Landlord doing inspections - how often is 'reasonable'?

-taff

I rented a place for 2 years, inspections were quarterly, I can't see a problem with an hour every three months.

Guest101

-taff wrote: »

I rented a place for 2 years, inspections were quarterly, I can't see a problem with an hour every three months.

An hour?

Inspections should be couple minutes per room.

-taff

Guest101 wrote: »

An hour?

Inspections should be couple minutes per room.

And I'm doing worst case scenario, which is still only an hour every three months. Hardly a violation of quiet enjoyment.....

[Deleted User]

I know my LL asked for inspections every three months at one stage.,. but this was after I'd lived in the place for a year. He said that he'd had someone turn one of his properties into a pot farm so he wanted to inspect all his properties every three months.

When we first moved in, he was coming round with no appointment at first, so I used to answer the door saying I was just on my way out, could he text with an appointment next time please.

I did point out (over the pot farm inspections) that surely he could see by now that I wasn't likely to start up a pot farm? He was a bit uneasy but never actually started the three monthly inspections, thank goodness.

Its one of the reasons I found private rental awful.., it felt like I had no rights even though I was paying rent. Inspections and 'calling round' made me feel invaded. But I am aware that is probably an individual reaction. It stopped the place feeling like a home though.

wjr4

When we rented via an agent we had 3-monthly inspections. It was quite annoying as we were clearly working professionals who wouldn't have damaged the property/were hardly in the property but I suppose you have to treat everyone the same.

KingS6

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.

Don't forget the LA's who use tenants' homes as **** pads whilst the tenants are out at work.

KingS6

rjw4 wrote: »

When we rented via an agent we had 3-monthly inspections. It was quite annoying as we were clearly working professionals who wouldn't have damaged the property/were hardly in the property but I suppose you have to treat everyone the same.

Treating everyone as innocent until proven guilty not as scum.

Peter333

Argghhh wrote: »

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

I agree. If the issues you raised on the first inspection are not done, then refuse any more inspections.

Once a year is enough IMO. Well maybe go in once after say 3-4 months, then once a year after. It's a violation of privacy, and a violation of the tenants right to quiet enjoyment to go every 3 months.

coffeehound wrote: »

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...

No way! I would change the locks. he has no right to enter YOUR HOME without your permission, when you are not there. Sounds like a very weird thing to do. Why on EARTH would he go in with you not there?! :eek:

G_M

Guest101 wrote: »

An hour?

Inspections should be couple minutes per room.

Oh come on - it takes a good few minutes for the kettle to boil. Then you've got to get the tray laid and give the tea time to brew (I hate weak tea).

And cake should never be rushed or you just end up with indegestion.

Callie22

-taff wrote: »

I rented a place for 2 years, inspections were quarterly, I can't see a problem with an hour every three months.

In the last place we rented, the agency insisted on quarterly inspections. I felt it was too frequent, and what was really annoying was that they said that they had to take place during business hours, so if I wanted to be present I ended up having to take a half-day's annual leave for each inspection. It was deeply irritating that they insisted on 'professional, working tenants' but then acted in such a way as to prevent me working (and yes, I accept that I could have let them inspect alone but the owner of the agency was quite frankly slimy and there was no way he was having access to my 'home' /bed/underwear drawer when I wasn't there ...)