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Got a property inspection due? Do you dive in with confidence or drag your feet? If you’re leaning towards the latter, a fresh perspective and new approach could make all the difference.
Property inspections are more than a mere obligation; they can serve as a valuable tool for landlords. They can help preserve your property’s condition and improve tenant living conditions and satisfaction.
The secret to getting more out of property inspections? Preparation. If your property inspections lack direction or you feel unsure what to ask your tenants, this article will help you transform your process. We’ll explain more about the importance of property inspections and reveal some of the most important questions you should ask tenants – and yourself – during these visits to ensure no stone is left unturned.
Why Are Property Inspections Important?
Let’s face it; nobody gets excited about property inspections. But while they may sound like a chore, they are a crucial part of being a landlord. Here’s why.
They help you identify any repairs, maintenance, or replacements required – The main point of property inspections is to provide you with an opportunity to check out if any part of the property requires repairs, maintenance, or general upkeep. It’s a proactive approach that could save you a lot of money in the long term by catching problems early on. After all, it’s easier and cheaper to fix a small leak now than it would be a water-damaged ceiling later. Maintaining your property is also beneficial to tenants as it helps to keep their living conditions safe and comfortable.
They help you to identify any signs that tenants might be breaching their contract – Most tenants are well-behaved, but now and then, you’ll encounter a situation where someone has breached their contract either intentionally or unintentionally. From unsolicited pets to secret sub-letting, it’s better to discover these issues sooner rather than later.
They allow you to document the condition of the property – As you walk around inspecting the property, it’s a good idea to take photographs to document the condition at the time of inspection. This means you have clear, up-to-date records to fall back on if any disagreements arise later down the line.
They are essential for legal compliance – Property inspections are not only important for keeping your tenants safe and comfortable, they’re also a legal requirement. It is your responsibility to ensure that the property you rent out to tenants is safe to live in, and property inspections are the perfect opportunity to check fire, gas, and electrical safety.
They allow you to build rapport with tenants – Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of good old-fashioned rapport. Inspections allow you to check in with your tenants, answer their queries, and show your commitment to maintaining a safe and comfortable living environment for them. It’s a simple way to build trust with tenants and maintain a good reputation as a landlord.
How Frequently Should Property Inspections be Carried Out?
Now that we’ve got to grips with why property inspections are so important, you probably want to know how often you should be carrying them out.
As standard, all landlords should inspect the property at the start and the end of a tenancy. At the start, you should check that everything is in excellent condition for when your tenants move in and document this to compare the condition at the end of the tenancy. Then, at the end of a tenancy, you’ll want to inspect the property to ensure that there aren’t any damages that fall outside of reasonable wear and tear.
But what about during the tenancy? The frequency with which you conduct property inspections whilst your tenants live there is down to you to some extent. However, you should ensure you stipulate the frequency in the tenancy agreement so that there are no surprises for your tenants. Generally, most landlords carry out property inspections about once a year. However, as a precaution, you may want to inspect the property more often during the first year, maybe once every six months.
It’s important to strike the right balance. You want to inspect the property often enough to catch any problems early on but not so frequently that you become a nuisance to your tenants.
Top Tips for Property Inspections
Moving onto the more practical side of things, we’ve got a few important tips for you before we discuss what exactly you should be asking and checking during a property inspection.
Use these handy tips for every property inspection for a smooth and hassle-free process.
Give notice – Ok, take note as this one’s very important. You should never rock up for a property inspection unannounced. Not only is it likely to ruffle a few feathers, but it’s also against the law. Ensure that you always give tenants at least 24 hours notice of a property inspection, preferably by email, text message, or letter, so that there is documented evidence that you have done so.
Don’t judge – Here’s a reality check for you: your version of ‘clean’ might not be the same as your tenants’! And whilst your eye may start to twitch at the layer of dust or unwashed plates in the sink, remember, it’s ok; if they’re not causing any damage to the property, try to live and let live.
Plan and prepare – A successful property inspection is usually the result of good preparation. Remember that you’re there to inspect, not have a cursory glance around and a natter. Before you arrive, consider what questions you will ask and what you’re looking for.
Stay calm and professional – While most property inspections are routine, not all will go as you hoped. Not all tenants will care for your property as if it were their own. Remaining calm and professional will help you to handle any situation that comes up.
Take a checklist – To ensure that you don’t overlook anything, download and print out our property inspection checklist and take it with you to tick things off as you walk around.
Document the inspection – Finally, don’t forget to document the inspection by taking photos. These photos will then serve as a useful record of the property’s condition. This is a great way to keep track of changes over time and provide visual evidence if a dispute arises.
Questions for Landlords to ask Tenants During a Property Inspection
While tenants are not required to be home when you conduct the property inspection, it’s in everyone’s best interest to do it when they are available. After all, a property inspection isn’t just about you peering at the windows and checking that your tenants are keeping the bathroom clean. It’s an opportunity for you to connect with your tenants and get their insights on the property they live in daily. Often, you will find that there may be niggly little problems with the property or appliances that tenants are living with and haven’t thought to mention to you until the inspection arrives.
A property inspection is also a good opportunity to gently remind tenants about their responsibilities regarding maintaining their health and safety and looking after the property.
Just remember to keep the tone light and professional and ask questions tactfully. Be careful not to sound accusatory or like you’re interrogating them – it should be a friendly chat!
Here are a few important questions to ask your tenants during a property inspection:
How often are you testing the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms? – It’s important for tenant safety to test the fire and carbon monoxide alarms regularly. You should test them yourself whilst you’re there and remind your tenants of the importance of doing so.
Do you keep the fire escapes clear and the fire doors closed? – It is the tenant’s responsibility to ensure they comply with your fire safety advice. This includes advice about keeping fire escapes clear and fire doors firmly shut. While there, check that everything is in order and remind tenants of their role in maintaining fire safety.
Have you had any problems with the heating, boiler, or hot water? – Ensure you arrive at the inspection knowing the boiler’s last service date. Boilers in rented accommodation should be inspected by a Gas Safe engineer annually. To ensure that the boiler is working efficiently, you can also check that it is set at the correct pressure.
Have you had any problems with the electrics? – Faulty electrical appliances, overloaded extension leads, and faulty wiring and plug sockets are amongst the most common causes of fire in rented properties. If tenants have experienced any problems with the house’s electricity or electrical appliances, you should call in a qualified electrician immediately. During the inspection, check for signs of damage to electrical sockets and light fittings. Before the inspection, check when a professional last inspected the electrics. They should be tested by a qualified and competent professional at least once every five years.
Have you had any problems with the plumbing? – Leaky taps, blockages, and a dodgy toilet flush are all minor annoyances that tenants may not necessarily report straight away. However, they could easily grow into more serious problems if left unfixed. Asking the question can prompt tenants to recall any problems they may have had so that you can check them out and arrange for any maintenance required.
Are all the appliances in full working order? – Again, tenants might not always report minor appliance problems if they don’t impact their day-to-day life. Perhaps one of the hobs on the oven has stopped working, or one side of the toaster no longer heats up; you won’t know unless they tell you. How your tenants respond can give you a better idea of which appliances need maintenance or may soon need replacing.
Have you noticed any problems with the drains or gutters? – Finally, ask about the drains and gutters. Have they noticed any problems, blockages, or bad smells? You may want to bring a ladder to check that the gutters are clear, as leaves and debris can quickly build up and cause a blockage, and blockages can lead to leaks, damp problems, and damage to the property.
Ask these questions to uncover hidden issues and get an honest insight into your property’s condition.
Questions for Landlords to ask Themselves During a Property Inspection
As well as asking your tenants questions, there are also some questions that you should ask yourself as you walk around the property (and definitely not your tenants!)
Are there any signs that the tenant may be breaching their contract? – Every tenancy agreement is different, but most agreements now ban smoking indoors and subletting, and many landlords still don’t accept pets. If this applies to your agreement, look out for signs that your tenants may be breaching these rules, like nicotine stains and smells, pet hairs and scratched furniture, or signs of extra people living at the property.
Are there any signs of damage that go beyond wear and tear? – While it’s normal for rental properties to experience reasonable levels of wear and tear, look out for signs that the damage might exceed the usual.
Does it look like the tenant is keeping up with cleaning the property? – Make a mental note about the cleanliness of the property. Does it look like tenants are falling behind with the cleaning? Remember that everyone’s standards of cleanliness are different, but if you’re concerned that the lack of cleanliness could be causing damage to the property, then a tactful nudge about maintenance and some advice about how best to look after the property may help.
Are there any signs of damp? – Damp and condensation are common property problems, especially in older properties. A damp property doesn’t just look bad; it can be a health hazard too. When inspecting the property, look out for mould, musty smells, wet walls, flaky paint or bubbling or peeling wallpaper; these could all be signs of damp. If you notice any of these, it’s best to find out the cause immediately to prevent the problem from causing further damage to the property. Often, there is a simple reason for sudden damp problems; a slipped or missing tile on the roof or a blocked gutter could be the culprit, both of which can be quickly and cheaply fixed.
Are the windows and doors all in good condition? – Make sure windows and doors are in good working order and check the condition of their frames to see if any maintenance is required. Careful maintenance can extend the windows and doors’ lifespan and help keep the property secure.
Are there any signs of pests? – A pest infestation isn’t just inconvenient and gross; it can also pose a serious health hazard for your tenants. Look for signs of pests, like droppings, gnaw marks, or even actual bugs and rodents.
Does the garden require any maintenance? – If the property has an outdoor space, don’t forget to check that out during an inspection. Check if any plants need trimming back and whether any rubbish or waste needs removing. An unkempt garden is an eyesore, and it can even attract pests.
Does the exterior of the property look in good condition? Finally, before you go, take a step back and assess the condition of the property’s exterior. Check if the walls are in good condition and look for missing roof tiles or structural issues. Remember, problems on the outside can quickly become problems on the inside if left unchecked.
At the end of your inspection, chat with your tenants about your observations. If any repairs or maintenance are required, give them timescales for how soon you expect these to happen. Remember, you are responsible for ensuring these repairs are completed within a ‘reasonable’ timeframe.
When you approach property inspections with professionalism and a plan, they present a great opportunity for you to show your tenants that their safety and quality of living matter to you. Carrying out regular inspections is a smart move that can save you time and hassle in the long run. It allows you to spot problems as they develop and before they become more serious and expensive to fix. Property inspections also allow you to keep your property in excellent condition, helping to retain the value of your investment.
So, don’t put off your next property inspection! Embrace and view it as a strategy to enhance tenant relationships, uphold property value, and ensure a smooth and successful tenancy.
