Why should landlords do property visits?
The rent is coming in on time, no maintenance issues have been reported, neighbours haven't complained about anything and everything seems fine- so as a Landlord, why do I need to visit the property mid way through the tenancy or pay an agent to do so on my behalf?
Property visits are an essential part of being a landlord. It is crucial to inspect your property regularly to ensure your tenants are keeping it in good condition and that there are no maintenance issues that need attention or perhaps consideration/budgeting for in the future. Here are some of the top reasons why landlords should do property visits:
Ensure tenant compliance
One of the primary reasons is to ensure that tenants are complying with the terms of their lease. During these visits, landlords can check that tenants are not violating any of the lease clauses, such as subletting or using the property for illegal activities. These visits also provide an opportunity to address any issues before they become bigger problems.
Identify maintenance issues
Regular property visits allow landlords to identify any maintenance issues that need attention which a tenant may not have picked up on. By addressing these issues promptly, landlords can prevent them from becoming more severe problems that are more expensive to fix. Additionally, it ensures that the property remains in good condition, which can help attract new tenants and retain existing ones. Some maintenance, such as new windows, boiler, fencing, patio re-lay can be more costly so requires more budgeting and planning. It helps if you can be aware of these potential costs in advance to help plan ahead.
Build trust with tenants
Regular property visits can help build trust between landlords/agents and tenants. By showing that you care about the condition of the property and the well-being of your tenants, you can develop a positive relationship with them. This can lead to better communication between the two parties, which can help avoid conflicts and misunderstandings.
Prevent property damage
Property visits can help prevent damage to the property and deterioration through lack of cleanliness or care. By identifying potential issues before they become major problems, landlords can take steps to prevent damage to the property. Additionally, tenants are more likely to take care of the property if they know that the landlord is monitoring its condition. For example, carpets can become stained more permanently if they don't clean right up to the skirtings.
Condensation
This is one of the most common issues in rental properties, especially during the colder months which can cause severe damage to the property if left unattended. It occurs when warm, moist air comes into contact with colder surfaces, leading to water droplets forming on windows, walls, and other surfaces. Here are some of the main issues with condensation in a property:
- Dampness: Condensation can cause dampness in a property, which can lead to the growth of mould and mildew. This can be harmful to health, especially for those with allergies or respiratory problems.
- Damage to property: Over time, condensation can cause damage to walls, ceilings, and other surfaces. It can also cause wooden frames and doors to warp or rot.
- Increased heating bills: If condensation is not dealt with, it can lead to heat loss from the property, which can result in higher heating bills.
- Unpleasant odours: Condensation can lead to musty, unpleasant odours in a property, which can be difficult to remove.
To prevent condensation, it is important to ensure good ventilation in the property, especially in areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. This can be achieved by opening windows or using extractor fans. It is also important to keep the property warm and well-insulated to reduce the risk of condensation forming on colder surfaces. Tenants should ensure adequate ventilation if drying clothes on airers.
Ensure safety and security
Landlords can use property visits to ensure that the property is safe and secure. By checking that all doors and windows are secure, smoke detectors are working, and other safety measures are in place, landlords can help prevent accidents and ensure that the property is secure from potential intruders.
Property visits are an essential part of being a landlord. They help ensure tenant compliance, identify maintenance issues, build trust with tenants, prevent property damage, and ensure safety and security. By conducting regular property visits, landlords can keep their properties in good condition, retain tenants, and avoid potential legal and financial issues.
Some landlords can find addressing or discussing some issues which are the tenants responsibility to keep on top of, such as managing condensation and cleaning quite difficult or confrontational. Many landlords choose to appoint an agent to manage the property for this reason as they are experienced at dealing with these matters in a non-judgmental way to help the tenant understand the implications.
