Mid term inspection of our rental property

steveouk

Hi, Just a quick question about an inspection we have tomorrow. What will the person from the letting agents be looking out for?


I will do my best to make sure the place is as clean as possible before they come around. Its not too bad now but I suppose it always is nice if a good impression is made!

Guest101

steveouk wrote: »

Hi, Just a quick question about an inspection we have tomorrow. What will the person from the letting agents be looking out for?


I will do my best to make sure the place is as clean as possible before they come around. Its not too bad now but I suppose it always is nice if a good impression is made!

They look out for damage, they ask about any repairs that need doing.

they are not there to judge how you live.

bouicca21

When I was renting the inspection guy said the main thing he was looking for was signs of a cannabis farm. He'd had an unfortunate experience in the past ...

But seriously it's just to see that the place is being looked after.

G_M

It depends who they are!

Some amateur landlords (perhaps renting out their former home) expect tenants to keep it clean, tidy, spotless. Even some agents view this as the purpose.

However, the law does not require you to do more than

*behave in a 'tenant-like manner' and
* return the property at the end of the tenancy in the same condition as at the start less fair wear and tear.

Obvously creating health hazards, or causing damage is out, but otherwise you can live there as you wish. It's your home.

the inspection should be about

* identifying repairing issues
* ensuring no tenancy breaches are taking place (sub-letting, running a business etc)
* ensuring no criminal activity

Rather than spending time doing extra cleaning (though by all means use it as a reason to Spring Clean if you wish), sit down and identify any problems: funny noise from boiler? Tile slipped off the roof? Window jammed? Then talk through the list during the inspection.

If you think you want to stay longer, it's also a good chance to informally discuss the LL's plans when the tenancy ends.

steveouk

We are looking to buy our own place so don't want to stay much longer. We want to go on to a rolling month contract but the landlord lives away and the estate agents seem to have trouble getting hold of him.


Anyway I will check for any issues, there are a few, but I am not sure if we should have to put them right or not? We had an issue with a leaking roof on the lean to and this was fixed but where do we stand in terms of internals?


There are two curtain rails that need fixing and also sealant needs renewing in the bathroom and kitchen. The property was not in the best state when we took it on but we got more major things sorted so I feel like I am being a bother asking them to fix little things?

RAS

You need to get on record that there are minor repairs so you have evidence if there dispute about damage at the end of the contract.

Minor problems like sealant can end up being major problems like collapsed ceilings and rotten beams.

With regard to the rolling contract, you do not necessarily need approval.

Just refuse to sign the new fixed contract and you will automatically become periodic UNLESS there is anything in your current contract that states otherwise. Find the current contract and report back.

ognum

The inspection is. As much about you flagging issues to the LA as it is them checking on you.

Make a note of everything that needs attention, discuss it with the LA and follow it up with an email after they leave.

If the LL chooses not to sort them out then at least you will not be charged for them when you hand the property back.

My agent informs me when he is going to visit in case there are any issues I want him to discuss and then sends me a list of issues, usually there are none sometimes it is just a case of the tenant asking if they can do something.

This is your chance to have your say about your home, use it!

stator

Concentrate on things that might cause permanent stains if left. eg bleach the bathroom sealant and grout etc If there are any marks on the carpet get them cleaned out whilst you still can.
Make sure the windows don't have mould around the edges etc.
Also make sure there is no evidence of drying clothes indoors.

jjlandlord

stator wrote: »

Concentrate on things that might cause permanent stains if left. eg bleach the bathroom sealant and grout etc If there are any marks on the carpet get them cleaned out whilst you still can.

Surely any decent tenant would do that as a matter of course throughout his tenancy, not matter any inspections.

steveouk

ok many thanks. Don't think we have any issues with stains etc.

GBNI

Anytime I had an inspection I just made sure the place was tidy and the cat was out of the way! (he was allowed, but he wasn't the most friendly of chaps the letting agent never even checked upstairs.

When I moved out, they rang to thank me as they'd never had a property returned in such good condition, lol!