SaroxaiInventory clerk fees in the UK: how much do reports cost?
There's no fixed price list for inventory work — fees depend on the property, the report and where you are. This guide gives you realistic UK ranges for inventory, check-in and check-out reports, explains what pushes the price up or down, clears up who actually pays, and — if you're a clerk — shows how to set rates that win work and keep good margins.
What's in this guide
Quick answer: typical fees
As a rough guide across the UK in 2026, expect:
- Inventory & check-in: from around £90 for a small studio up to £240+ for a large house.
- Check-out: usually a little cheaper than the inventory — often £80–£210.
- Mid-term / interim visit: typically £60–£110.
These are indicative ranges, not fixed prices. London and the South East tend to sit at the top of each band; other regions sit lower. Furnished properties always cost more than unfurnished ones of the same size, because there's simply more to record.
What drives the price
Four things move an inventory fee more than anything else:
- Number of rooms. Every room, hallway, cupboard and outdoor area is documented separately, so bedrooms and reception rooms are the main lever on price.
- Furnished or unfurnished. A furnished let means recording every item — furniture, appliances, crockery, soft furnishings — with its condition. That can double the time on site versus an unfurnished property.
- Level of detail and photography. A thorough, heavily photographed schedule of condition takes longer to capture and write up than a light-touch summary — and it's worth more, because it holds up if a deposit is disputed.
- Travel and access. Distance, parking, and waiting for keys or contractors all add time, which is reflected in the fee.
Fee ranges by property size
The table below is a realistic starting point for an unfurnished property — a furnished let costs more, because there are more items to record. Treat it as a guide to help you budget (if you're a landlord) or set your rate card (if you're a clerk), and adjust for your region.
| Property | Inventory & check-in | Check-out |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bed | £90–£120 | £80–£105 |
| 2 bed flat | £110–£150 | £95–£130 |
| 3 bed house | £140–£190 | £115–£160 |
| 4+ bed house | £180–£240+ | £150–£210+ |
Who pays — landlord, agent or tenant?
This one catches people out. Across England, Scotland and Wales, tenants generally cannot be charged for inventory, check-in or check-out reports under tenant-fee legislation. In practice that means:
- The landlord pays for the reports, either directly or through their letting agent.
- Managed properties usually have the agent arrange and bill the inventory as part of their service.
- Trying to pass the cost to the tenant can breach the rules and risk penalties, so reputable clerks and agents don't do it.
Rules do change and differ slightly between nations, so if you're a landlord or clerk, confirm the current position before agreeing who pays.
Setting your own fees as a clerk
If you're building an inventory business, price per report by property size and don't race to the bottom. A few principles:
- Anchor to local rates. Find out what nearby clerks and agents charge, then position yourself just below the busiest competitors while you build a reputation.
- Compete on quality and turnaround, not price. Agents pay for reliability — clear photos, consistent detail, and a same-day PDF win repeat instructions.
- Keep your costs tiny. Traditional desktop inventory software can start around £35/month and tie you to a laptop. An app-based tool like Saroxai Clerk is £15/month (or £150/year — pay 10 months, get 12) with unlimited reports, so your margin is healthy from job one.
Ways to earn more per job
- Bundle check-in and check-out. Offer a small discount to secure the whole tenancy rather than a single visit — more revenue per client, less admin.
- Add mid-term inspections. A quick interim visit is easy income and gives landlords peace of mind.
- Brand every report. A polished, logo'd PDF justifies a higher fee and markets you to the next landlord who sees it.
- Turn work around fast. Same-day delivery from your phone lets you take on more jobs without extra desk time.
Run the whole business from your iPhone.
Saroxai Clerk gives you unlimited branded inventory, check-in and check-out reports, e-signatures, and your data in your own iCloud — from £15/month, with a 14-day free trial.