Rental property inspections

megc_2

We are renting a house and the agent seems to expect to do 2-3 monthly inspections of it. Today she came and made comments to my husband about it 'looking clean enough, what I can see as you have so much stuff'. She then stayed she would let the owners know and would come again in 2-3 months. We have downsized from a 3bed to a 2 bed house and have not yet fully unpacked boxes in one room. We are very particular about cleanliness.
Is this normal when renting? It's not mentioned in the tenancy agreement and it's never been expected in previous tenancies I've had through other agencies.
It made my husband feel quite uncomfortable, like our way of living was being criticised. We paid a deposit equivalent to one months rent which would be available should the property be unclean if and when we move on. The agent also did the usual references and checks prior to us moving in so knows we do not leave properties dirty or damaged in any way.
So, is this usual? Is it legal and enforceable? Do we have to allow the agent entry to do these inspections?

theartfullodger

What does your tenancy agreement say about inspections if anything??

every 2-3 months is perhaps a bit frequent: Agent probably charging landlord for doing it. You can object, you could change the locks, you could refuse but remember thanks to Thatcher's "section 21" eviction process a landlord needs no reason at all to evict you.

Clean & tidy only really matters when you leave: If you want to keep coal in the bath, mouldy dishes in the sink & dirty clothes strewn in bedrooms fine, as long as the place is returned as-was, less "fair wear & tear". Next time present agent with a list of repair items they need to attend to, a cup of tea & a biccie then maybe just smile and say thanks for pointing this out, how valuable and kind of you Mr Agent then simply ignore them. But chase up anything they need to fix (good draft letter on Shelter website)


Artful: (Landlord since 2000).

PasturesNew

I always felt uncomfortable and 'judged', so I decided to be a bit more forceful during the viewings .... of course, it also depends on who you're dealing with.

When they knocked, I opened the door and said quite clearly "Ah, you've come to see it's still here, I've not painted it all black and there's no cannabis farm".... I then lead them round the place pointing these facts out to them.

Opened bedroom door "See, no cannabis farm"
Kitchen: "You can see it's all still here and I've not painted it black"



Of course, if you get a stroppy git you might just annoy them

But it made me feel better about them.

G_M

The other way to approach this is to turn it on its head and treat the inspection as what it actually is: a time when the landlord can find out what work needs doing.

Prepare a list of issues eg
* tile slipped off the roof - needs replacing
* boiler not working, or approaching time for its annual inspection (push for an annualservice too)
* squeaking hinge on front door
* no keys for the window locks provided
* fitted stair carpet is loose - trip hazard needs fixing
etc etc

Take control of the 'inspection' and walk round pointing out each item.

If the agent makes comments about dirty dishes etc, casually reply "Oh don't worry, we'll do the washing up before the tenancy ends." with a friendly chuckle, and then point out the lack of smoke detector upstairs......

Follow up the inspection with a friendly letter:

Dear Mr Agent,

Thank you so much for your time last Tuesday. Just to recap, we discussed the following items which require attention:

*
*
*

Perhaps you could kindly let me know in the next few days when your contractors will require access?

Assuming that the above issues are resolved satisfactorily, can I suggest there will be no need for a further inspecion for 6 months. We can communicate in November regarding a convenient December inspection date.

Yours sincerely,

Send it to the agent AND the landlord.

glasgowdan

I like that idea from G_M!

Oh-no_3

Arrange a dinner party for when the inspection takes place so they feel awkward for interrupting. For extra points, get someone to do a loud speech about how grateful they are for everyone's support during their recent piles operation. Naturally, the dress code for the party should be fancy dress.

G_M

or on a similar theme, have a children's birthday party in full swing:

20 odd 9 years olds (or should that be "20 odd 9 years olds ") hyped up on sugar running/screaming round the house.........

megc_2

Hehe! Thanks for all those suggestions! I particularly like the kids party idea (extra coke freely available!) and the opportunity to provide a detailed list of repairs. I think we may start preparing a 'snagging' list now, although to be honest we are really lucky, with a fantastic property that needs virtually no repairs.

bouicca21

When I was renting I had 6 monthly inspections. I am chronically untidy, hate spending time on cleaning, and made no effort to be tidy when the guy came. He always said that the main purpose of the inspection was to check for a cannabis farm ...

When I left it was very different - I cleaned until the place was immaculate, so that there could be no excuse to withhold my deposit. It was even noted on the check out inventory that the place was cleaner than when I moved in.

lewishardwick

G_M wrote: »

or on a similar theme, have a children's birthday party in full swing:

20 odd 9 years olds (or should that be "20 odd 9 years olds ") hyped up on sugar running/screaming round the house.........

Not in my property! "No parties in excess of ten people without landlord permission!" LOL

Guest101

lewishardwick wrote: »

Not in my property! "No parties in excess of ten people without landlord permission!" LOL

Love it, as that to the list of "Not enforceable."