Property inspections are vital to the landlord-tenant relationship for several reasons; they’re not just something the landlord does at the end of a tenancy to look for excuses to withhold part of your deposit! Let’s look at the five main reasons for mid-tenancy checks.
Mid-tenancy checks raise issues
That tap which has suddenly started leaking, the scuffed paintwork in the hallway… Your mid-tenancy inspection is a great time to bring these minor issues to your landlord’s attention so they can schedule in repairs and replacements before they get much worse.
Mid-tenancy checks foster trust
The landlord gets to see their tenant in the property and make sure everything’s OK. It’s a good chance for both parties to talk about any potential issues or just to reassure each other that it’s all going swimmingly. The tenant can also see that their landlord takes their responsibilities seriously.
Mid-tenancy is a good time to perform health and safety checks
Inspections let landlords check the safety of their properties and to make sure things like smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly, as well as identify and schedule in any semi-urgent repairs. This offers tenants more peace of mind because they know not only that their home is safe but that their landlord is looking out for them.
Mid-tenancy checks make sure that everyone is complying with the contract
An inspection means that both parties are accountable for maintaining the rental agreement. The tenant is looking after the property and isn’t subletting, for example and the landlord is making sure it’s a safe place to live.
Mid-tenancy checks help to avoid disputes
Performing a mid-tenancy check raises issues early so that they can be addressed before they become serious. The tenant might not know how to maintain the garden as stipulated in the agreement, for example. If the landlord talks about this problem and offers gardening advice, the tenant can get things back on track, avoiding a dispute at the end of the tenancy.
