Landlord/Letting Agency Inspections (Time Frame Advice)

[Greenkit]

So in the new property and have a letter for inspection, all fine.

They have given a time window of 4 hrs, so I rang today to ask how long the inspection lasts to be told it was 15 to 20mins. I asked f I could have an actual time they would be attending, but no they cant do that. They have 6 or 7 people to see and cant specify.

I said 4 hrs is a lot of time to take of work for a 15 to 20min call, and they said no worries they would just let themselves in if im not around. But I don't really want that.

AIBU that 4 hrs is a big window, I mean an hour would still be workable for them surely???

Well it’s your choice, be there or don’t but I’m afraid you’ll find you’ve signed s contract agreeing to their terms.

We have a similar issue with our Letting Agent, except they just advise someone will visit between 9 am and 5 pm. I have recently had to take a full day off work so that I was present during the inspection as neither myself nor my partner like the thought of someone being here alone!

One thing that has worked for me in the past is telling the Letting Agent that you don't want someone in the property when you're not there because when you've done this previously, with a previous Letting Agent, you have had things stolen and are worried about this happening again. Ask them about liability if this happens. I think you'll probably find that they're more helpful, in terms of giving you specific times - my Letting Agent will very often offer to come first thing!

Well it’s your choice, be there or don’t but I’m afraid you’ll find you’ve signed s contract agreeing to their terms.

Law overrides contract. They don't have the right to gain access for anything other than an emergency.

Thank you Barbar and Aghhhh

I want to be there and Im happy to have the inspection, but 4 hour window is unreasonable.

Yes SenoritaViva I did sign a contract to allow inspections, but no they didn't tell me it would be a four hour wait for a 15/20min inspection...

AGHHH yes they do have the right to inspect the property and /or to carry out essential repairs. They have to give 24 hrs notice. Many landlords do their best to be reasonable. Some don't. Maybe have a friend or neighbour there instead if it means taking time off work. Personally, we always arrange a mutually convenient appt with a tenant. We have had occasions when tenants don't tell us about an issue that needs fixing until damage has been done, eg water leaks on a bath seal.

So they attended and took pictures of every room??

What's that all about

It is for an ongokng record of the condition of the property. Also they mày jave agreed that they will forward pictures to the landlord.

Greenkit I am an inventory clerk, I work for a number of agents and do interim inspections all the time.

Timing wise it is different everywhere. Because inspections are so short they are often done in a block, so specific times can be quite difficult. I often do inspections without the tenant present because of that - usually the ones I did a check in with as they know me! Maybe after this you could consider that!

Pictures are included so that there is a record of the general condition and any changes. Mainly to reassure landlords and, in the event of a deposit dispute, to show who did what, when. All pictures should be of rooms in general. No opening of cupboard etc. But I will pay attention of an area looks unkempt, mainly sinks, baths etc, as water issues can be very expensive and a complete pain for the tenant.

The inspection is a 2-way street. The first thing that should be done is that the tenant is asked if there are any issues they want to report: dripping taps, intermittent faults, anything that could grow into a bigger issue. It is good if a tenant reports problems when they start, it allows a good landlord to stay on top of things, prevent them growing into big problems.