How contents inventories differ from tenancy condition reports, and when each helps executors preserve evidence.
Hermens Property · London and Surrey
Our role is to help executors make informed decisions about the property, its condition and the work needed before a sale or handover. Every instruction is tailored to the property, with contractor costs and any Hermens coordination fee explained before work is authorised.
01
An estate contents inventory records possessions and items for retention, collection, specialist appraisal or authorised disposal. A tenancy check-in or check-out inventory records condition, furnishings, meter readings and photographs against an occupied property's relevant tenancy evidence. They should be scoped and priced separately.
02
Executors should identify sentimental, important and potentially valuable items before removal. A dated photographic schedule can record rooms, visible contents, keys, documents identified for secure handling and items specifically excluded from clearance. It should avoid sharing unnecessary personal information.
03
A photographic list does not establish the value of art, jewellery, antiques or other specialist assets. Items needing expert valuation should be set aside for an appropriately qualified independent valuer, subject to executor instructions.
04
The existence of a contents schedule does not give a contractor permission to remove or dispose of goods. Written instructions should identify the scope of removal, items to retain, any charity or recycling arrangements and the persons who may approve the final clearance.
05
Where a tenancy is lawfully ending, the condition record should be dated and compared to the original check-in evidence where available. Observations should be neutral, distinguishing wear from apparent damage without presuming liability or deciding deposit disputes.
06
Hermens can issue a concise indexed report to the instructing solicitor, with photographs and approved contractor paperwork kept securely under the matter reference. This service can be instructed independently of property sale or management.
Tell us the address, who is authorised to instruct work and what needs attention. We can discuss the relevant services and agree a sensible sequence, whether you need one quotation or coordinated preparation for a sale.
Hermens provides property-related services, not probate legal advice, reserved probate work or legal estate administration. Where a formal tax valuation, regulated advice or specialist work is needed, an appropriately qualified independent professional should be appointed.
