Inspection reports from letting agent?

[BrassicaBabe]

Hi
We have 2 buy to let properties. I like the letting agent. He seems good all round. We chat about the property condition, but I've never had an inspection report. Is this normal? I've never been inside the
tIaproperty since it was let.
TIA

They might do them but just not send you a copy. Phone them and ask, how often does it say in the tenancy agreement?

I've looked through my agreement with him and there is no mention. I don't know what the one with the tenant says. I've asked for one before but nothing has arrived.
My impression is that overall he's a good agent but that his admin to me is lacking. But then I'm also beginning to get a niggling doubt. It's a little nerve wracking owning somewhere that you don't see and also don't get a regular repot on. So was wondering what others get and what's normal or if I should chill out

I have one done once a year. I would ask for a formal one. You will pay for it though and sometimes they are done by a specialist company.

I hope you aren't paying them much? What percentage management fee. Do you not have a copy of the tenancy agreement?

It would be normal to have an inspection report at least every six months for the first year - possibly every three - and they can reduce after that. I am very surprised that there is nothing in the lease/contract about inspections.

We rented out a property and that was inspected every six months.

At the same time, we were renting a property to live in and that was inspected every three months (after previously dodgy tenants!).

11% management fee. Nearly ebpverything is extra. However I am pleased with the service and have good tenants.

You do realise that's a lot? What part of the country are you?

We pay 10%. The inspections happen about 6 monthly. Maybe more in the first 3 months with a new relationship. If I ask they refer to the report but I don't get a copy.
If this is normal then I'm prepared to chill out But I'm prepared to turn up the heat if not

That sounds about right, I would be tempted to ask for a copy though. Are you local to be able to do a drive by once in a while?
I would keep the heat on them to ensure they do the inspections.

Our letting agent is renowned locally for having a linked repairs company and deliberately allowing properties to deteriorate so as to maximise the money they make on repairs. If they aren't giving you regular reports or billing you for preventive maintenance they're probably doing the same.

As a tenant I would add ours is 6 monthly and pictures are taken which are passed by agent to LL

11% isnt a lot and if inspections are the only issue then its a fair price IME agents are a pretty bad lot and price paid seems to make no difference.

Inspections should be every 6 months as a rule and you should get a written report based on differences from the inventory.

I think 11% is a lot if nearly everything else is extra as a pp suggested.

A bad agent can cost you thousands, so if this one has found good long term tenants, she likes him, he finds time to chat to her, he seems 'good all round', then Id suggest an extra 1% or £5pcm (if rent is £500) isnt alot.

11% is fine, its the extras, which should really be included, apart from maybe a set up fee.

Fab. Thanks all. Feel a little better in that I don't have a hugely unusual setup but that I can still tighten things. X