St George's BNI

Mary O’Leary: Downs Inventory & Property Services

Mary established Downs Inventory & Property Services (DIPS) in 2004 as an independent privately owned inventory and property services business based at Chartham Downs, Canterbury, Kent.

As the owner Mary is a fully qualified housing professional with over 25 years experience in residential property management and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Housing and a Member of the Chartered Management Institute

Downs Inventory and Property Services is a member of the Association of Independent Inventory Clerks (AIIC) which was established in 1996. Members have to adhere to Codes of Practice and produce documentation that is acceptable to their standard of professionalism, complies with guidelines and is in accordance with the industry rules and regulations

Downs Inventory and Property Services offers a prompt, reliable, efficient, friendly and highly professional service to Private Landlords, Investment Landlords, Property Developers and Letting and Management Agents with the following services

Inventory Compilation

An impartial and detailed schedule of condition of the living areas of a property to include doors, ceilings, walls, floors, lighting etc as well as the fixtures and contents and encompasses a description of the external areas if appropriate.

It provides not only a record of the property but vital documentary evidence of the condition at the start of a tenancy. Without such a document disputes between Landlord and Tenant at the end of the tenancy may prove difficult to resolve.

Check In Of Tenants

This provides the opportunity for a walk through with the Tenant to make any appropriate annotations or to discuss issues before agreeing and signing the Inventory. There is also the opportunity of fully explaining to the Tenant their obligations at Check Out. Meter readings are taken and agreed where meters are accessible, the key schedule signed and a summary or full report provided to the Landlord or Agent

Check Out of Tenants

The Check Out is conducted using the Inventory agreed at the start of the tenancy with or without the tenant being present. A record is made of any discrepancies and a recommendation as to whether such differences are a tenant obligation, fair wear and tear or a matter for the Landlord to note. Meter readings again recorded, keys signed for as returned and a summary or full report provided to the Landlord or Agent

Interim Inspections

This is a periodic attendance at the property during the tenancy to ensure that tenants are maintaining their obligations under the Tenancy Agreement. An interim report is provided to the Landlord or Agent. It also provides an additional platform for tenants to report on any repairs considered necessary.

Snagging Reports

These are undertaken for Property Developers prior to point of sale to identify defects. A summary report is produced of same. This will help to minimise customer care issues after occupation. Similarly the reports can be undertaken on behalf of new purchasers.

For more details contact Mary at Downs Inventory and Property Services