Ignorance over inventories can cost a landlord time and money, but The Letting Protection Service (LPS) says that digital cameras can provide a fail-proof solution to accurately log and store evidence, creating far more reliable inventories.

Kevin Firth, Director (pictured right), said: "The majority of tenants are respectful of their properties so it is easy to become complacent after a few regular tenancies and fail to put in place the appropriate provisions in case of a dispute, but if a tenancy is escalated to a dispute resolution service, a landlord needs to be able to demonstrate that they are entitled to claim some or all of the deposit".   

The LPS says that it is important for landlords to submit evidence correctly as they only get one chance to do so and sensible preparation for a letting can minimise difficulties later.

"Pictures are increasingly used in inventories and check-outs as a comparison tool, so taking accurate, jointly verified photos before the tenant crosses the threshold could help you to avoid a dispute in the future. The burden of proof lies with the landlord to show that they are entitled to claim some or all of the deposit if the termination of the tenancy is escalated to a dispute service."