What Happens When an Inventory Clerk Misses the Details?

A real example showing why letting agents need a clerk they can trust - and how one missed detail created a costly headache.

Letting agents rely on good inventory reports to protect their landlords - but what happens when a clerk misses something big … or worse, causes damage themselves?

Here’s a real example that came up recently, and why it stuck with me.

The Risk of Hiring the Wrong Inventory Clerk: A Cracked Worktop and a Costly Oversight

A nearly-new property had just one previous tenancy. The landlord used the same inventory clerk for both the check-out and the new check-in.

At check-out, everything seemed fine.

But when the new tenant moved in, they noticed and flagged a crack in the quartz kitchen worktop - something the clerk hadn’t mentioned in their check-in report.

The crack was located directly beneath a ceiling-mounted smoke alarm. The landlord couldn’t help but wonder:

• Had the clerk stood on the worktop to test the alarm?

• Or had they simply missed the damage altogether?

Either way, the result was the same: a missing entry in the report, no clear record of how or when the damage occurred, and a landlord left with a problem — and a repair bill.

❗ Why This Matters for Letting Agents

When a report isn’t done thoroughly, the fallout doesn’t stop with the clerk:

• Landlords lose confidence in the agent they trusted

• Disputes arise with no solid documentation to rely on

• Liability becomes unclear — was it pre-existing or caused during check-in?

• Time and energy are wasted chasing answers, smoothing things over, or footing repair costs

All because a simple detail was missed - or possibly caused - by someone who should’ve known better.

✅ What Makes The Letting Standard Different

At The Letting Standard, I’ve built my service around doing things properly - not rushing, not cutting corners, and not putting your landlords or your team at risk.

• I treat every property with the care I’d expect in my own home

• I never stand on worktops, furniture, or radiators - I use ladders and inspect with care

• My reports are clear, photo-rich, and turned around within 24 hours

• I use Inventory Base software for professional, consistent documentation

• I’m AIIC-trained and fully insured, so agents and landlords can relax knowing they’re protected

• I offer a lifetime inventory option - landlords pay once for a full inventory, and only pay for updates when a new tenancy begins
  

When It Comes to Inventories, the Details Aren’t Optional

This wasn’t a horror story - it was one missed (or caused) detail. But it cost time, trust, and money. And it could have been avoided.

If you’re looking for a professional inventory clerk in Stroud who takes the job seriously, respects the homes you manage, and helps you protect your landlords, I’d love to help. Get in touch here.

About The Letting Standard

The Letting Standard provides professional, photo-rich inventory services for letting agents and landlords across Stroud, Gloucestershire, and beyond. Whether you need detailed check-in, check-out, or mid-tenancy reports, I offer fast 24-hour turnaround, clear reporting using Inventory Base software, and a lifetime inventory option to save landlords time and money. Fully insured and AIIC-trained, I’m here to help you protect your properties - and your peace of mind.