Tenants commonly leave items and a mess behind

Nine in 10 (89%) property owners said tenants always leave unwanted items behind when moving out.

Tenants commonly leave items and a mess behind

Tenants commonly leave unwanted items and a mess behind when vacating properties, a study by the Association of Independent Inventory Clerks has indicated.

Nine in 10 (89%) property owners said tenants always leave unwanted items behind when moving out.

What is more three quarters said (72%) their property was left in an unhygienic state, while three in five (57%) stated that obvious damage was left.

Danny Zane, joint chair of the AIIC, said: “Our members often find bizarre items in rental properties when carrying out check-out inspections at the end of tenancies.

“And while it’s mildly amusing on the surface, there is a serious issue at play here.

“A lot of narrative surrounding inventories focuses on landlords’ items and what could go missing or get damaged.

“However, people must remember that an inventory covers items left at the property too.”

In light of the research the association warned property owners of the importance of a professionally compiled third party inventory.

Emma Glencross, joint chair of AIIC, said: “Landlords who let properties over a sustained period of time will always have to deal with the tenant leaving things behind as well as property damage and cleaning, so making sure they have an independently compiled third party inventory to hand will provide them with the peace of mind and security they need to ensure they’re not out of pocket on a regular basis.”