How To Conduct A Property Inspection
Overview
What this guide covers
This guide explains how to carry out a routine property inspection correctly — from giving the required notice to recording findings and following up on maintenance issues or tenancy breaches.
Who it is for
Any landlord who wants to inspect their rental property during a tenancy. Regular inspections protect your investment, identify maintenance issues early and provide evidence if a tenancy breach needs to be addressed.
What this guide does not cover
- –Checkout inspections at the end of a tenancy (covered in How To Return A Deposit)
- –Emergency access without notice (different rules apply — only permitted in genuine emergencies)
- –HHSRS (Housing Health and Safety Rating System) formal assessments
Before you start, you will need:
- ·The tenant's contact details
- ·A property inspection report template
- ·A camera or smartphone for photographs
- ·The tenancy agreement (to check any specific inspection provisions)
When To Use This Guide
Use this guide when:
- ✓You want to carry out a routine inspection (typically every 3–6 months)
- ✓You have received a maintenance report and want to assess the issue in person
- ✓You have concerns about the condition of the property
- ✓You are approaching the end of the tenancy and want to assess the property's condition
Do not use this guide if:
- ✗You want to enter the property without giving notice — this is a breach of the tenant's right to quiet enjoyment
- ✗You want to carry out an inspection more frequently than is reasonable — this may constitute harassment