The abolition of Section 21 fundamentally changes the landscape of lettings. Landlords and agents will no longer be able to serve notice without reason, meaning that any attempt to regain possession must now be backed up by a valid legal ground under Section 8.
In this new framework, a digital inventory and inspection process is not just useful; it’s crucial. Without it, agents and landlords are effectively operating in the dark and putting both their landlords’ investments and their own legal position at risk. This makes inventories and prior inspections important, rather than simply for convenience.
Why inventories are a must
Every tenancy will now require a clear, detailed, and time-stamped inventory that does far more than just list items in the property. An inventory should:
- At the start of the tenancy, the condition and cleanliness must be documented
- Changes to be tracked through short-term inspections
- There must be evidence of breaches of the tenancy agreement
- Claims under Section 8 must be supported under discretionary grounds
Why this matters
The court will expect clear proof of deterioration that goes beyond fair wear and tear. Without a properly recorded inventory and inspection history, claims become very difficult to prove. In fact, in the absence of strong evidence, judges often side with the tenant, leaving landlords and agents unable to recover losses or regain possession.
With the abolition of Section 21, inventories are no longer optional extras. They are essential tools for protecting landlords’ assets, ensuring compliance, and building a defensible position if possession proceedings become necessary. A casual, paper-based checklist simply won’t hold up in court anymore.
For agents and property managers, adopting a structured and evidence-led approach to inventories is the only way to stay ahead, protect clients, and operate with confidence in compliance to the new regulations.
