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A recent survey by Direct Line has revealed that 83% of UK landlords have experienced breaches of their tenancy agreements by their tenants, urging landlords to carry out more frequent property inspections.
According to the survey, the most frequent breaches are related to the cleanliness and maintenance of the property, with 36% of landlords reporting this problem. Another 29% said that their tenants failed to inform them of things that needed repairing.
Carrying out regular inspections is a huge part of the Guaranteed Rent service we offer here at Elliot Leigh. Our dedicated property inspectors carry out inspections every 9-12 weeks, ensuring that properties are kept to a good standard, are not being sub-letted and that there are no suspected welfare issues affecting the tenant and as such, the property.
How to conduct a property inspection
Include inspections in the tenancy agreement
At the beginning of the tenancy, it’s important to have it clear in writing that inspections will be conducted throughout the tenancy. It’s also important that the tenancy agreement outlines the rights and responsibilities of both parties
Advance communication
Prepare a checklist
Timely intervention
Protect yourself with a deposit scheme
Tenancy breaches revealed by landlords
The Direct Line survey found that the most common tenancy breaches involved damage or alterations to the property, pets, smoking/vaping, redecorating without permission and causing nuisance to neighbours.
The survey also revealed that only 55% of landlords conduct property inspections every six months, while 21% do so only once a year. A further 10% said that they only visit their properties at the beginning and end of the tenancy, and 14% said that they visit less often or only when they suspect a problem.
The importance of regular inspections for landlords
Elliot Leigh truly recognise the importance of property inspections, hence why its an integral part of the service. This not only gives the landlord peace of mind that their property is in good hands, but also potentially saves them money by preventing minor issues before they erupt into an expensive problem.