PROPERTY INVENTORY GUIDES
Inventory vs Check‑In: What’s the Difference?
An Inventory and a Check-In are related services, but they record different information. An Inventory records what is present at the property, while a Check-In records the condition and cleanliness at the start of the tenancy. This guide explains the difference and when each service may be required.
QUICK COMPARISON
Inventory vs Check-In at a glance
The simplest distinction is that an Inventory records what is present at the property, while a Check-In records its visible condition and cleanliness at the start of the tenancy.
Inventory
Records what is present at the property. It provides a room-by-room description of contents, fixtures and fittings, including quantities where relevant, with supporting photographs where appropriate.
Check-In
Records the visible condition and cleanliness of the property and its contents at the start of the tenancy. It provides the opening condition record against which changes can later be considered.
HOW THEY WORK TOGETHER
How Inventory & Check-In work together
An Inventory and a Check-In provide two different parts of the opening tenancy record. The Inventory records the contents, fixtures and fittings present at the property, while the Check-In records their visible condition and cleanliness at the start of the tenancy.
When the services are carried out together, the resulting report provides both a clear record of what is present and an opening record of condition and cleanliness. This can then provide a useful reference point when the property is inspected again at the end of the tenancy.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SERVICE
Which service do I need?
The right service depends on whether a suitable Inventory already exists and what needs to be recorded at the start of the tenancy.
Inventory & Check-In
Choose Inventory & Check-In when both a detailed record of the property’s contents, fixtures and fittings and an opening record of their condition and cleanliness are required.
Check-In only
A Check-In may be suitable where an appropriate Inventory already exists and the instruction is to record the visible condition and cleanliness of the property and its contents at the start of the tenancy.
WHAT HAPPENS AT CHECK-IN
What else can be recorded at Check-In?
Depending on the instruction and the information available at the property, a Check-In can also record practical details connected with the start of the tenancy.
Meter readings
Available meter readings will be recorded at the time of the inspection, providing a clear reference point at the start of the tenancy.
Keys and access
Keys and relevant access arrangements will be recorded as part of the appointment, helping provide a clear record of what has been supplied or collected.
Smoke and CO alarms
Where applicable and accessible, relevant smoke and carbon monoxide alarm information will be noted as part of the inspection.
Appointment information
Relevant attendance, access or handover information can be included where it forms part of the instructed Check-In.
END OF TENANCY
What happens at the end of the tenancy?
At the end of the tenancy, a Check-Out records the visible condition and cleanliness of the property and its contents. The findings can then be considered alongside the opening Inventory and Check-In records to identify changes that have occurred during the tenancy.
The Check-Out provides an end-of-tenancy record and may highlight differences when compared with the opening documentation. Where appropriate, Dock may provide a professional opinion, but the report does not make the final decision on liability, deposit deductions or disputes.
For more detail on the end-of-tenancy inspection, see our guide to what a Check-Out report includes.
Need an Inventory or Check-In?
Book a professional Inventory & Check-In or Check-In service with Dock Inventories, with clear reporting tailored to the instructed service and property.
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