As a LL can I inspect my property?

Icey77

I have a flat which has rented out to the same couple for the last year (ish) and they called my LA wanting another AST for 12 months when the current one ends.

I am very pleased they want to stay, I've tried to be a good LL - sorting out wasps nests ect promptly and they've been great tenants, paying their rent up front etc

I was wondering, as they have been in the flat for a while should I want/need to ask to make a review or inspection of the flat to see how everything is?

I don't want to invade their home but also I want to ensure that all is OK and in good repair with the flat. Is this a fair thing to consider or should I leave them to it until they eventually move out?

I have communicated with them via email so far.

Thanks

wanttosell

Of course you can just ask them,Im sure they will understand. When I rented the flat used to be checked every six mths, pretty normal.

IntheZone

Maybe different in the UK compared to Aus, but periodical inspections are the norm over here.

I believe if you provide 21 days written notice that its ok. If you have a property manager that handles your accounts it may be necessary for them to be present however.

MoneySavingSpender

You need two vital things under UK law as i understand it.

i) Give at least 24hours notice
ii) Be invited into the property by at least one of those named on the TA

Of course you can turn up and they can invite you in, no need for written notice, but for legal reasons I'd ensure I gave notice in writing.

Bungarm2001

If you have arranged periodic inspections with the tenant from the start, say evey 2 months, and had this written into the contract, then you have no problem. It's worth thinking about this for future contracts if you have even the slightest hint of worry. I'm not saying you have now, but for the benefit of newby LL's out there who may be reading this thread.

They sound like pretty reasonable tenants, and definitely worth hanging on to for as long as possible, and if I were their LL I would be led by them...just send them a friendly email outlining your intentions, and see what they come back with. You could go along with something like '...inspect the property for any future problems becoming apparent...' etc etc

Make it plain that it isn't them you are inspecting, but the property. Also, mention the fact that at the inspection, the tenants will find it a great opportunity to express any concerns directly to you.

Result...everybody happy.

HeadInSand_2

Bungarm2001 wrote: »

If you have arranged periodic inspections with the tenant from the start, say evey 2 months, and had this written into the contract, then you have no problem. It's worth thinking about this for future contracts if you have even the slightest hint of worry. I'm not saying you have now, but for the benefit of newby LL's out there who may be reading this thread.

They sound like pretty reasonable tenants, and definitely worth hanging on to for as long as possible, and if I were their LL I would be led by them...just send them a friendly email outlining your intentions, and see what they come back with. You could go along with something like '...inspect the property for any future problems becoming apparent...' etc etc

Make it plain that it isn't them you are inspecting, but the property. Also, mention the fact that at the inspection, the tenants will find it a great opportunity to express any concerns directly to you.

Result...everybody happy.

2 months would be pathetic! I'd certainly not consider a place with that in place. 6 months at most, if you're that precious about a place then maybe you need to reconsider being a LL and choose other investments. LLs that want to micro-manage every aspect of a tenant's life are clearly amateurs and wouldn't get my business.
The OP sounds like a very fair LL and I'm sure he's not looking to upset his good tenants. I'd just go for an annual check.

sooz

Certainly put your request to the tenants in writing - via email if this is how you currently communicate.

I ask at the same time if they have any minor niggles they want to bring to my attention, & say I want to come & check, amongst other things, the state of the bathroom silicone. Particularly if the bathroom is upstairs, this is something you want to keep an eye on annually. Even a tiny hole can lead to leaks, which then in turn can lead to much larger repairs.

If they have been there for a year, is it time to do the gas safety check again? I always try to accompany the corgi man, & if the tenants are there at the same time, this is when they will tell him that the tap is leaking, the radiator doesn't heat up etc. Then you have to try an explain to them that the corgi man doesn't deal with taps...:o

SquatNow

If you get on well with the tennants, the best thing is to ask them!

You angle is simple, you're looking to see if any repairs/updates need doing... which is true.

In terms of damage, you don't have any powers anyway.

It doesn't matter what damage they do as long as they put it right before they leave. If they want to hang pictures then they can as long as they fill the holes in and repaint. If they want to move some walls, that's their choice provided they put them back.

If you don't like what they've done, the most you can do is give them notice.

house184

section 6 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985

(6) In a lease in which the lessor’s repairing covenant is implied there is also implied a covenant by the lessee that the lessor, or any person authorised by him in writing, may at reasonable times of the day and on giving 24 hours’ notice in writing to the occupier, enter the premises comprised in the lease for the purpose of viewing their condition and state of repair.

SquatNow

house184 wrote: »

section 6 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985

(6) In a lease in which the lessor’s repairing covenant is implied there is also implied a covenant by the lessee that the lessor, or any person authorised by him in writing, may at reasonable times of the day and on giving 24 hours’ notice in writing to the occupier, enter the premises comprised in the lease for the purpose of viewing their condition and state of repair.

Fair point.
But I'de avoid mentioning acts of parliment while you have good tennants in. One of the quickest way to lose good tennants IMHO.

tbs624

Icey - you're obviously on good terms with your tenants. If it's presented to them in the same manner as in your post I can't think that they'd have a problem with that, provided that its arranged for a mutually convenient time.. It gives them the opportunity to highlight any areas of concern too.

(Have to say that I agree that Bungarm's two monthly inspections are way too intrusive IMO )