Flat inspection (renting)

lowlitmemory

Hello all,

We had a letter through last month advising that the estate agents will be 'inspecting' the property on xx date, and if we would like to rearrange so we could be there then to let them know.

That's all fine, I don't actually mind them coming round to inspect and it'll be an incentive to give the place a proper tidy and spring clean!

I was just curious as to whether this is common practice. We've lived here since September and rented short-term before that and never had an 'inspection'. What are they looking for - just that we're taking care of the property? Surely they can't be charging us for anything at this point given that we're not moving out (that they know of) and so we still have an opportunity to fix anything broken before we leave?

BigAlC

Inspection is just that. They seem to be a bit hit and miss at the best of times.

All it is, is so that they can look like they are earning their money, and let the landlord know what the condition of the property is. Ideally you should have a form to check and sign once it's complete to make sure they don't try and make it difficult when you leave.

nick_

This is common practise, especially for new tenants so don't worry.

The number of times they visit is dependent upon the type of LA they are (i've found higher end LA's inspect more) and how comfortable they are with you as a tenant.

For example I had two inspections quite close together in my current property but only received one in 12 months in my last house.

All they're looking for are signs that you are looking after the place. Make sure everything is clean, all your pots are washed and that the place is well ventilated (if its an old property where condensation is likely to occur).

Panda78

Had these every 6 months in my last flat, which i thought was a little over the top. Not had them with my current EA. To be fair, they were in and out so quickly, the EA told me that they can tell as soon as they walk through the door that the place has been looked after. They are really looking for actual damage rather than any natural wear and tear.

tbs624

The purpose of the inspection is generally so that the LL can meet their repairing/maintenance obligations so use it as a two-way process: if there are any issues that you are aware of them have them listed out ready ( and keep your own copy)

If you would prefer to be present at inspections ( and many Ts do) then confirm this *in writing*, copy kept, to the LA.

It sounds as though your LA is in fact behaving reasonably, by confirming that they will agree to an alternative time/date if this is more convenient to you ( as they should do)

Don't feel you have to tidy up- the property is your home. Provided that you are doing nothing that would cause the property/its furnishings to deteriorate how you choose to live has nothing to do with the LA/LL

emmylou1983

We have a tenancy inspection every 3 months here! (been here 8 months now)
They just have a quick check round to make sure nothing has been damaged really, we flag up any maintenance issues with them, they note anything we need to do
eg our last inspection said front garden was overgrown and paintwork in living room was scuffed and marked (the joys of having 2 young children!)
We reported to them a leak on the living room radiator and a loose hing on the bedroom door.
Hope that helps

spugzbunny

It's standard practice. We have them yearly but previously it's been every 6 months.

They want to make sure you haven't painted the house pink, installed a water feature in the downstairs loo and moved in 50 mexican midgets.

I use it as an opportunity to point out minor repairs and they usually use it as an opportunity to remind me I'm not a great gardener and I need to cut the wilderness back!

nick_

tbs624 wrote: »

Don't feel you have to tidy up- the property is your home. Provided that you are doing nothing that would cause the property/its furnishings to deteriorate how you choose to live has nothing to do with the LA/LL

I think this advice is a bit misguided. The LA doesn't want to come into an untidy house, it really doesn't give a great first impression. If they come into a bomb site, they're likely to think, "christ, this tenant isn't looking after the place".

FATBALLZ

nick_ wrote: »

I think this advice is a bit misguided. The LA doesn't want to come into an untidy house, it really doesn't give a great first impression. If they come into a bomb site, they're likely to think, "christ, this tenant isn't looking after the place".

If they don't want to come into an untidy house they are entitled to !!!! off and stop hassling the tenant. Noone is saying footprints on the walls are fine but there's certainly no need to tidy up as if you are preparing for a viewing to sell/let the place.

BitterAndTwisted

Who cares whether the property is tidy or not? It's no business of the agent or the landlord what their tenant's standard of house-keeping is. That doesn't necessarily stop some agents being completely impertinent. Unless there is any damage the agents can keep their opinions to themselves! What is important is that there are no repair issues which either the tenant hasn't noticed or hasn't reported. What does impact on the landlord is what the condition is when the tenants vacate. Until then, they can keep coal in the bath if they want to.

nick_

FATBALLZ wrote: »

If they don't want to come into an untidy house they are entitled to !!!! off and stop hassling the tenant. Noone is saying footprints on the walls are fine but there's certainly no need to tidy up as if you are preparing for a viewing to sell/let the place.

Whether you, or the OP like it or not first impressions count and that sort of attitude doesn't really cut it in the real world. In a similar vain, if you're not prepared to let the LA inspect the property !!!! off and buy your own place and do what you want with it.

If I was in the LL's position (the LA is acting on their behalf) I would want to know that the tenant is looking after my house. That includes it being tidy - would you not agree that an untidy house is usually a dirty house? Whilst I agree it doesn't have to be spotless, letting the LA view it as an untidy mess is just asking for trouble. I am speaking from experience here.