A lettings Industry supplier says agents should urge some landlords into making quarterly inspections of their investment properties.
Siân Hemming-Metcalfe, operations director at Inventory Base, says:”Regular property inspections should be at the core of a letting agent’s property management strategy. Not only do they enhance tenant well-being and mitigate long-term costs, they also protect asset values – a key concern for landlords.
“Thanks to technological advancements, property inspections no longer need to be costly or time-consuming. End-to-end solutions allow agents to schedule, perform, and report on inspections seamlessly, ensuring fast turnaround on repairs and maintenance while improving service efficiency. This benefits everyone – from single-property landlords to agents managing large, diverse portfolios.”
She claims industrybest practice suggests inspections should be carried out at least twice a year, with higher-frequency checks – every three months – recommended for older properties or high-traffic rental types such as HMOs.
And she says there are four benefits of this approach:
- Proactive maintenance saves money: Letting agents who conduct or coordinate regular inspections help landlords catch issues early, preventing costly repairs. For example, spotting a minor leak early can save thousands of pounds in roof and ceiling repairs. Proactive maintenance services not only protect landlords’ assets but also strengthen agent-client relationships by demonstrating value.
- Compliance and risk mitigation: Regulatory compliance is a key concern for landlords, and agents who actively manage inspections can shield them from costly fines and legal issues. Health and Safety Executive regulations impose fines up to £30,000 per breach, making it critical to identify risks like faulty wiring or trip hazards before they become liabilities.
- Preventing long-term damage: Unaddressed issues such as damp and mould can quickly escalate into major legal and health problems. Under Awaab’s Law, landlords will be legally required to resolve these problems swiftly, making regular inspections an essential service that agents can offer to keep properties compliant and tenants safe.
- Enhancing property value and landlord return on investment; For letting agents looking to differentiate themselves in a competitive market, offering a comprehensive inspection and maintenance reporting service adds measurable value.
