𝐒𝐢𝐱 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐋𝐚𝐱 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

In this three-minute read, we look at why regular inspections should be central to your property management strategy.
When you’re a busy landlord juggling a multitude of responsibilities, it’s easy to let a crucial part of managing a property – regular inspections – slide.

Landlords usually carry out inspections with clockwork regularity at the start of a tenancy, but things can get a little lax over time.
Perhaps the tenant presents as a model citizen, and the landlord develops a false sense of security. (To which we say, remember Walter White, the unassuming science teacher turned crystal meth baron in the TV series Breaking Bad.)

Or maybe, the tenant pays their rent on time and never says a peep, so the landlord assumes that everything is ticking along nicely (silence is golden, right?).

No matter how much you like your tenant or how busy you are with other commitments, never skip or delay a property inspection. They are one of the best ways to protect your investment – and head off disaster.

Here are six reasons why Southampton landlords should carry out regular inspections.

𝟏) 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

It’s easier (and cheaper) to rectify a minor maintenance issue than a major one. A tenant may not mention a leaky tap or a little bit of damp, but these problems can morph into expensive repair jobs if left unresolved. It’s also essential that you check that carbon monoxide monitors and smoke alarms are working.

𝟐) 𝐏𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥

The photographs and notes you take during each inspection (yes, you should be doing this) create a valuable paper trail. If there is a dispute at a later date, you’ll have evidence to support your side of the story.

𝟑) 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭

If your tenants find you approachable, they’ll be more likely to let you know when there is an issue and treat your property respectfully.

𝟒) 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

It’s important to know that your tenants are complying with their contract and haven’t sublet the property or sneakily adopted a pack of Great Danes.

𝟓) 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭 𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬

With regular inspections, you can ensure your property isn’t being misused by a criminal gang. We know this sounds far-fetched, but gangs – particularly those involved in cannabis production – are becoming increasingly brazen. Trust us, the last thing you want is a police cordon and Sky News reporter outside your property.

𝟔) 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐬

Many insurers won’t pay out on a major claim if the landlord hasn’t conducted regular inspections. They argue that by neglecting to visit the property, the landlord has not been vigilant and has therefore invalidated the policy. Whatever you make of this justification, cover yourself, so you don’t wind up out of pocket.

For advice about our property management services, please contact us here at Belvoir on 02380018222.