So-called accidental landlords are at danger of being on the losing end of disputes over tenancy deposits because they do not get to grips with the rules.

Pat Barber, chair of the Association of Independent Inventory Clerks, says that accidental landlords – who find themselves letting out homes (usually their own, but sometimes properties they have inherited) when they have been unable to sell them – fail to understand what tenants want.

Accidental landlords often do not clear out enough of their own stuff before letting the property, and then fail to get proper inventories done.

Her invaluable advice is in today’s blog on this site.