It is best practice to begin any new tenancy with a check in. The check in should take place before the tenant moves furniture or personal possession into the property and the tenant should not be given access to the property beforehand. We can arrange for an independent clerk to attend the property to meet the new tenant on their move in day in order to complete and document the key handover. The clerk would record the meter readings and locations and check the smoke and, where fitted carbon monoxide alarms. The check in report will also contain a general condition report of the property, including supporting photographs, however, it is important that you do not rely solely on this to document the condition at the property at the start of the tenancy.

It is best to combine the Check In with the Inventory. If an inventory report is available or combined with the check in, the new tenant would be given the opportunity to go through the inventory report with the clerk and compare it to the property. The clerk would then record any valid comments made by the tenant and add this information to the report.