Rental Property Inspection Checklist for Landlords in Watford
David Clayton posted on 1st August 2022
If you are a landlord in Watford or thinking about becoming a landlord in Watford, you must be aware of the need to conduct regular property inspections.
Whilst they may seem inconvenient, they are necessary and valuable for both the landlord and the tenant. It means that the landlord can ensure that their property is being taken care of, and the tenant can be satisfied that the property they reside in is fit for habitation.
What Is A Periodic Inspection?
A periodic inspection is a regular check of the property’s interior and exterior completed by the landlord or letting agent to ensure it is in good condition, that the landlord is adhering to their responsibilities, and the tenant is complying with the tenancy agreement.
Why Regular Property Inspections Are Important
It is advisable to carry out regular property inspections for several reasons, such as:
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Checking on the tenant’s living conditions to be assured that your tenants are looking after your investment.
Identify any minor issues so you can tackle them before they become worse.
Ensuring the property is kept in good condition can improve your relationship with your tenants.
Provides an opportunity to remind tenants of their responsibilities.
How Often Should Landlords Carry Out Property Inspections?
In general, it is advised that landlords conduct inspections on a quarterly or bi-annual basis in the first year of the tenancy. This can be reduced to yearly once you have had several inspections with the same tenants and are satisfied they are taking care of the property.
Maintaining a positive relationship with your tenants is important, so be careful not to conduct too many of these inspections. Remember that your tenants have the right to ‘quiet enjoyment’ of their home, and a disproportionate number of visits may be considered harassment.
Giving Notice
The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 states that the landlord must give the tenant a minimum of 24 hours written notice, and the inspection must be conducted at a reasonable time. If anyone other than the landlord or agent will carry out the inspection, you must include this in the written notice.
What To Look For During Periodic Inspections
Primarily, you should make essential health and safety checks. These include:
Ensuring smoke alarms are in working order and replacing batteries if required.
Checking the hot water and boiler are working correctly. It is best practice to have your boiler serviced annually.
Checking the electrics. Look for signs of damage or issues with lights and electrical appliances. Remember that you need to provide all tenants with a valid Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) at the start of their tenancy. An EICR remains valid for five years from the date it was carried out.
Ensuring all appliances and in safe working order.
Ensuring all fire escapes are clear and the fire door closes properly.
Checking for dampness and mould.
Checking for leaks both internally and externally and blocked drains and gutters.
Checking for pest infestations.
You should also use the inspection to ensure that the tenant is abiding by their responsibilities in the tenancy agreement and keep an eye out for any breaches.
If you do not allow smoking in the property, you should look for signs of this occurring, as any smoke damage can be costly to correct. Smells should be easy to detect, but be wary of strong scents being used to mask the smell. Another sign is nicotine stains on the walls and ceilings.
If you don’t allow pets, you should look for signs such as pet hair, or damage likely to have been caused by an animal such as scratches on doors, etc.
Look out for signs of illegal activity such as drug paraphernalia or weapons.
Also, look for damage to the property. Most of the time, tenants report damage, but if you notice something they haven’t reported, you should discuss this with them and arrange a repair.
Inspections & Inventory Reports
It is a good idea to write a report following the inspection and provide a copy to your tenant. This will show that you are abiding by your responsibilities as a landlord and can also be used as evidence should you need to take your tenant to court for any reason. Property inspection report templates can be easily found online.
Can The Tenant Refuse Entry?
In most cases, the tenant can refuse entry. There may be a reasonable explanation for this. For example, if the date and time are inconvenient for the tenant. This can be easily rectified by offering another date. But there are occasions when the tenant point-blank refuses entry at any time of the day.
Ensure that you keep a record of your communications with the tenant and advise them that you will not be responsible for any injury to the tenant or degradation of the property if this is a consequence of being unable to access the property. It is also worth advising them that they will be liable for costs caused by the deterioration of the property due to lack of access for inspection and repair of any damages.
If the tenant refuses access, you mustn’t force entry as you would be breaking the law. In these circumstances, you would need to obtain a court order to gain access to the property.
Inspection Clauses In Tenancy Agreements
Ensure that you add a clause within your tenancy agreement, specifying that the landlord or letting agent has permission to access the property to carry out an inspection. This will ensure that the tenant is aware of your rights and responsibilities and will be prepared for inspections.
Entering The Property In An Emergency
In the case of an emergency, the landlord is entitled to enter the property without permission or notice.
If you are a landlord in Watford and would like further advice about periodic inspections, then contact us at Claytons Estate Agents today.
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David Clayton
Claytons blog was created to give light hearted but hopefully useful property related thoughts and advice.
David started his career at former family firm, Weller Hill Hubble aged 17. The company was later purchased by General Accident property services and David went on to become their youngest ever manager and Area Director. However, disenchanted with corporate life he decided to return to his old roots and start a personal, service driven Estate agency. In 1991 Claytons was born and has grown into one of Watfords most well known and successful businesses. Outside of work David , who still lives locally is married with 3 children and a cockapoo called Teddy.
