Inventory Check In
Inventory Check In London | Daley Property Inventory Services
An inventory check in is a move-in day inspection that confirms the property’s condition, contents, cleanliness, meter readings, and keys at the exact moment tenants take possession. In London’s fast-paced rental market, a professional inventory check in report helps landlords and tenants avoid deposit disputes by recording clear, photo-backed evidence from day one—before the first box is unpacked and the first “was that mark already there?” question appears.
Inventory check in: the move-in moment that protects landlords and tenants
Move-in day is a strange mix of excitement and logistics. Someone is carrying a lamp. Someone is hunting for the Wi-Fi router. Someone is asking where the water stopcock is (always when you’re holding three boxes). And somewhere in the middle of all that, the tenancy legally starts.
That’s why inventory check in matters. It’s the point where evidence becomes real: the condition, the contents, the cleanliness standard, the keys, the meter readings—recorded neutrally and clearly, so the tenancy begins with facts, not assumptions.
Inventory Check In
Daley Property Inventory Services provides inventory check in reporting across Greater London and surrounding main cities, built for real London lettings: tight timelines, busy buildings, and deposits that make everyone suddenly very interested in the state of a fridge shelf.
Difference between inventory and check in (and why you usually need both)
This is the question that trips people up: the difference between inventory and check in.
- A Property Inventory is the baseline report: a structured record of what’s in the property and its condition before or at the start of the tenancy.
- An inventory check in confirms the handover position on move-in day—capturing any immediate discrepancies, confirming access items, and making sure what the tenant receives matches what was expected.
In short: the inventory sets the baseline; the inventory check in confirms the handover reality. In London, reality occasionally arrives with missing fobs and a cupboard door that “only sticks when it’s humid.”
If you want the broader inventory concept explained, start here: Property Inventory.
What’s included in an inventory check in report
A professional inventory check in report is designed to be specific enough to compare later—especially at check-out. Typical evidence points include:
- Move-in confirmation details
- Date/time of check-in, occupancy status, parties present (where applicable)
- Condition notes
- Room-by-room observations aligned to the baseline inventory
- Contents confirmation
- Particularly important for furnished homes (what’s present, what’s missing)
- Cleanliness standard
- Recorded factually (not “nice” / “not nice” — actual condition notes)
- Utilities
- Meter readings where accessible (and any access issues noted)
- Keys / fobs
- Counted and recorded to prevent later confusion
- Photo evidence
- Images that match written descriptions, so the report is usable in real life
If you want the move-in day process explained in a practical London way, this guide is ideal: Inventory check-in report: what happens on move-in day (London guide).
Who benefits from inventory and check in services in London?
A proper inventory and check in process benefits everyone, because it creates a shared reference point.
- Landlords get protection for the property and clearer evidence for end-of-tenancy decisions
- Tenants get a fair baseline, so they’re not blamed for pre-existing issues
- Agents / managers get a consistent process that reduces disputes and admin churn
If you’re landlord-focused and building a stronger evidence trail, this page is a useful companion: Landlord inventory.
Who pays for inventory check in (and why the real cost is the dispute you avoid)
The “who pays” question varies by tenancy agreement and management setup. Sometimes landlords cover it as part of good practice. Sometimes it’s arranged through the agent. What matters most is that the evidence exists and is independent—because the alternative can be costly in time, stress, and delayed re-letting.
The real “inventory check in fee” debate usually happens after a dispute starts.
Much better to keep it boring upfront.
Inventory check in cost: quick price context
Pricing typically ranges from £74.99 to £219.99, depending on the number of bedrooms and the type of service required (inventory, check-in, check-out, etc.). For the full bedroom-based breakdown and pricing notes, see: Property inventory services prices.
A professional inventory check in is the move-in day proof point that ties your Property Inventory to reality. It records condition, contents, cleanliness, meter readings, and keys at handover—so landlords and tenants start the tenancy with evidence, not assumptions. In London, that single step can prevent weeks of deposit back-and-forth later.
Inventory check in on move-in day: what happens (step-by-step)
A good inventory check in isn’t rushed. It’s methodical, calm, and structured—exactly what you want when the building concierge is calling it “a five-minute window” and the removal van is double-parked.
Here’s what a typical inventory check in looks like:
- Access and arrival
- Confirm entry (keys, fobs, concierge access, parking rules if relevant)
- Quick context check
- Confirm whether the property is furnished, part-furnished, or unfurnished
- Confirm occupancy status at the moment of check-in
- Room-by-room confirmation
- Condition notes aligned to the baseline inventory
- Any visible issues recorded factually (marks, chips, stains, damage)
- Contents confirmation (furnished homes)
- Items checked against the inventory list where applicable
- Cleanliness standard
- Evidence-led notes (not subjective opinions)
- Utilities and meters
- Meter readings recorded where accessible (and access issues noted)
- Keys and access items
- Key sets, fobs, permits recorded clearly
- Photo evidence
- Photos captured to support written notes
- Discrepancies logged
- Any differences or immediate concerns recorded clearly and neutrally
If you want a detailed London-focused explanation of the move-in workflow, this guide is the most direct reference: Inventory check-in report: what happens on move-in day (London guide).
What an inventory check in report should prove
The purpose of an inventory check in report is simple: prove what the tenant received at the start of the tenancy.
A strong inventory check in report should make it easy to answer:
- What was the condition on day one?
- What contents were present (if furnished)?
- What was the cleanliness standard at handover?
- Were meter readings recorded?
- How many keys/fobs were supplied?
- Were any issues or discrepancies identified immediately?
If you want the broader “what’s included and why it matters” view (useful for landlords and agents), see: Inventory report explained: what it is, what’s included, why it matters.
Common issues found at inventory check in (London edition)
London rentals are diverse. One day it’s a pristine new-build with more building rules than a chess tournament. The next it’s a Victorian conversion with “character” (and that one window that only closes if you negotiate politely with it).
Inventory Check In
Common inventory and check in issues include:
- Cleaning standard disputes
- Grease in ovens, limescale, dusty skirting, missed cupboards
- Missing items in furnished lets
- Remote controls, lampshades, cutlery, hoovers (the great London hoover mystery)
- Appliance condition
- Fridge shelves cracked, washing machine drawer mould, hob scratches
- Keys and fobs
- Incomplete sets, missing fobs, unclear labels
- Meter access problems
- Locked cupboards, communal meter rooms, missing access codes
- Minor marks
- Walls, doors, flooring—small details that become big arguments later if not logged
A proper inventory check in records these calmly and clearly, so they can be resolved early or at least documented fairly.
Inventory check in London: how it supports deposit protection expectations
Deposits are where evidence gets tested. A good inventory check in helps keep deductions fair because it supports the baseline condition and provides clarity for later comparisons.
The strongest outcomes come from:
- a baseline inventory
- a detailed check-in confirmation
- a clear check-out comparison
For UK-wide tenant and landlord guidance that often frames expectations, this official resource is worth keeping handy: GOV.UK – How to Rent Guide.
Check in and check out inventory for landlords: why the pair matters
Landlords often ask whether they can skip check-in and just do check-out later. In reality, inventory check in is what makes check-out meaningful.
Without a strong start position, end-of-tenancy findings become harder to prove. With a clear check-in, check-out comparisons are cleaner, faster, and far less likely to escalate.
If you want the full comparison logic, this guide explains it plainly: Inventory check: check-in vs interim vs check-out (and what each proves).
What tenants should do during an inventory check in
Tenants don’t need to become professional inspectors, but a little attention pays off.
Tenant best-practice on move-in day:
- Walk through each room once (slowly, not while carrying a sofa)
- Check obvious items (appliances, taps, heating controls)
- Confirm keys/fobs and note anything missing
- Raise discrepancies early so they can be logged clearly
- Keep communication factual and specific
For tenants who want to protect their deposit without turning the flat into a museum, this is a practical guide: Tips for tenants: protecting your deposit and avoiding deductions.
Common mistakes that weaken an inventory check in report
Most problems aren’t caused by bad intentions—they’re caused by rushed move-in days and unclear processes.
Common mistakes include:
- vague language (“good condition”) instead of specific notes
- photos that don’t match the written description
- missing key schedules or incomplete fob counts
- skipping meter readings without noting access issues
- leaving discrepancies unrecorded until “later”
- booking too late, forcing a rushed inspection window
If you want a broader view of why an independent clerk matters (especially in Greater London), this guide helps set expectations: How to choose an independent inventory clerk in Greater London.
A strong inventory check in makes the rest of the tenancy easier to manage. It creates a clear start point for condition, contents, cleanliness, meters, and keys—so check-out comparisons are straightforward and deposit decisions stay evidence-led. In London, that clarity is worth its weight in Oyster cards.
Inventory check in and out: how the full timeline protects everyone
An inventory check in is most powerful when it’s part of a simple evidence timeline. Landlords get property protection, tenants get a fair baseline, and agents get fewer disputes landing in their inbox at 9:02am on a Monday.
Here’s the clean tenancy sequence:
- Property Inventory (baseline condition and contents)
- Inventory check in (handover confirmation on move-in day)
- Mid Term Inspections (optional, but useful on longer tenancies)
- Inventory check out (end-of-tenancy condition + comparison)
If you want the dedicated service page for the end-of-tenancy stage, see: Inventory check-out.
Inventory Check In
Why check-in evidence makes check-out faster (and calmer)
Without a clear inventory check in, check-out becomes a guessing game: what was already marked, what was missing, what was clean, what was “clean enough,” and whether that “tiny chip” is new or just newly noticed.
With a strong inventory check in report, check-out becomes measurable: compare the same rooms, against the same baseline, using the same evidence style.
For a practical checklist that helps prevent deposit disputes at the end, see: Check-out inventory: end-of-tenancy checklist to avoid deposit disputes.
Templates vs professional reporting: when a check-in inventory template helps (and when it doesn’t)
A check in inventory template can be useful if you’re learning what to look for, or you want a structured internal process. But templates don’t create independence, and independence is the thing that often matters most when there’s a dispute.
A professional inventory check-in service typically gives you:
- neutral, consistent reporting language
- photo evidence matched to written notes
- a report format designed for comparison at check-out
- fewer grey areas that turn into deposit arguments
If you want a fair comparison between DIY templates and professional services in London, this guide is helpful: Property inventory template vs professional inventory service.
If you’re looking for structured template-style learning, this room-by-room checklist is useful: Tenancy inventory template: room-by-room checklist you can copy.
What “good” looks like: sample reporting quality
If you’re choosing the best check in inventory London option, don’t just compare the fee—compare the report. A good report is readable, consistent, and supported by photos that clearly match the written notes.
You can review a sample report here: Daley Property Inventory Services Sample Report (PDF).
For a written breakdown of what strong reporting structure looks like, see: Sample landlord inventory report UK: example structure and what good looks like.
Quick move-in checklist for tenants and landlords (useful during inventory check in)
Use this as a practical guide alongside your inventory and check in process:
- Keys and fobs: Confirm the number and label them clearly.
- Cleaning standard: Check kitchen surfaces, oven, fridge, bathrooms, skirting, cupboards.
- Appliances: Note visible damage, missing shelves/trays, and any obvious faults.
- Walls and floors: Log marks, chips, stains, and scuffs with exact locations.
- Windows and doors: Confirm function (and record any sticking, gaps, or damage).
- Meters: Record readings where accessible; note access issues if not.
- Photos: Make sure images match the written notes (same area, clear angle).
If you can’t prove it, you can’t reliably resolve it. That’s the whole point of inventory check in evidence.
Inventory check in cost: quick context for London landlords and tenants
Pricing typically ranges from £74.99 to £219.99, depending on the number of bedrooms, whether the property is furnished, and the service combination you need (inventory, inventory check in, check-out, inspections). The most accurate quote comes from your property details and tenancy timing—especially in London where access and scheduling can be… creative.
Inventory Check In
If you’re comparing end-of-tenancy pricing specifically, this page is useful: Inventory check-out fee.
Booking an inventory check in: secure your slot before the diary fills
If you want to book inventory check in in Greater London, the simplest route is the booking form:
Or contact us directly:
- Telephone: 020 8016 2986
- Email: info@propertyinventory.org.uk
- Address: 124 Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 4ET, United Kingdom
If you want to see the broader service options we provide around check-in and check-out, start here: Property inventory services.
Helpful FAQs and next reads
If you’re still deciding what you need, these pages answer the common questions:
- Landlord inventory check FAQ
- Inventory check-out FAQ
- How to create a comprehensive inventory check-out report
- Exploring the tenant’s deposit scheme: rights and obligations
For independent UK housing guidance (useful context for both landlords and tenants):
Contact Us:
Daley Property Inventory Services
124, Cromwell Road,
International House,
Kensington,
London SW7 4ET
t: 020 8016 2986
e: info@propertyinventory.org.uk
b: Property Inventory Blog