Why are routine property visits important?

Routine property visits are an essential part of managing a rental property effectively. For landlords using a fully managed service, estate agents typically carry out these inspections as part of their offering. They play a vital role in ensuring the property is well-maintained, offering landlords peace of mind and helping to spot potential issues before they become serious.

In this guide, we’ll look at what these visits involve, the benefits they offer, and some of the common challenges estate agents may face during the process.

What is a routine property visit?

A routine property visit is a scheduled inspection of a rental property, usually conducted every 3 to 6 months. The purpose is not to intrude on tenants’ privacy, but to ensure the property is being maintained to a satisfactory standard.

What estate agents check

When tenants are present, agents will give advance notice which can typically range from 24 to 48 hours and carry out a visual inspection of key areas, including:

• general cleanliness and upkeep
• signs of damage or neglect
• evidence of damp, mould, or poor ventilation
• functionality of smoke alarms and safety features
• condition of outdoor spaces, if applicable

Why routine visits benefit landlords

Early identification of problems

Minor issues such as a dripping tap or mould in the bathroom can quickly become costly if left unchecked. Routine visits allow for early intervention.

Protecting your investment

Regular inspections help ensure your property remains in good condition, preserving its value and appeal for future tenants.

Encouraging tenant responsibility

Knowing that the property is being monitored can encourage tenants to take better care of it and report issues promptly.

Ensuring legal compliance

Estate agents can verify that safety features like smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning correctly, helping landlords stay compliant with legal obligations.

What are some of the challenges faced when conducting a routine property visit?

While routine visits are beneficial, they can present certain difficulties for estate agents.

Tenant discomfort

Some tenants may feel uneasy about someone entering their home, even with proper notice. Agents must be tactful and professional to maintain good relationships.

Scheduling difficulties

Coordinating visits around tenants’ availability, especially those with irregular working hours or families, can be challenging.

Restricted access

Tenants may limit access to certain rooms or areas, which can hinder a thorough inspection.

Hidden issues

Not all problems are visible during a short visit. Estate agents rely on tenants to report issues honestly, which doesn’t always happen.

As such, routine property visits are a valuable tool for landlords. They help maintain the property, ensure compliance, and foster a proactive approach to maintenance. While estate agents may face some hurdles, their role is crucial in safeguarding your investment and supporting tenant satisfaction.

At Goodfellows, we know that every landlord has a different reason for letting a property and different needs from a trusted estate agent. Whether you want us to collect the rent for you or switch to our fully managed service - which the latter includes routine property visits - we provide a range of flexible landlord services that best meet your requirements.