Longer tenancies have put greater importance on a full and valid inventory, rman.co.uk reports.
With such a strong letting market, more tenants than ever have requested long-term tenancies from their letting agents in order to secure the property they want for the length of time they need it.
This has also proved beneficial to landlords, who see the void times in their properties to rent lowered - as well as the peace of mind from hanging on to good tenants for a much longer time period.
Research from ARLA (the Association for Residential Letting Agents) found that, on average, tenants are staying in their properties for around 19.3 months; a 17 per cent increase on 2009's figure of 16.5 months.
However the long-term lettings market has put a greater importance on landlords to ensure the inventory is full and complete. This means that once the property has been vacated, they can easily tell what is down to fair wear and tear - compared to what may actually be damaged.
Speaking to landlordzone.co.uk about the trend, managing director at ARLA Ian Potter explained: "This increase in the length of tenancies will invariably lead to greater wear and tear in rented accommodation and fewer opportunities for 'downtime' between tenancies for landlords to make improvements.
"Landlords and tenants alike should remember that disputes over deposit returns can be one of the biggest headaches facing both parties, but these can easily be avoided if a professional inventory is prepared."