Landlord doing inspections - how often is 'reasonable'?

Emanef

We're renting a property and the letting agent wants to come and do an inspection "is being kept to a satisfactory standard, that we are happy and also to discuss any maintenance issues we may have".

It seems they want to do this every three months - is this acceptable or reasonable?! We've never had a landlord do inspections before and it feels a violation of our right to quiet enjoyment. We very much look after the property so have no reason for concern, but it feels like they are overstepping their rights.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

newbie1980

i make inspections every three months in the first year of any new tennant then maybe 6 monthly then yearly as long as everthing is ok

itchyfeet123

I've been in my current place for 11 months and no inspections. However, the LL does his own repairs so he's been over twice.

Actually, in 16 years of renting in four countries, I don't think I've ever had an inspection. I certainly would never agree to more than 2 a year.

G_M

Many contracts between landlords and their agents stipulate quarterly.

But like newbie above I think that's OTT once a tenant has settled in and a LL/tenant relationship of trust has been established.

bris

Three months is common with the agents so perfectly acceptable at your convenience of course.

Cakeguts

It is a good time for you to mention any problems you have.

MERFE

I agree it affects quiet enjoyment and imo is excessive. We asked our agents at the first inspection and they said they could change them to 6 monthly after that one but their system automatically sent a letter requesting another after 3 months. When we were with private landlords it was always a yearly thing which is often enough to keep an eye on a property.

The_Real_Cheddar_Bob

its just another way to be reminded that tenants are largely exploited by those select few who are nothing but "mortgageable".

I hated renting. The inspections made me feel like a second class citizen, and I suppose I was.

I would say quarterly inspections are excessive. Unfortunately it seems to be the norm, set out by agents and landlords who are likely to have never been on the receiving end of such a level of privacy invasion, justified by making sure their "asset" (usually paid for with borrowed money) is ok, with little or no regard for the people they are exploiting.

i'm obviously in a grumpy mood, but there's my two pence worth.

Cakeguts

rjwr wrote: »

its just another way to be reminded that tenants are largely exploited by those select few who are nothing but "mortgageable".

I hated renting. The inspections made me feel like a second class citizen, and I suppose I was.

I would say quarterly inspections are excessive. Unfortunately it seems to be the norm, set out by agents and landlords who are likely to have never been on the receiving end of such a level of privacy invasion, justified by making sure their "asset" (usually paid for with borrowed money) is ok, with little or no regard for the people they are exploiting.

i'm obviously in a grumpy mood, but there's my two pence worth.

You obviously didn't have very good landlords or always chose a type of rented property. Inspections if done correctly are a good thing for both the landlord and the tenant. I agree every 3months seems a bit too often but they need to be done at sometime just to make sure that the house is still in good order and by that I don't mean to imply that the tenant has broken something but more that there isn't something beginning to happen that could turn into a big problem if not sorted out. Many younger tenants have never owned a property so they might not know what to look for. It is also the time when the tenant can discuss any problems with the house that they might have.

The time between inspections may depend on the tenant and how long they have lived there for.

Not all landlords borrow money to pay for rented property.

Argghhh

if you have any issues with the house and on the inspection you reported it - if it wasnt done, then i would refuse the 2nd inspection until they have resolved the issue you raised on the 1st inspection. If they resolve it promptly i would let it happen, 5 minute walkaround is hardly end of world as long as they do it when it suits you. Change the locks until end of tenancy so no sneaky drop ins

coffeehound

I rent direct from a private LL. Communications are minimal and he's never requested an inspection in 16 months. However, I believe he has let himself in and looked around while I'm at work. I'm not happy but find it preferable to a formal inspection regime. May just fit an internet camera though...