How to Make Your Home Inspections More Enjoyable and Effective

 An Interim inspection was only required if a tenant had already moved out and the Landlord wanted to make sure everything was in perfect condition for a new tenant to move in. However, with the new guidelines, an Interim Inspection is now mandatory whenever a tenant moves in, even if there is no intention of re-renting the property within 6 months. What you look for in an Interim Inspection are ‘soft’ issues, things like Leaks – water, gas or electric. Any wetness or mold on the ceiling. The presence of rodents or insects. Anything out of place, damaged or not functioning properly.

If a property is in perfect condition at the time of a tenancy end, it may be possible for a Landlord to claim a refund from a Tenant if they do not have to carry out the final inspection. If a property is returned to the market without an Interim Report being submitted by the Landlord, this is regarded as an Unregistered Property. If this happens the Landlord may not receive any compensation. The report can also be used to identify any defects in the property’s condition or state of repair. This could include problems with the bathroom, kitchen, bedroom or living area.

On the whole, a good Interim Report should contain: Inspection of the following:

1. Living area – furniture, fittings and appliances

2. Kitchen – appliances, floor coverings and work surfaces

3. Bathroom – fixtures, fittings and walls, floor coverings and carpets

4. Bedrooms – beds, walls, floors, ceilings, windows and doors. Your Tenant’s Responsibility The Tenant has an obligation to make sure the property is well maintained. This means they are responsible for the condition of the property and the contents. They are responsible for any damage that occurs to the property or any damage to any of the property’s contents.

It is usually the Landlord’s responsibility to ensure the property is in good condition. If a Tenant damages property or the contents, then the Landlord must: Take reasonable steps to repair the damage or replace the damaged contents within a reasonable time. If the damage is not repairable, then it may be possible for the Landlord to recover some of the repair costs from the Tenant. This will depend on the type of damage and whether the damage occurred due to neglect or negligence. For example, damage caused by wear and tear will be easier for the Landlord to prove. However, if the tenant damages the property intentionally, then the Landlord has a stronger case.