Flat Inspections by Letting Agent

silvercar

The balance is whether the inconveniance of 3 monthly inspections is worth more than the hassle of finding a new flat to rent where the landlord will guarantee to limit inspections.

clutton_2

i think this is possibly one of the most boring threads on here at present

as nobblyned says chill out mate - chill out

Barcode

Then don't be insulting. I asked a question and wanted to clarify something. I didn't expect to be insulted. That speaks more about the morons doing the insulting than me.

Melissa177

Barcode wrote: »

I do appreciate your perspective. From ours, we're professional people, and feel like we have signed up for a babysitting service. There is also the implication that we are not to be trusted.

Now, the LL does of course, want to know that his property is in a good condition. I'm just not sure why there is a big deal about going from three to six months. And as I've said, this issue is made worse by the fact nothing has been pointed out to us before. That is bad form and unprofessional.

I went nuts the first time I had an inspection at my old rented property. As far as I was concerned, this was my home and I had the right to peaceful enjoyment of it.

My housemate was much more laid back - she wanted the deposit back at the end, and was prepared to compromise with the LA (although she was annoyed at the inspection regime too).

Anyway, I stayed in whilst they came around, and the guy spent no more than two mins in the house. After that, we let the inventory clerk in on his own.

We got our full deposit back - eventually (see other thread) - but it definitely convinced me to scrape together the money to buy a place of my own, so I didn't have to worry about quarterly inspections.

Barcode

Yeah, my girlfriend can afford to buy, but wants to wait a while as prices seem quite unrealistic in this area at the moment, and it's cheaper to rent. Incidentally, we were asked by the LL if we were interested in buying before renting here, and said a definite no. If we go that route, there are slightly nicer flats in the development.

I know it must seem like I'm overreacting (majorly stressed about other things at the mo.). I don't respond very well to changes and any intrusions. GF is more willing to deal with the agent than I am, which is best as it will avoid any argument.

Melissa177

clutton wrote: »

i think this is possibly one of the most boring threads on here at present

as nobblyned says chill out mate - chill out

With due respect, Clutton, that is because you are a landlord. Of course you want to know that your property is being looked after. In the same way, though, an Englishman's home is his castle - and privacy is paramount. I was very annoyed at the idea that I was being treated like a kid, the implication being that I could not be trusted to look after someone's property. After all, that was what the deposit was for right?

The most annoying part of the letter I received was where it reminded me to "do the hoovering and the washing up before the inspection". It is of no business to the LL or LA if I do the washing up or hoovering. They should only be worrying about physical damage to the property.

daphne_descends

Melissa177 wrote: »

The most annoying part of the letter I received was where it reminded me to "do the hoovering and the washing up before the inspection". It is of no business to the LL or LA if I do the washing up or hoovering. They should only be worrying about physical damage to the property.

At 7 months pregnant, the inspection clerk looked me up and down and said 'well it's about time the grass was cut'. Patronising git.

Rain_is_Insane

[quote=Melissa177;6527968

The most annoying part of the letter I received was where it reminded me to "do the hoovering and the washing up before the inspection". It is of no business to the LL or LA if I do the washing up or hoovering. They should only be worrying about physical damage to the property.[/quote]

I'm in total agreement of that Mel. If i don't want to wash my coffee cup I won't !!! The inspection process should be about anything that is covered under "fixtures and fittings" I don't consider my ashtray, or my bathrobe on the bathroom floor as such!!

There's a huge divide on opinions about these inspections and yes i agree they should be carried out to protect the LL if nothing else, however, i do think that if 2 quarterly inspections have been carried out to satisfaction, some negotiation is not unwarranted.

Barcode

What does washing or hoovering have to do with anything? Granted, it might look a bit chaotic, but that's of no consequence. If I received a letter like that, then I might just do the opposite as it is insulting. Really, some of these agents need to learn how to word things so they don't offend.

GF asked me last night if we should tidy up for when they come round. Uhmmm no. We are working people and will tidy when we have the time. Sorry, am a bit confrontational today (!). Just wish we could have a nice, friendly agent for once.

coal9011

I don't get ANY inspections ..... I'm feeling a little "lonely" and "left out" of it all! (mind you I don't have a Letting Agent) :rolleyes:

Until the last 12 months, my LL has only bothered to look inside his property 3 times in 9 years (I could be up to anything).

I would quite like an inspection now and then especially if it was by a pretty young lady "estate agent type" wareing a smart business suit (with the obligatory "too short" skirt) asking me "probing" questions

Perhaps it would make me less grumpy!