Landlord spot checks on a rental property. Is this normal?

[FrenchandSaunders]

DD graduated last year and stayed in her uni city.

She’s obv not in student accommodation any more and is renting a house with two friends. They were aware that the landlord is allowed to give them notice to come round and inspect the property three times a year.

The first check was last week and the landlord moaned that they were untidy. There were clothes on bedroom floors and boxes that hadn’t been unpacked etc.

Surely this check should only involve checking that there is no damage to the property or fixtures. Not an assessment of their housekeeping skills. The place was clean but untidy.

They all feel as though it was a bit intrusive and doesn’t feel like their home now.

Maybe the6 felt the untidiness was to cover up issues such as damage to carpet. Next time they will be more organised.

@FrenchandSaunders

why is your question/title Are spot checks are normal?

then asked only about his comments?

this wasn't a spot check
it was a scheduled inspection.

They arent teenagers at home with messy bedrooms. They're supposedly adults. They need to grow up & fast.

They need to respect his property. I suppose if they want to live in a pig sty that's up to them )as long as they're not damaging his property, then mess is just mess, but they should have the decency to tidy up 3x a year, so he can see they're not damaging it!!

Technically, in England at least, you can't uphold a clause stating that you're going to insist on inspections for no reason. Tenants have what's called a 'right to quiet enjoyment,' and landlords don't have an absolute right to inspect.

How long ago did they move in? You mention them being recent students, so presumably it was July at the earliest, and perhaps a few weeks ago (the start of the academic year and perhaps the end of their previous student tenancy)? Ie., they've not had unpacked boxes since January (the calendar year).

I think if they've recently moved in, they perhaps out to politely point out the LL that they are still in the process of getting things sorted (because it never hurts to keep relations civil). Likewise, they shouldn't make a fuss, because you really don't want to get into citing 'my rights' if you can possibly help it.

It could be this is just a rather nervous LL who's had a bad experience, or a rather neurotic person.

I'd play it by ear and see if he calms down. As a PP says, while it's not legally necessary, it is politic to do a quick whip-round tidy up before an inspection.

As a PP says, while it's not legally necessary, it is politic to do a quick whip-round tidy up before an inspection.

I’m inclined to agree with this. My Dad (85) is renting a retirement flat and the agents did a scheduled inspection 3-4 months in. We made sure it was extra clean and tidy-not that he normally lives in a mess, but because it’s in my Dad’s own interest to demonstrate that he’s taking good care of the property so the landlord has a positive impression of him.

A tenancy contract does not override the tenants statutory rights ever, no matter what it says in the contract

The first check was last week and the landlord moaned that they were untidy. There were clothes on bedroom floors and boxes that hadn’t been unpacked etc.

They knew he was coming and still left clothes on the floor? Fucking hell. I would be very unimpressed if I were you or the landlord. You would think they'd have a bit of pride and maturity.

I'd keep watch of the situation to make sure that the landlord is not taking advantage, some men like to exert their control over young female tenants
also make sure there is no hidden cameras

@truthhurts23 That’s about of a stretch! Landlord inspections (with appropriate notice, of course) are pretty standard. Tbh, I’d be more concerned if a LL ignored a property from one year to the next. It’s also an opportunity for tenants to ask questions, discuss any repairs, etc. face-to-face.

"They arent teenagers at home with messy bedrooms. They're supposedly adults."

Exactly, they're paying customers with a legal interest in the property. The landlord isn't their dad and he absolutely should not be ticking them off like they were naughty children. Presumably their money is good enough for him.

him moaning and criticising their cleanliness is unprofessional and an insight into his character, he should have just reminded them to keep the flat in order in a non critical way
my first landlord was a grumpy lady but even she didn't criticise my messiness, she said as long as the flat isn't damaged and is in good condition she doesn't care about mess

The landlord isn't their dad and he absolutely should not be ticking them off like they were naughty children
this is what i meant

The landlord is overstepping. They cannot legally insist on the tidiness of a property, no matter what a contract states (unless it is causing damage). Your daughter is paying rent. It is her home. She should allow a reasonable inspections that do not impinge on quiet enjoyment (with at least 24hr notice, and at a mutually agreed time).

It may be worth her while joining her local branch of Acorn, if there is one. They work collectively to protect renters’ rights.

As others have said, as a LL I'd be bothered that untidiness potentially covered up damage, in which case he should have said it directly, not in the PA way he did.

@truthhurts23 It just surprises me that they didn’t bother to tidy up abit, neither side seems to be viewing the situation in a professional manner, tbh.

Perhaps the LL shouldn’t have moaned the way he did; on the other hand, to not be arsed to pick up clothes before a scheduled inspection shows a lack of respect for the property. Most people would make an effort.