Private landlord inspection - what to expect?

Hopejack

Been in our property almost 2 years, renting privately, LL never done an inspection as he lives away. He has contacted us to say he'd like to inspect at Christmas which is odd considering he's never bothered before (we also do not have an inventory/statement of condition from when we moved in!). What should I expect at the inspection? Should I accompany him around every room or let him look himself?

He is v lax and hasn't been v quick at getting repairs done - some are still o/s. The house is damp (in one particular area the most) and although we've reported it recently as it's getting much worse, he's done little about it apart from say he'll inspect when he comes! The damp was there when we moved in but it has got worse due to the wet/damp weather we've had lots of recently!

Should I talk to him about these issues when he's here or continue to put things in writing (I normally email him to ensure I have a 'paper trail')?

We are hoping to move out in Spring anyway so I don't want to 'rock the boat' too much as I want to move out on my terms/timing

poppysarah

Write a bit list.
Make a copy for you and one for him.

As he comes in give him a copy and say "I'm glad you're here, I've written this list of repair issues. Can we go round and look at them now?"

planning303

My LA has a specilist bloke who comes round every 6 months to do an inspection.

By his own obmission he is looking for 2 things:

1, clear evidence of more people than stated living there (subletting to 10 - 20 immigrant workers sort of thing)

2, a cannabis factory

our inspections take about 30 seconds and are not intrusive at all. he's never even made it up the stairs!

I would defo take the opportunity to complain about the damp and other issues that are outstanding though, then email him saying something like, "in regards to our discussion about the issues *list issues* discussed whilst inspecting property. To keep the paper trial going

Hopejack

Thanks for the advice.

So, I should walk around with him then? I don't like the idea of him looking in rooms without my being there.

Liggins, I'm also a landlord myself (so you would think I would know about the inspection!) but I have been renting out via an agent for the last 8 years or so - never again! Your post reminds me just why agents aren't always a good way to go! If the chap is doing an inspection, he should do just that, in every room!!!! Sorry, not a 'go' at you but it just shows how many LAs out there really do nothing for their fee! :mad:

I'm quite happy for my LL to have a good look around (within reason lol), just hope it doesn't take too long! I also worry what he's going to 'compare' the place to (i.e. flooring condition etc) considering we don't have an initial inventory/statement of condition from when we moved in!

PS - We have my parents staying at the time he wants to come (after all it is Christmas!) - so he may well think we are overoccupied

planning303

Hopejack wrote: »

So, I should walk around with him then? I don't like the idea of him looking in rooms without my being there.

Liggins, Your post reminds me just why agents aren't always a good way to go! If the chap is doing an inspection, he should do just that, in every room!!!! Sorry, not a 'go' at you but it just shows how many LAs out there really do nothing for their fee! :mad:

I would never leave his side during the inspection and in regards to your second point, I was never in any doubt that LA's are the masters of ripping people off ... my LL probably pays a 100quid or something mental for the inspection

inmypocketnottheirs

The dampness is possibly caused by airborne moisture unable to escape.

Where abouts in the property is it?
How old is the property?
Are there any airbricks or ventilation?
Is there double glazing?

Hopejack

inmypocket - thanks, but without sounding rude, I've answered this elsewhere already on this site so don't really want to go into it all again as I'm not really after advice on that here. Besides, I'm doing all the stuff I should be and it's not something we've caused - the damp is there because of the construction of the property - it is quite common in this type of property if there is no DPC. It is rising damp that has been left to get worse - not caused by condensation within the property.

ETA - as I said earlier, the dampness was there when we moved in, it's just got worse but that is to be expected in 2 years if it is not treated and considering the amount of wet/damp weather we've had.

Smit1970

The bloke just wants to make sure you are not trashing his investment. Most Landlord inspections take minutes.

Purpletopaz

We rent and initally our LL came every 6 months ( they had moonlight flitters before us! ) and we were nervous too! I owned my home previous, and to be honest didnt really like the intrusion, but I always lead them around the house and pointed out problems to them, no fuss, then they would point things out , such as the windows needed painting , guttering and such,( they are responsible for theose ) for the last 5 years we have been left alone apart from repairs.

Dont worry about it, and wear and tear should be expected!

Oh and i wont start on damp! and leaking roofs! ( buying my own home next year! ) Like you we are sitting it out for the time being!!!

theartfullodger

Unlike what most LLs & Letting Agents think, the LL (or his agent) are only legally allowed to enforce a check on the state & condition of the place to ensure it is still "fit for habitation" -i.e. to make sure they provide you a decent place, not to check if live in an acceptable way
(Landlord & tenant Act 1985 Section 8)...

8 Implied terms as to fitness for human habitation

(1)In a contract to which this section applies for the letting of a house for human habitation there is implied, notwithstanding any stipulation to the contrary—
(a)a condition that the house is fit for human habitation at the commencement of the tenancy, and
(b)an undertaking that the house will be kept by the landlord fit for human habitation during the tenancy.
(2)The landlord, or a person authorised by him in writing, may at reasonable tinmes of the day, on giving 24 hours’ notice in writing to the tenant or occupier, enter premises to which this section applies for the purpose of viewing their state and condition.

So you give him a list of faults with the place & ask him when he will fix them. If he says he doesn't like how you live - tell him to f*** off.

Cheers!

Lodger (A Landlord)

KSoni

I rented my last place through agent, paid the rent by SO. After 15 months got a call from my LL that he wanted to inspect the property. I made a list of problems. Met him for the first time in 15 months when he arrived. He looked around everywhere. Went through the list with me. I offered him tea. And then............ we talked for an hour on general stuff.,Man, he was damn intelligent. Got to send him gift this christmas.