Mid-Term Inspections
WHAT IS A MID-TERM INSPECTION?
A mid-term inspection, otherwise known as a landlord inspection or interim inspection, is where a report is carried out on a rental property to check on its condition.
Carrying out this report benefits both the landlord and tenants, as it ensures that both parties are keeping up with maintenance and ensuring the property is looked after.
THE IMPORTANCE OF LANDLORD INSPECTIONS
These semi-annual inspections are important for ensuring the property is in good condition and being looked after by its tenants. Here are some of the key benefits of carrying out mid-term inspections:
Property Maintenance
If any maintenance issues or repairs need to be addressed, these will come up in the mid-term report and can be actioned. This limits the chance of future issues occurring, and builds trust between the landlord and tenant.
Tenant Compliance
These inspections are the ideal way for landlords to check whether tenants are complying with the terms of the tenancy agreement. This includes looking after the property, but may also include violating other enforced rules, such as smoking in the property.
Building a Relationship
Being proactive by carrying out these inspections shows the tenant that the landlord is willing to address any potential issues with the property and take responsibility for making necessary improvements. This can be hugely beneficial in building a positive and trusting relationship.
Insurance Requirements
In many cases, it is in the terms of an insurance policy that regular property inspections are carried out to ensure the property is being properly maintained. It is essential to have mid-term inspections in these cases, as failure to comply with requirements could lead to invalid insurance and/or increased premiums for the landlord.
Deposit Disputes
Having a mid-term report of the condition of the property throughout the tenancy, can prove valuable at the end of a tenancy. Photographic evidence and inspection notes from interim reports, in addition to a check out report, can strengthen a valid claim on a tenant’s deposit increasing the likelihood of successful compensation.
MID-TERM INSPECTION SERVICES
Landlord inspections and mid-term inventory reports are important and shouldn’t be overlooked, but they can be a minefield for landlords who don’t have in-depth knowledge of legalities and compliance.
In these circumstances, having a trusted partner is the lifeline you need. Finding reliable property inspection services means you have someone who is experienced, qualified and competent in thoroughly inspecting and identifying issues and potential risks within a property.
Need a professional inventory clerk to carry out a property inspection? Book now by telling us your requirements
WHY PARTNER WITH ARNOLD INVENTORIES?
With our experience and attention to detail, our property inspectors leave no stone unturned, carrying out in-depth inspections and creating detailed reports on our findings.
Explore Our Other Services
Arnold Inventories provides a range of property management and check in/check out services for landlords, tenants, and agents across London.
Explore our services page to discover how we can efficiently manage your property today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a landlord carry out an inspection?
It is recommended to carry out a mid-tenancy inspection every 3–6 months to keep on top of any issues with the property and/or tenant before they get out of hand. It is good to agree on an inspection schedule with your tenants, so both parties know when to expect inspections to take place. This will also help to build a strong relationship with your tenants, as you are keeping them informed so they don’t feel blindsided or like someone is intruding on their personal space.
What should a mid-term report include?
Some of the main elements of a landlord report from the visual inspection carried out include:
Tenant details
The number of people living in the property and whether they are present during the inspection.
Condition of the property
This should include everything from overall cleanliness, to any noticeable damage or stains to any part of the property. It should also look deeper into the condition of electrics, plumbing, smoke alarms/carbon monoxide alarms etc.
Breaches of the agreement
By reporting on any evidence of the tenant abusing the tenancy agreement, such as evidence of smoking, having pets in the property or generally not looking after the property, a course of action can be agreed upon.
Repairs needed
Any general wear and tear on the property, as well as more serious building damage that needs to be addressed, will be reported on. This enables the landlord to take responsibility for action they need to take to ensure the property is safe and suitable for their tenants, again building a mutual and respectful relationship.
Photos of the property
A thorough mid-term report should always include photographs of every part of the property, with particular focus on any issues that might require remedial action or evidence of abuse of the property.
How long does a mid-term inspection take?
Typically, a mid-term property inspection will take around 20 minutes to complete. This will vary slightly depending on the size of the property and number of issues identified, but it is normally a faster process than carrying out an inventory/check in report or end of tenancy/check out report.
How much does a mid-term inspection cost from Arnold Inventories?
Our quick and easy to book mid-term inspection reports cost £60 +VAT. Volume discounts are available if multiple inspections are required in the same area and can be done on the same day.
