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Photo for illustration. Photo from Pexels.
An inventory for serviced accommodation records every room’s contents and condition at the start of a lease, with dated photos, meter readings and the keys handed over. It protects both owner and operator, because at handback it is the evidence used to judge fair wear and tear against damage.
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What should a serviced accommodation inventory include?
A good inventory is detailed enough that someone who has never seen the home could picture it.
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Who should prepare the inventory?
An independent inventory clerk gives the most neutral record, which helps if there is a dispute later. Both sides should review and sign it before the lease starts.
| Prepared by | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Independent clerk | Neutral, professional format | A fee for each report |
| Owner | No cost | May be challenged as one-sided |
| Operator | Detailed and quick | May be challenged as one-sided |
Record the condition before anything is moved in. Photo from Pexels.
Should there be inspections during the lease?
Yes. Regular inspections, often every few months, keep both sides informed and catch issues early. Compare each inspection with the original inventory.
At the end, the check-out report is compared with the inventory to agree any damage. Read our guide to handback at the end of a company let.
How does Esho Stays handle inventories?
We record the condition of every home at the start of a company lease, inspect regularly and report back to owners.
- Esho Stays becomes your tenant under a company lease
- Rent is paid in full every month, even if the property is empty
- We list the home across major booking platforms and our direct network of more than 30 companies
- We handle bookings, guest screening, communication, cleaning and maintenance
- Regular inspections, with cleaning between every stay
- A landlord dashboard showing upcoming bookings and performance
See our guides to company let agreements and maintenance.
Where can you learn more about tenancy paperwork?
For standard tenancies, the government’s How to rent guide explains the documents tenants and landlords use. Company lets set their own terms, so the inventory carries more weight.
Frequently asked questions
Is an inventory a legal requirement for a company let?
It is not a legal requirement, but it is strongly recommended. Without one, it is very hard to prove the condition of the home at the start, which makes disputes at handback difficult to settle fairly for either side.
What is the difference between an inventory and a schedule of condition?
An inventory lists the contents, while a schedule of condition describes the state of the property and its fittings. Most reports combine both, with photos. For serviced accommodation, you need both, as furniture and fittings see heavy use.
How often should a serviced home be inspected?
Every few months is common under a company lease, with the operator checking at every changeover as well. Inspections should be compared with the original inventory, and any issues reported promptly.
Who pays for the inventory?
It depends on the agreement. Some owners pay for the start-of-lease inventory, and the operator pays for the check-out report, or the cost is shared. Agree this in the lease before work begins.
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Want clear records from day one?
Tell us about your property, and we will explain how we document every home.
