There are tens of thousands of landlords in the UK.
Each has dozens of responsibilities to consider.
Inspections of their properties are a big part of this.
So, what is a property inspection? And can a tenant request one? Keep reading to find out.
What is a property inspection?
A property inspection is when someone visits a property to assess its general condition or a specific issue.
This is common in properties with tenants because the landlord needs to maintain it to a certain standard.
There are different levels of detail in a property inspection. The most basic ones involve:
- An inventory check: A detailed assessment of the condition of a property at the beginning and end of a tenancy.
- A general check: This could be done randomly or at scheduled points.
But more specific inspections will examine
- Heating and cooling systems
- plumbing
- electrical work
- water and sewage.
Why hold a property inspection?
Some of the most common reasons a property inspection occurs are:
- To decide whether to return a tenant’s deposit
- A tenant has requested it (more on this below)
- To keep a landlord insurance policy valid
- To ensure that no rules are being broken (the landlord might suspect they have a problem tenant)
- Determining its value, in preparation for sale (a landlord might be selling a tenanted property or planning to sell after tenants leave).
An independent party should complete an inspection.
If the landlord inspects a property and deems it in terrible condition, this may be open to debate. These matters sometimes end up in court for that reason.
Different types of house inspection
Many house inspections occur to examine a specific part of the property.
Many inspections are related to specific issues.
This might be because a tenant has complained about it. Common examples include:
- Roof inspections
- Pest inspections
- Mould inspections.
More in-depth inspections might look at all these things or a combination of related factors.
A landlord property inspection is done by the landlord themselves or an independent professional.
It usually happens in the middle or end of a tenancy to see if any damage is done to the property.
An environmental health house inspection is another common example.
This is when a specialist looks at the property to identify anything that presents a health risk to those living there.
Asbestos, lead, and legionella might be on their radar.
Survey and valuation house inspection
You might come across a survey and valuation house inspection.
This is typically ordered by a bank or building society that wants to determine the property’s value.
This helps lenders decide how much money to lend on it.
Inspection vs valuation
The terms inspection and valuation are often used interchangeably. But these are technically different.
The former considers the condition of the house. The latter determines its value. The two are linked but often fulfil different roles.
Home Insurance Inspection
An insurance provider inspects a property when the owner has made a claim against the property.
They’ll visit to inspect and document:
- What damage is done
- How bad it is
- Whether it can be fixed
- What the cause was.
Can a tenant request an inspection?
Yes, a tenant can request a house inspection.
They can request one for several reasons:
The tenant wants their deposit returned
A common reason is because the tenant wants their deposit back. So, they want to prove that the house is in good condition when they move out.
Photos should be taken by either/both parties to demonstrate what the house looks like.
If unfair deductions are made, the tenant can make a claim about this.
There is a problem with the property
A tenant can also ask a landlord to inspect a house if something is wrong.
This might be a hole in the roof, a pest infestation, or electrical wiring that is not fit for purpose, for example.
The tenant may be doing this to demonstrate that fixes are needed.
Confirming a property’s condition
Whether a house is in ‘good condition’ is often debatable. So, some tenants ask for independent analysis, including photos and a report.
These matters will occasionally go to court if one party withholds money from the other.
How long does a house inspection take?
It’s very rare for a house inspection to take more than two hours.
Some properties in terrible condition might need longer to look around. This also applies to large properties.
However, if the goal is to note the ‘general condition’ and make an inventory list, this can often be done within one hour.
Who pays for a house inspection?
The landlord usually pays for a house inspection.
The only main exception is when a bank demands that an inspection be carried out before they lend on the house.
In this case, the bank themselves will often foot the bill.
The Tenant Fees Act stops landlords from charging tenants for certain types of payments, including those related to property reports.
Check your tenancy agreement for more guidance and speak to a legal expert.
What landlords’ legal responsibilities for inspections?
Landlords should give at least twenty-four hours notice before an inspection occurs. It also needs to occur at a reasonable time of the day.
An explanation must usually be stated before a landlord can order an inspection. And during the inspection, tenants’ right to privacy (also known as the right to quiet enjoyment) must be protected.
The Tenant Fees Act means that landlords should cover the cost of a house inspection, even if the tenant requested it.
There may be some exceptions, such as if the inspection is related to an early termination of the tenant’s contract.
A landlord is legally required to complete some types of inspection.
Common examples are:
- Gas safety inspections every 12 months
- Electrical inspections every five years
- A new Energy Performance Certificate every 10 years.
