Who is responsible and pays for the property description?
When concluding a rental agreement, a description of the property is also required. This document is of great importance to both parties. It records the condition of the property at the start of the rental period and prevents possible disputes or discussions about damage or changes to the property when the contract ends. But who is responsible for the description of the property? Is it the landlord who has to draw it up, or the tenant who has to ensure that this document is drawn up? Who has to pay for the description of the property? In this article you will find out who is responsible for drawing up the description of the property, the description of the property costs and how possible misunderstandings can be avoided. Do you want to know more about what a description of the property costs? Discover the exact costs and what you can expect!
What is an inspection report and why is it essential?
An inspection report is a detailed document that clearly outlines the condition of a property. It records all defects, damages, and characteristics. At the end of a rental agreement, a second version of the inspection report may be drawn up to document any changes. This ensures that both parties are protected against unjustified claims.
Why is an inspection report essential?
- Protection: The inspection report protects both the landlord and the tenant against unjustified damage claims.
- Evidence: If a dispute arises about the condition of the property at the end of the lease, the inspection report serves as important evidence.
- Transparency: Preparing an inspection report clarifies the property's condition at the beginning of the lease, preventing misunderstandings.
Who is responsible for preparing the inspection report?
- Landlord's responsibility
In most cases, the landlord is responsible for preparing the inspection report. Since the landlord provides the property, they must document its condition at the start of the lease. - Tenant's responsibility
The tenant is also responsible for preparing the inspection report, for example, if stated in the rental agreement. This applies when the tenant wants to inspect and document the property themselves or if they seek extra protection at the end of the lease.
Who is responsible for paying for the inspection report?
As mentioned earlier, the question of ‘who should pay for the inspection report?’ is common. Typically, the costs are shared between the landlord and tenant, but this can vary.
Cost distribution
- Landlord: Often, the landlord covers the cost of the inspection report, as they must document the property's condition at the start of the lease. Looking for a cheap but effective option? Check the price for an inspection report at Struqta and save money!
- Tenant: Rental contracts often state that the costs are split 50/50, but if the tenant hires an external expert, they may cover the costs themselves. Discover how much an inspection report costs.
How is the inspection report prepared and who pays for it?
The inspection report is always drawn up before the start of the rental period. This can be done in different ways:
- Joint preparation: The landlord and tenant can document the property's condition together. This is a cheaper option but can lead to misunderstandings without the proper expertise. An external platform can assist with this. At Struqta’s one-stop shop, you can easily create a digital inspection report!
- External expert: Hiring a professional inspector ensures objectivity and prevents misunderstandings at the end of the lease.
What should be included in an inspection report?
A good inspection report should be detailed and include the following information:
- General information: The property's address, names of the tenant and landlord, and the date of inspection.
- Property description: A detailed description of the property, including dimensions, materials, and furnishings in different rooms.
- Condition of the property: A description of the property's condition, including any defects or damages.
- Photos: Pictures of rooms and any damages, if present.
- Meter readings: Readings for gas, water, and electricity meters.
- Additional details: Any other important remarks for the rental agreement.
Tips for preparing a good inspection report if you are responsible
- Be detailed: The more detailed the inspection report, the better both parties are protected.
- Take clear photos: Photos can provide crucial evidence in case of disputes.
- Collaborate: Involve the tenant in the process to avoid misunderstandings.
- Keep a copy: Ensure that both the landlord and the tenant have a copy of the inspection report for future reference.
