What is the importance of an inventory of fixtures?

What is the importance of an inventory of fixtures?

Both at the beginning and the end of a lease, it is compulsory to draw up an inventory of fixtures between the owner and the tenant.

What is an inventory of fixtures?

A topographical survey is a document that describes the current state of a property in great detail. It is also called a "state of finding". Usually photos are included in that document to illustrate the condition.

Why is it necessary to prepare an inventory of fixtures?

Thanks to the inventory of fixtures, both the tenant and landlord are protected. It allows an objective comparison of the condition of the property at the beginning of the lease with its condition at the end of the lease. In this way, damage can easily be established and no disputes are possible.

When and by whom is this inventory of fixtures drawn up?

The inventory of fixtures can be drawn up during the period that the property is not in use or during the first month of the lease. Tenant and landlord can opt to draw up an inventory of fixtures themselves or they can also call in an expert. In the latter case, the cost must be divided 50/50 between the tenant and the landlord.

It is also compulsory to give both parties the option of being present at the inventory of fixtures so that they can both pass on their comments to the expert. This is called a 'contradictory site inspection'.