Countrywide, the UK’s largest letting agent, recently stated that over 50,000 people wanting to rent a property registered with them during the three months to the end of June, the highest level they’ve recorded since they started in 2003.

The figure was also 16% higher than demand during the first three months of the year.

The report continues to highlight that more and more tenants are vying over rented properties. Indicating that the most hotly sought after accommodations are 2 bedroom properties in the South West region.

Tenants have recognised this level of competition and have increased the rate at which they move into a new property. Giving them the best opportunity to acquire a tenancy quickly.

The report concludes by saying:

John Hards, co-managing director of Countrywide Residential Lettings, said: “The number of tenants entering the market is at unprecedented levels, and we have yet to enter the peak season. Student demand for private rental accommodation will increase further with university applications at record levels.”

So taking into account that this increase is just before the annual peak season and with students accommodation needed for the new term, more homeowners and landlords are desperately seeking to leapfrog this increase to meet the demand in time.

With this increase of tenants looking at both long and short term renting of property, naturally, the demand for inventories is going to increase as a result and become more critical should a dispute arise over them. Which – trends show – seems to be increasing as well.

This issue poses some important questions: What type of inventory is best for the tenants and landlords/lettings agents? Does it matter who produces these inventories? What are important factors to consider if a matter goes to dispute resolution?

These issues will be addressed in our very first audio-cast, coming soon. Make sure you don’t miss it by subscribing to our RSS feed!