UK Landlord Forum / Life

A question for Landlords who are managing a property themselves, rather than using a 'letting agent'... when you do the 'property inspection' do you insist that the tenant is present at the time (or would you agree to do it without the tenant being present)? Do you write a written report noting any 'problems' with the property... and get the tenant to sign this in agreement.  Finally, what would you do if you have contacted the tenant on several occasions requesting to make an appointment to inspect the property only to be told that she is too busy, for at least 4 weeks, to arrange an appointment??

Assuming this is a routine regular inspection rather than end of tenancy? I would follow the same procedure as the L.A. Inform her in writing of the date and time of your intended visit,giving a minimum of 24 hours notice.Tell her you would prefer her to be present,but that you will go ahead regardless.  When you arrive,ring the bell and wait a few minutes before going in.If she has any problems with the property, ask her to let you know in writing,email etc.before you call.Take photos,and send her a copy of your report. 

On the other hand... I might be tempted to wait the 4 weeks, if you do that then you can potentially avoid getting anyone's back up. If you set a date 4 weeks from now and that is not accepted for some reason, then I think you could go in and do your inspection unilaterally, but why escalate something if it's not absolutely necessary (you might tell me it is)? It is the Tenant's home that you're talking about entering... and sniffing around in... it's just your property.

At an inspection visit, it's always much more valuable to have the Tenant present. If you visit when they're not there and then write up some kind of report that criticises them and the way they live their life, well, you're asking for trouble, aren't you?

Thanks very much to both of you for your replies.  Hippogriff, I fully appreciate what you're saying about it being preferable to have the tenant present and that is exactly what I have tried to do but unfortunately this tenant always says that she is too busy!!  I know that if I wait 4 weeks she will still say that she is too busy.  I need to go there to meet a tradesman who is doing an external job so I will tell the tenant that I will do the inspection at the same time.  in the past I have always got tenants to 'sign' the inspection reports and I was wondering whether other Landlords did the same.  I guess it seems that it's sufficient to just write out a report and give it to the tenants. Thanks again - this is such a helpful forum!