to establish when particular changes occurred.
The available starting documentation and scope of comparison will be reviewed before the report is prepared.
WHAT THE REPORT MAY INCLUDE
A structured end-of-tenancy record
The information recorded will depend on the property, whether a suitable starting report is available and what is safely accessible during the appointment.
Room-by-room review
Where a suitable starting report is available—whether an Inventory, a Check-In or a combined Inventory & Check-In report—it is used as the reference for the room-by-room review. Where no starting report is available, the Check-Out records the visible position at the end of the tenancy without a direct comparison.
Condition and cleanliness
The visible condition and cleanliness of the property, fixtures, fittings and contents are recorded at the end of the tenancy.
Missing or changed items
Items that appear to be missing, replaced, moved or materially changed may be noted against the starting report.
Supporting photographs
Photographs are included to support the written observations and show relevant areas at the time of the Check-Out.
Meters and alarms
Meter readings and visible alarm information are recorded as standard where they are safely accessible during the appointment.
Keys returned
All keys provided or returned at the appointment are recorded, together with any relevant collection or handover details.
Want to know what is included? Read our guide to what a Check-Out report records.
APPOINTMENT TIMING
When should the Check-Out take place?
The Check-Out should reflect the property as it is being returned at the end of the tenancy. The timing and preparation of the appointment can therefore affect the usefulness of the final report.
At the end of the tenancy
The appointment should take place as close as reasonably possible to the agreed tenancy end or handover date.
After belongings have been removed
The tenant’s personal possessions should normally be removed so the property, contents and surfaces can be properly inspected.
After final cleaning, before remedial works
Where possible, the Check-Out should take place before further cleaning, decoration, repairs or replacement works alter the condition being returned.
Once access and keys are available
Suitable access should be arranged for the appointment. Where the clerk meets the tenant, all keys being returned should be handed over and recorded at the Check-Out. Where the tenant is not attending, the agreed access and key-return arrangements should be confirmed in advance.
WHY THE CHECK-OUT RECORD MATTERS
A clear record of the property as returned
A Check-Out provides a dated record of the property’s visible contents, condition and cleanliness at the end of the tenancy. Where a suitable starting report is available, relevant differences can also be identified against the earlier record.
The report can help the landlord, tenant and managing agent review the position at the end of the tenancy. Where appropriate, the clerk may express a professional opinion on whether a change appears consistent with fair wear and tear, damage, deterioration, cleaning or maintenance. Any such opinion is based on the visible evidence and available comparison information and does not determine legal liability, the amount of any deposit deduction or the outcome of a dispute.
INDEPENDENT RECORD
Independent observations with professional opinion where appropriate
Dock Inventories records the visible position at the property and, where possible, compares it with the available Inventory, Check-In or combined Inventory & Check-In report. Where appropriate, the clerk may comment on fair wear and tear, apparent responsibility or possible liability based on the visible evidence and information available at the time.
The Check-Out Report provides evidence for consideration. Final decisions remain with the relevant parties and, where applicable, the tenancy deposit scheme or adjudicator.
SAMPLE CHECK-OUT REPORT
See how end-of-tenancy changes are recorded
View an example of how rooms, contents, condition and cleanliness may be presented in a Check-Out Report, together with comparisons against an available starting report and supporting photographs.
Room-by-room end-of-tenancy review
Comparison against the available starting report
Supporting photographs, meter readings and keys returned
HOW IT WORKS
From booking request to completed Check-Out
We confirm the appointment, access arrangements, available starting report and key-handover requirements before the Check-Out takes place.
01
Send the booking request
Provide the property address, preferred appointment details, tenancy end or handover date, access arrangements and any available Inventory or Check-In report.
02
We confirm the arrangements
Dock Inventories confirms the appointment, access method, available starting documentation and whether the clerk will meet the tenant or collect keys elsewhere.
03
The Check-Out takes place
The clerk reviews the property room by room, recording its visible contents, condition and cleanliness. Where possible, the findings are compared with the available starting report. Accessible meters and alarms are recorded, together with all keys returned.
04
The report is reviewed and delivered
The completed Check-Out Report is internally checked before being issued electronically to the agreed recipient.
WHO WE WORK WITH
Check-Out reporting arranged around the tenancy handover
Dock Inventories works with letting agents, property managers and private landlords across Greater London, with access, attendance and key-return arrangements agreed before the appointment.
LETTING AGENTS & PROPERTY MANAGERS
Reliable reporting for tenancy changeovers
Arrange Check-Out Reports across individual properties or a managed portfolio, with the available starting report, appointment arrangements and delivery recipients confirmed in advance.
Clear access and tenant-attendance arrangements
Reports issued to the agreed recipients
Agency account arrangements for ongoing instructions
PRIVATE LANDLORDS
A clear record when the tenancy ends
Arrange a Check-Out to record the property’s visible contents, condition and cleanliness when the tenant returns possession.
Starting report reviewed where available
Keys returned at the appointment recorded
Internally reviewed report issued electronically
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Check-Out questions
Answers to common questions about starting reports, tenant attendance, keys and the completed Check-Out Report.
Do you need the original Inventory or Check-In report?
A Check-Out can be completed with or without a starting report. Where a suitable Inventory, Check-In or combined Inventory & Check-In report is available, it can be used as the reference for the room-by-room review. Without one, the report records the visible position at the end of the tenancy without a direct comparison.
Does the tenant need to attend the Check-Out?
Tenant attendance is not always required. The clerk may meet the tenant at the property where keys are being returned, or access and key arrangements may be organised separately in advance.
What should be completed before the appointment?
The tenant’s belongings should normally be removed and any intended end-of-tenancy cleaning completed before the Check-Out. The property should then remain unchanged until the inspection has taken place, so the report reflects the condition in which it was returned.
Are meter readings, alarms and keys recorded?
Meter readings and visible alarm information are recorded as standard where they are safely accessible. All keys provided or returned at the appointment are recorded, together with any relevant collection or handover details.
When will the completed report be delivered?
Completed reports are issued electronically once the inspection has taken place and the report has completed our internal quality review. Delivery times can vary depending on the property, the available starting documentation and the level of detail required.
Does the Check-Out Report decide deposit deductions?
No. The Check-Out Report provides evidence for consideration and, where appropriate, the clerk may give a professional opinion on fair wear and tear, damage, deterioration or apparent responsibility. The clerk does not make the final decision on legal liability or the amount of any deposit deduction. Those decisions remain with the relevant parties or, where a dispute is referred, the applicable tenancy deposit scheme or adjudicator.
Looking for general guidance? Visit our Property Inventory & Inspection FAQs for answers about choosing a service, booking and access, reports, photographs and independent reporting.
RELATED SERVICES
Support throughout the tenancy
Dock Inventories also provides reporting for the beginning and middle of the tenancy, together with visual snagging inspections for newly completed properties.
READY TO BOOK?
Arrange your Check-Out
Send us the property details, preferred appointment date, access arrangements and any available starting report. We will review the request and confirm the Check-Out arrangements.