You’ve just arrived at uni, unpacked your bags, and maybe even decorated your room with plants and posters. Before you get too comfy, there’s one super important thing to tick off your list: your room inventory.
Think of it as your room’s report card. It’s your chance to say, “Hey, that scratch on the desk? Not mine.” By completing your room inventory, you’re protecting yourself from being charged at the end of the year for damage that was already there when you moved in.
Here’s what to do
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Download the Home at Halls app (Apple or Google Play)
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Find the inventory prompt – it’ll pop up or be right on the home screen
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Check your room – walls, furniture, fittings, windows, appliances. Look out for scratches, wobbly chairs, missing bins, or anything that looks a bit off
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Submit within 5 days – that way, everything’s officially recorded.
Spot something that’s more than just cosmetic? Like broken furniture, heating issues, or a faulty appliance? Log it separately through the reporting feature in the app so it can be fixed quickly.
To find out more about reporting defects and our maintenance response times, visit our Home at Halls page.
Why it matters
Repairs and replacements can be expensive. In the past, students have been charged:
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£145 to repaint a bedroom wall
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£138 for a computer chair
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£354 for a fridge freezer
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Up to £700 to replace a bedroom carpet
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£675 for a cooker
…all because damage wasn’t logged properly at the start.
You will only ever be charged for repair or maintenance work where the damage was caused by you (or your guests). If that happens, you’ll be told the total cost as soon as possible, and the charges will be added to your student account with the University. This is exactly why we encourage you to complete your room inventory at the beginning of the year – so you’re not mistakenly charged for damage caused by a previous resident.
It only takes a few minutes to do your inventory, but it could save you hundreds of pounds later. Future You will thank you when move-out day comes around.