Inventory before moving in

gigatoaster

Hello

I'm new in the country and I have a small question: is it mandatory when you move in and just before signing the leasing contract with the real estate agency, to do an inventory?

I mean for checking for damages, stains on carpets, door that can't close correctly, broken window...

It doesn't seem the case apparently for me. I'm suppose to move in soon but I have to sign the contract a day before moving in. The agent didn't mention anything about such inventory, is this normal here?

Thanks in advance.

Gasherbraun

gigatoaster wrote: »

Hello

I'm new in the country and I have a small question: is it mandatory when you move in and just before signing the leasing contract with the real estate agency, to do an inventory?

I mean for checking for damages, stains on carpets, door that can't close correctly, broken window...

It doesn't seem the case apparently for me. I'm suppose to move in soon but I have to sign the contract a day before moving in. The agent didn't mention anything about such inventory, is this normal here?

Thanks in advance.

Inventories are not mandatory in Ireland and a lot of agents and landlords do not prepare them. When they are done they are often just a list of contents that ignore the more important issue of condition.

There is however nothing to stop you making an inventory and passing a copy to the agent / landlord for them to agree.

It is also worth taking a lot of date stamped digital images and attaching these to the inventory.

If they will not sign the inventory I would suggest sending a copy of it to the agent / landlord with a polite covering note acknowledging that they have chosen not to sign it but you would like a copy kept on record. You may have no issues at all at the end of the tenancy but this action will at least show you took all possible steps to achieve an agreed inventory if you do end up in dispute. It will work in your favour.

On a more simple level it is worth bearing in mind that a lack of inventory works against a landlord since the onus is on them to justify any deposit deduction they may make.

Finally if the agent is only letting the property, not managing the tenancy, they will not usually do an inventory.

Santa Cruz

Gasherbraun has given excellent advice. Ireland has such a cowboy approach to the rental market that it is in your interest to make sure you are covered when ending the tenancy. In any dispute settlement process the winner will be the person with properly maintained records, photographs etc.

gigatoaster

Excellent advice. Thank you so much.

It is definitely the farwest here.