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What to Do If You Disagree with an Inventory Report

Caroline Hamren · Aug 20, 2026 · 5 min read

An inventory report is meant to be a shared, accurate picture of a property. Most of the time, landlords and tenants read it, recognise the home they know and move on. Occasionally, though, something does not look right: a stain that you are sure was there on day one is missing, a description feels harsher than the reality, or a room has been recorded as "clean" when you would not have called it that.

Disagreeing with a report is completely normal, and handling it well is one of the best ways to prevent a much bigger disagreement at the end of the tenancy. Here is a practical approach.

1. Read the whole report first

Before reacting to one line, read the report from start to finish alongside the photographs. Many apparent errors are resolved by the photos themselves: an item described briefly in the text may be shown clearly in an image. Note the page or room reference for anything you want to query, so that everyone can find it quickly.

2. Be specific about what you disagree with

Vague comments such as "the report is wrong" are hard to act on. It is far more useful to say exactly what you think should change and why. For example:

• "Bedroom 2, wardrobe door: there is an existing chip on the lower edge that is not mentioned."
• "Kitchen: the oven was not fully clean at check-in; please see my photo taken on the same day."
• "Living room carpet: the report says 'good condition', but there is a visible worn patch by the balcony door."

Specific, factual comments are easy to check and easy to add to the record.

3. Put it in writing, promptly

Raise your comments in writing, by email or through whatever channel your agent or landlord uses, and do it as soon as you can after receiving the report. The sooner you respond, the more clearly the comments relate to the condition of the property at that moment, rather than something that might have changed since. Keep a copy of what you sent and any reply.

4. Add your own dated evidence

If you have your own photographs or videos from the same day, attach them. Dated images are especially helpful because they show the same item from another angle or in different light. Keep the originals safely, as you may want them again at check-out.

5. Keep the tone constructive

Remember that the purpose of the report is to protect everyone. A polite, factual note invites a quick correction. Most landlords and agents would much rather fix an inaccuracy now than argue about it in a year's time. If an independent inspector prepared the report, they can review the comments against their notes and photos.

6. Agree how the comments will be recorded

Ideally, agreed corrections are added to the report or attached as a signed or acknowledged addendum. Where you cannot agree, it still helps to have your comments attached, so that the record shows that the point was raised at the time. That way, if questions come up at check-out, everyone can see the full picture.

Why this matters in Dubai

Dubai's landlord and tenant law, Law No. (26) of 2007, provides that a tenant should hand the property back in the condition in which they received it, except for ordinary wear and tear or damage due to reasons beyond the tenant's control. It also provides that disputes between the parties are referred to the competent tribunal, today the Rental Disputes Center. In practice, that makes the condition of the property at the start of the tenancy a central question, and a clear, agreed record of it is valuable to both sides.

If a disagreement ever did reach the Rental Disputes Center, its published requirements for registering a case include a copy of the latest lease (Ejari) and supporting documents such as correspondence and notices, which must be in Arabic or legally translated. Keeping your report, your comments and any replies together, in an organised way, means you are not scrambling for them later. This is general information, not legal advice; if you are facing a dispute, consider speaking to a qualified professional.

A quick checklist

• Read the whole report with the photos.
• List specific points with room and item references.
• Reply in writing as soon as possible.
• Attach your own dated photos.
• Ask for agreed changes to be added to the record.
• Keep copies of everything.

If you would like an independent record of your property, Invecheck can help. Our experienced, independent inspectors offer flexible appointments, including weekends, an onsite consultation, and a clear, room-by-room digital report delivered within 3–5 business days. Book your check-in, check-out or handover online in a few minutes.

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