An inventory list is important and is a document that gives security for both the landlord and tenant. It establishes an agreed upon state of what was in the apartment and what the apartment looked like in the beginning of the sublet. Here you can download our inventory list and inspection protocol to make sure everything is being considered.
Many sublets are furnished. Because it is easier for the landlord not having to move all their belongings every time, but also because it's more attractive amongst tenants to sublease a furnished apartment. In order to keep track of all items in the apartment, both before and after the sublet - it's a good idea to establish an inventory list.
Inventory list
An inventory list, as the name suggests, is a list of your inventory. Things left in the apartment during a sublet. By making a list and then letting the tenant review it, an agreement is created in which the tenant acknowledges his or her responsibility of the landlord's belongings. If something on the inventory list is broken when the landlord returns, it is clear who is responsible for replacing the damage. In order for the inventory list to be valid, the tenant must sign. In other words, he or she must approve that the items on the list are in the apartment and that they are in the condition that the list indicates. When the rental period is over, check that everything listed is as the landlord left it. For the same reason, any damage that exists before the rental period should be written down, see the inspection protocol below. That way, the tenant can feel safe as it does not run the risk of being innocently accused of damaging anything. Write down what you know - brand, manufacturing year, really everything that describes items left in the apartment.
Take photos
We strongly recommend that you complement the inventory list with photographs. Everything from the kitchen table to the bookcase to the small dining table or the old clock. Then it becomes even clearer how it looked like before the sublet. It may be a security to have a photo copy if in the worst case you would be disagreeing on the damage. Make sure that both parties gets these photos. We recommend that you email each other a copy of the photos so the time of sharing this information will be dated.
Below you will find the inventory list. Download it, print it out and get a safer sublet. As usual, reach out to us if you have any questions.
Inspection protocol
For the same reason as it is good to write an inventory list, any damage that exists before the rental period begins should be written down and documented. Here you'll find a specific inspection protocol that you should download and print out. Then review the damage you have noted together with the tenant at the time of move in. Make sure you both sign the document as a proof that you both agreed on the damages in the apartment at the beginning of the sublet.
Finally,
View this list as an insurance that offers you increased security before the sublet. 9 out of 10 times you will not have to use the list. But if something would be in damaged when the landlord return, you have a clear agreed upon inventory list and an inspection protocol that you've both signed, which will make it easier at any compensation estimation.