Property Inspection

Timewarp

Never had it before but at the house we're currently renting the letting agency want to do a property inspection which they said is a standard quarterly thing they do. That's fine as I know they have their reasons for giving the landlord piece of mind, but it does make you feel like its you being inspected and gives you another reminder that you're renting! I said I'd be in for the inspection as I feel less comfortable with them "going through things" with one of us not being there.

Just wondered what to expect from this. Do they go through the whole inventory, or do they just have a look round the house to get a feel if everything is alright? How long do they spend "inspecting"?

I know this will vary from letting agency to letting agency, I just wondered what people's experience of these was. Ta!

BitterAndTwisted

Generally it's to ensure that the property is still in the same condition as at the beginning of your tenancy and also so that you are able to bring anything that needs to be done to the agent's attention. It's generally not worth their while to do an interim inventory, so anything you might have put in storage somewhere is irrelevant until you hand the property and its contents back at the end of your tenancy. You could argue that as the landlord's property is safely stowed and not in use the landlord isn't suffering any wear and tear on their precious items so you are actually doing them a favour!

Kindly note that you are fully entitled to not allow the LA access unless you are physically present, at a time that is convenient to you.

adg1

Rob_Leeds wrote: »

Reason I ask is that we stored a few items at a friends house as we didn't need them or have enough storage space in the house for them, but we're technically not allowed to remove things according to the tenancy agreement. Ta!

Basically, the things you removed need to be returned to the property when you leave in the same condition as when you moved them out and you in.

If the items aren't, then you will lose part of your deposit in accordance. If the agent asks during the inspection then mention they are safe in storage and you understand that they need to be put back in at the end of your tenancy.

The inspections are mainly to ensure there are not major issues with the house such as mould/enormous cracks in the walls/that you have opened your very own cannabis farm in the back bedroom using highly flammable lighting rigs which may burn the whole house down.

(Sorry took reply from the other thread you have running)

theartfullodger

The agent thinks they are doing an "inspection" to check you are looking after the place properly....

However the only legal right they have to do one is to check that the place is still OK for you (and if you want to live like a pig & keep the curtains drawn all the time, the sink full of incontinent goldfish, that is your privilege...)


- see

"Landlord and Tenant Act 1985"
"Section 1"


Section 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 times 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.

Section 11
Repairing obligations, short leases. In particular sub-clause (6)

(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.

- so, prepare a list of the things you've already told them need fixing and also anything else you'd like done (heating upgraded, a couple of windows replaced with better double-glazing..) and ask them about that lot... they will be surprised... Then ask them to confirm, in writing, what they will be doing to fix things & when...

If they suggest you should change the way you live, thank them kindly for their contribution & bid them good day..

You do not have to let them in... or the Landlord, or anyone else if you don't want to...

However, if you are too unhelpful you may find a notice2quit arriving...

Cheers!

Lodger (Landlord since 2000)