Interim Inspections of your rental property

Interim Inspections of your rental property

Periodic inspections

As a Landlord, we know periodic interim inspections are vital to avoid unnecessary costs & complaints from your tenant, and this allows you to keep on top of maintenance.

Landlords have the right to enter the premises under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1925, so that they can view its ‘condition and state of repair’. However, you must provide at least 24 hours’ written notice and perform the inspection at reasonable times of the day.

Interim property inspections are handy for highlighting repairs needed, ensuring tenants are looking after the property and check on general wear and tear.  A room by room inspection should take place and exterior of property also recorded.

Keeping on top of property compliance

Landlords are legally required to have all gas equipment maintained by a Gas Safe registered engineer done yearly and the latest record must be given to the tenant within 28 days of the check.  A carbon monoxide alarm is advisable for any room with a solid fuel burning appliance.

You also need to be certain that all electrical systems, such as sockets and light fittings are safe.  A smoke alarm is legally required on each floor and should be checked periodically.

Although rare, it’s worth being aware of anything suspicious in case of illegal activity. Are tenant’s refusing access or making it difficult to visit?  If they are doing something illegal in the property they will want to avoid unwanted attention by causing you, the Landlord, problems.

Keeping property records

A written report will cover everything ‘as seen’ and if there is anything wrong with the property, photographs are essential.  Using a Professional Inventory provider keep the report independent and impartial which is preferred when going through arbitration at the end of a tenancy.

What to do it tenant refuses access to property

There are two reasons you may be refused entry to the property. If they don’t know you very well they may feel reluctant to let a stranger into their home or because they are trying to hide something they don’t want you to see.  If all fails, the next step would be to apply for a court order. To enter otherwise could be considered trespassing or harassment.