INVENTORY & CHECK-IN REPORTS
Professional Inventory & Check-In Reports in London
Dock Inventories provides detailed Inventory & Check-In reports across Greater London, creating a clear room-by-room record of the property, its contents, fixtures, fittings, condition and cleanliness at the start of a tenancy.
Relevant meter readings, alarm information and keys are recorded where applicable, and every completed report is internally reviewed before delivery.
Contents, fixtures and fittings recorded
Condition and cleanliness at check-in
Relevant meters, alarms and keys
Internal quality review
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SERVICE
Inventory Only or Inventory & Check-In?
Choose an Inventory Only when you need a detailed record of the property’s contents, fixtures and fittings. Choose Inventory & Check-In when you also need the condition and cleanliness recorded at the start of the tenancy.
INVENTORY ONLY
A Detailed Record of What Is in the Property
A structured room-by-room inventory recording the property’s contents, fixtures and fittings, including quantities where relevant, with supporting photographs to identify the items recorded.
- Contents, fixtures and fittings
- Item quantities where relevant
- Room-by-room descriptions
- Supporting photographs
INVENTORY & CHECK-IN
The Inventory Plus the Start-of-Tenancy Condition
Includes the detailed inventory together with a record of the property’s condition and cleanliness at check-in. Relevant meter readings, alarm information, keys and agreed handover details are also recorded where applicable.
- Full inventory record
- Condition and cleanliness
- Relevant meter and alarm information
- Keys and handover details
WHAT THE REPORT RECORDS
What’s Included in an Inventory & Check-In Report?
A Dock Inventory & Check-In report combines a detailed room-by-room inventory with condition and cleanliness observations, supporting photographs and relevant check-in information.
Room-by-room inventory
A structured description of the property’s contents, fixtures and fittings, including quantities where relevant.
Meter readings
Meter readings, meter locations and available serial details are recorded where the meters are safely accessible at the appointment.
Condition and cleanliness
For an Inventory & Check-In, the visible condition and cleanliness of the property, fixtures, fittings and contents are recorded at the start of the tenancy.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Visible smoke and carbon monoxide alarm locations and relevant test information are recorded where accessible during the inspection.
Photographic record
Supporting photographs provide visual evidence alongside the written descriptions and condition observations throughout the report.
For more detail on how photographs support written condition records, read our guide to property inventory photographs and evidence.
Keys and check-in details
Keys provided for the inspection or check-in are recorded, together with relevant collection or handover information.
For more detail on reporting standards, read our guide to what letting agents should expect from a professional property inventory report.
WHEN TO PREPARE A NEW INVENTORY
When Is a New Property Inventory Required?
A new property inventory is usually appropriate where the existing report no longer reflects the property accurately. This may be because of a new tenancy, refurbishment, redecoration, changes to furniture or appliances, or because the previous inventory is incomplete or outdated.
At the start of a new tenancy
A current inventory gives the incoming parties a clear record of the property, contents, fixtures and fittings at the beginning of the tenancy.
Following refurbishment or redecoration
Prepare a new inventory where refurbishment, redecoration or other works have materially changed the finishes, fixtures, fittings or overall presentation of the property.
After furniture or appliance changes
A new or updated inventory may be needed where furniture, appliances or other supplied items have been added, removed or replaced.
When the previous inventory is outdated or incomplete
A replacement report is usually more appropriate where the previous inventory is missing important detail or no longer accurately represents the property.
Changing inventory provider? A completely new report is not always necessary. Where an existing Inventory or Inventory & Check-In still reflects the property, Dock may be able to use relevant information from it as a reference for the new instruction
WHY THE STARTING RECORD MATTERS
A Clear Baseline for the End of the Tenancy
A detailed Inventory & Check-In creates a dated starting record of the property, its contents, condition and cleanliness at the beginning of the tenancy.
At Check-Out, that starting record can be compared against the condition in which the property is returned, helping landlords, tenants and managing agents identify relevant changes more clearly.
INDEPENDENT RECORD
Evidence to Support a Fair Review
Dock records the visible condition of the property according to the instructed service. Where appropriate, the clerk may comment on whether a change appears consistent with fair wear and tear, damage, deterioration, cleaning or maintenance based on the available evidence.
The report provides evidence for consideration but does not determine legal liability, deposit deductions or the outcome of a dispute.
SAMPLE INVENTORY & CHECK-IN REPORT
See a Real Inventory & Check-In Report
View a redacted Dock Inventory & Check-In report to see how room descriptions, contents, condition, cleanliness, photographs, meter readings and key information are presented.
Room-by-room descriptions of contents, fixtures and fittings
Condition and cleanliness observations
Supporting photographs, meters, alarms and key information
HOW IT WORKS
From Booking to Completed Report
A straightforward process from instruction and access arrangements through to inspection, internal quality review and report delivery.
01
Send the Instruction
Provide the property address, service required, preferred appointment date and relevant access information.
02
We Confirm the Booking
We review the instruction, confirm the appointment and clarify any access or reporting information required before attendance.
03
The Property Is Inspected
The clerk attends the property and completes the Inventory or Inventory & Check-In in accordance with the confirmed instruction.
04
Quality Check & Report Delivery
The completed report is internally reviewed for consistency, completeness and presentation before being issued electronically.
WHO WE WORK WITH
Inventory Reporting for Letting Agents, Property Managers & Landlords
Dock Inventories supports individual instructions and ongoing property portfolios across Greater London, with straightforward booking, access coordination and consistent report delivery.
LETTING AGENTS & PROPERTY MANAGERS
A Reliable Inventory Partner for Repeat Instructions
Arrange Inventory & Check-In reports across individual properties, managed portfolios or multiple branches through one consistent reporting process.
One route for bookings and access information
Consistent reporting standards across instructions
Agency arrangements for regular and portfolio work
PRIVATE LANDLORDS
Professional Reporting for Individual Properties
Arrange an Inventory or Inventory & Check-In for a new tenancy, following refurbishment or whenever the existing inventory no longer accurately reflects the property.
Straightforward online booking
Access arrangements confirmed in advance
Internally reviewed report delivered electronically
Not sure which service you need? Read our guide to Inventory vs Check-In.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Inventory & Check-In FAQs
Answers to common questions about Inventory & Check-In reports, property preparation, attendance, keys, meters and report delivery.
What is the difference between an Inventory and an Inventory & Check-In
An Inventory provides a detailed room-by-room record of the property’s contents, fixtures and fittings. An Inventory & Check-In also records the visible condition and cleanliness at the start of the tenancy, together with relevant check-in information.
Does the tenant need to attend the check-in?
No. Tenant attendance is not normally required provided suitable access has been arranged. Where the tenant is attending for key handover or check-in, this should be confirmed when the appointment is booked.
What should be ready before the inspection?
The property should be fully prepared in the condition in which it will be handed over to the tenant. Cleaning, maintenance and intended furnishing should therefore be completed before the inspection, with all required keys and access information available.
Preparing for an appointment? See our practical inventory appointment checklist for letting agents.
How long does an Inventory & Check-In inspection take?
Inspection time varies according to the size, furnishing and condition of the property and the level of detail required. Larger or heavily furnished properties generally take longer than smaller or unfurnished homes.
Are meter readings, alarms and keys included?
Meter readings and smoke or carbon monoxide alarm information are recorded where safely accessible during the appointment. All keys provided for the inspection or check-in are recorded, together with relevant collection or handover details.
When will the completed report be delivered?
Completed reports are issued electronically after the inspection and internal quality review. Delivery time depends on the property size and scope of the report. If the report is required by a particular deadline, please provide this when booking so availability can be confirmed.
Can an existing inventory be used when changing inventory provider?
Yes, an existing report can sometimes provide useful reference information where it still accurately reflects the property. The new inspection should nevertheless record the property as it is found at the appointment. Where the property has materially changed, been refurbished or refurnished, or the previous report is incomplete or outdated, a new inventory is usually more appropriate.
Read our guide to switching inventory provider →
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
Related Property Inspection Services
Continue the property record throughout the tenancy with Check-Out, Mid-Term Inspection and New-Build Snagging services across Greater London.
READY TO BOOK?
Book an Inventory & Check-In in London
Send us the property details, preferred appointment date and access arrangements. We will review the request and confirm the appointment and service scope.