Landlord inspection

[crazybutkind]

Wondering if any landlords could give me some info.
Basically I have rented for 13 years from 4 different landlords, during these tenancies I have never had an inspection.
Landlord is coming this morning to inspect the property, we moved in in august. He text earlier in the week to arrange a time all fine and fair play to him for keeping on top of his properties i just don't know what to expect.
I have kept myself awake at night wondering what it involves. I have spent the last 2 days cleaning the house top to bottom. In my opinion the property is immaculate and we haven't changed anything haven't put loads of stuff on the walls (mainly because I rely on my OH for that but we roll with it)
Is he going to want to look in cupboards and drawers....I ask this because they are not immaculate
I just don't know what to expect. I'm an over thinker anyway but the thought of him opening the boiler cupboard in particular makes me cringe. I just haven't got round to sorting it yet and it's packed with bedding and towels and coats.

Am I just being silly or do I need to quickly run upstairs and start tidying it?

He won't look in cupboards and drawers, unless you have a cupboard with electrics or gas works in there (sometimes meters are tucked at the back). If that's the case I'd make it accessible.

An inspection is just to check there are no maintenance issues, and that everything is ok with the property, for it and YOU, so if there are any niggles now is the time to air them, no matter how small. Good landlords will want to address creases early on, as small problems caught early are usually much cheaper to fix than if they're left to become big ones!

They will likely test smoke/CO alams too, and check fences/gutters etc if this is relevant.

We are renting at the moment and we have regular inspections by a third party. She comes and takes photos of all the rooms and inside the fridge/appliances and even takes photos inside the loo itself! She doesn't open cupboards or drawers but the above I find intrusive enough.

Other rentals I've lived in other the years inspected by just looking around. Some didn't inspect at all. It seems incredibly variable depending on landlord/agent.

They generally just want to make sure it's still in good condition, i.e. no breakages of things they provided, no stains on carpets, no holes in curtains .. whatever might go wrong, they're checking for. They're not expecting it to look like a show home, 100% clean, or even 100% tidy. They will expect to see a lived-in home. Please don't worry about it!

I am a little surprised that they're doing inspections at the moment though, what with other households not allowed in houses etc. But never mind.

They will be checking to make sure everything is in working order. Safe and no repairs are needed.

Mention if there are any niggles you’d like fixed. This is your moment.

Imo good landlords do this to make sure the rental is still ok and you aren’t suffering in silence with a dodgy appliance.

No, they should not be opening drawers or looking in your fridge. If you have your laundry piled high that isn’t a landlord concern.

If you have pets when you are in a no pet rental that’s a issue, but they aren’t there to check up on you. Or they shouldn’t be.

Thankyou everybody, don't know what I was worrying about he came with his wife they both said it was lovely and that they will leave me alone now they don't feel the need to do regular inspections. They only stayed 5 mins had a quick look around and off they went. I can sleep tonight

It includes things like checking the smoke alarm works, that there aren't trip hazards such as carpets peeling up in the corner, looking to see if there is mould, if fences have fallen down or are on e verge of doing so.

So yes, it's to see if you're wrecking the house (perhaps moved several dogs in, have done lots of damage) rather than to see what your cleaning standards are, but also to check they are meeting their obligations to you. You are paying rent and so the Landlord needs to ensure it is safe and you are getting what you're paying for.

Definitely consider if there's anything you're not totally happy with. It is definitely the time to mention it.

And often, once you've had one, they become less regular. Really you don't sound like you've anything to be concerned about....but I fully understand it's not a pleasant experience.