UK Landlord Forum / Life

I am new landlord and trying to learn on the run. I have appointed a fully managed service from large agency while I try to learn the ropes. 10% + vat plus many other charges.
The area about inspections is confusing me. On the Blog I have read that inspections are crucial to ascertain what the tenant is really like and recommended.  However my agency offer this as an additional device (£75+vat). Is this normal or should I request permission to visit the property myself!
Apologies if this is a novices question - answers gratefully received. 

If you don't want to pay £75 go for an inspection yourself.  Would have thought inspections would have been part of a fully managed service though.  Whos permission are you asking? Agent or tenant?

Both the agents I use do routine inspections as part of the deal.In one case,every four months,in the other six months.I receive a report,with photos.I would certainly arrange these myself rather than pay extra.As long as you give a minimum 24 hours notice you should be fine.Also,give the tenant the opportunity to be present,but you can still go ahead if they decline.Ask if they have any problems with the property that you need to deal with,and take photos for your own records.

Hi you can do the inspections yourself but must give at least 24 hrs notice, again take photos and record all findings, its better if you do it why the tenant is present but they don't have to, if you find any issues you will need to address them as they could cause you problems in the future when tenancy ends. I would also query your management company if fully managed surely that's included... also ask about the gas checks has this been done ensure the tenant has been given a copy again could case you a problem in the future... good luck

My agent does inspections and it is included in the fully managed fee -

I did ring them to ask for feedback as none was forthcoming, but I guess the adage "no news is good news " holds ..............

We charge extra for inspections if the landlord has beaten us down on fees as if they want a Petticoat Lane price then they shouldn't expect a Park Lane service! For landlords who pay our stated fees then it's all included. In truth I do still try to do inspections on properties that we manage even for the less generous landlords and I take photos as well but they are there to cover my behind in case something goes wrong in the property and not for onward distribution to the landlord.