How to prepare for an inventory or check-out visit
A clear report depends on what is ready when the clerk arrives. This guide is for letting agents and landlords in London who are booking an inventory report, a check-out report, or a mid-term inspection with Choice Inventory. It sets out what to have in place for the visit, so the record is complete and the report can be delivered within 48 hours.
For prices, use the instant quote on our pricing page. Inventories and check-outs are from £95 + VAT (£114 inc. VAT). Mid-term inspections are from £65 + VAT (£78 inc. VAT). A check-in is £35 + VAT (£42 inc. VAT) and is an add-on to one of our own inventories, not a standalone visit.
Inventory, check-out, check-in and mid-term: which visit is it?
An inventory is the starting record of the property’s condition and contents, with written notes and photographs. It is ideally done shortly before the tenant moves in, once the property is clean and ready, so the report reflects how it is handed over. Read about inventory reports.
A check-out is done after the tenant has moved out and removed their belongings. It records how the property has been left and is compared with the original inventory. We can work from an inventory prepared by another firm if you send it with the booking. Read about check-out reports.
A check-in is an add-on to our inventory, not a report we offer on its own. We meet the incoming tenant, manage the key handover and walk them through the inventory. Read about tenant check-ins.
A mid-term inspection is a lighter visit during the tenancy, to see how the property is being looked after and to flag maintenance early. It is not a new inventory. Access is usually arranged by the agent or landlord with the tenant. Read about mid-term inspections.
Before an inventory visit
Book the visit for when the property is clean and ready to let, ideally shortly before the tenant moves in, so the report reflects the property as it is handed over.
Please also:
Confirm how we will get in at the agreed time — for example with keys, someone meeting us on site, or a porter or building manager.
Tell us about additional areas such as lofts, gardens and outbuildings. These are recorded as additional rooms at £10 + VAT each (£12 inc. VAT).
If you want a check-in as well, add it when you book. A check-in is an add-on to our inventory only.
Before a check-out visit
The check-out should happen after the tenant has moved out and removed their belongings, so the report shows how the property has been left.
Please also:
Send us the original inventory with the booking, including inventories prepared by another company.
Confirm access in the same way as for an inventory.
Tell us if the next tenant is moving in on the same day. For back-to-back tenancies, we can carry out the check-out and check-in on the same day for an extra £50 + VAT (£60 inc. VAT), added to the regular report prices. This is separate from same-day report delivery, which is also £50 + VAT (£60 inc. VAT) if you need the report itself the same day.
A check-out report is a factual record of condition compared with the inventory. It gives a clear basis for a fair deposit return. It does not decide the deposit on its own, and it does not guarantee the outcome of a dispute.
Keys, access and missed visits
Please make sure we can get into the property at the agreed time. If there is no access, or the keys are not available, a call-out fee may apply. We ask for at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or rearrange. Cancellations with less notice are charged at £50 + VAT (£60 inc. VAT).
If you would like us to collect keys, mention this when you book. Collecting keys outside our local area may incur a charge.
Parking, congestion charges and tolls are payable at cost, with receipts provided.
After the visit
Standard reports are delivered digitally within 48 hours of the visit. If you need the report the same day, same-day report delivery is £50 + VAT (£60 inc. VAT). That delivery fee is separate from the same-day check-out and check-in extra above.
How to book
Get an instant quote on our pricing page, call 07502 545720, or email info@choiceinventory.co.uk. We cover London and the surrounding areas, including Wembley, Brentford, Barnet, Marylebone and St John’s Wood, and Islington and Highgate.
2026 Choice Reports Limited.
Company Number 16398056
Registered in England and Wales.
Registered office: 78 York Street, London W1H 1DP.
Services: Inventory reports · Check-out reports · Mid-term inspections · Tenant check-ins
Areas: Wembley · Brentford · Barnet · Marylebone & St John's Wood · Islington & Highgate