A traditional inventory documented what was present. Modern inventories document what is present, how long it has been there, how it has performed in the past, and what the likely future trajectory looks like. The difference is subtle, but powerful. Today’s reporting templates identify visual clues to early deterioration. Light surface scratches can reflect deeper underlying wear. Minor grout discolouration may provide a warning of subsequent susceptibility to moisture. Early thinning of carpeting frequently presages future balding of traffic areas. Even minor marks on worktops can predict whether materials are vulnerable to long-term staining. These observations become a forecasting tool when structured and collected over multiple tenancies. This, of course, is why more landlords rely on a condition report early on in the process. Used correctly, it becomes a living document that reflects both the current state and projected path of wear.