Regular property inspections protect your investment and help you maintain good relationships with tenants. Here's how to conduct effective inspections compliantly.
Property inspections are one of the most important — and most neglected — aspects of effective property management. Regular inspections allow you to identify maintenance issues early, confirm the property is being cared for appropriately, and maintain a positive ongoing relationship with your tenants.
Your legal right to inspect
As a landlord, you have the right to access your property to carry out inspections, but this right comes with legal conditions. You must provide at least 24 hours' written notice (although many landlords give a week or more as a matter of good practice), and visits should take place at a "reasonable time" — typically between 9am and 6pm on weekdays, or as agreed with the tenant.
Entering a property without proper notice — except in a genuine emergency — is potentially an unlawful intrusion and could be treated as harassment.
How often should you inspect?
Most professional landlords conduct inspections quarterly (every three months) during the first year of a tenancy, then twice-yearly once a good track record is established. Some landlords also conduct an inspection shortly after the tenancy begins (after 6-8 weeks) to address any early concerns.
The frequency of inspections should be specified in the tenancy agreement.
What to check during an inspection
Structure and exterior: note any damage to walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors. Check for signs of damp or water ingress.
Safety: check smoke alarms are working, there are no blocked escape routes, gas appliances are working correctly and have no visible damage.
Maintenance: check for any maintenance issues that require attention, whether or not they have been reported. Tenants sometimes don't report issues.
Condition: assess whether the property is being maintained in reasonable condition. Note any damage beyond fair wear and tear.
Garden and exterior: where applicable, check the garden is being maintained as required by the tenancy agreement.
Documenting inspections
Use a consistent inspection report format. Take photographs to document the condition at each inspection. These records can be invaluable if a deposit dispute arises at the end of the tenancy.
Handling issues found during inspections
If you identify maintenance issues, action them promptly. If you have concerns about tenant behaviour — excessive rubbish, evidence of smoking or pets in breach of the tenancy, signs of subletting — address these calmly and directly, referring to the relevant terms of the tenancy agreement.
Our management service conducts regular professional inspections and provides detailed written reports to landlords after each visit.