THE UK’S only membership association for independent inventory clerks says it is still hopeful that the Government will introduce some form of mandatory inventory reporting legislation.

Since 2016, the Association of Independent Inventory Clerks (AIIC) has been campaigning for the introduction of mandatory independent inventory reporting of all private rental properties with the aim of providing greater protection and higher professional standards.

An independent inventory, commonly compiled by an inventory clerk, details a property’s condition at the start and end of a tenancy, protecting renters from unreasonable deposit deductions as well as protecting landlords’ property investments.

As part of its ongoing campaign, the AIIC has petitioned and lobbied the Government, carried out educational talks in London and held a series of meetings with deposit protection and property redress schemes.

Danny Zane, chair of the AIIC, said: “As rents rise and subsequently push up the value of average security deposits, it’s vital that the tenant’s money and landlord’s investment are offered the required protection.

“Of course, even tenancies using zero deposit schemes can end in dispute or with property damage when the tenancy ends.”

Over the coming months, the AIIC says it will continue to campaign for mandatory independent inventory reporting by raising awareness and meeting with relevant stakeholders.

Mr Zane added: “Wider adoption of independent inventories will contribute towards fewer deposit disputes, while these documents remain invaluable in the event that a disagreement between landlord and tenant is referred to a deposit protection scheme.”