FAO Landords - Do you inspect properties?

Hi all

I have a new tenant just moving in - I have never arranged for the property to be inspected before but after the last tenant moved out I wish I had.

I wouldnt do it myself but I could arrange for it to be done. What I am wondering is, do landlords normally inspect their properties and how do tenants react?

Tomorrow

Always inspect and take some photos.

Should not be an issue for tenants, its as much for their protection.

do you have an agent to manage the property or do you collect the rent yourself?
If you are call each week/month then you would have a fair idea how they are treating the property without having to inspect.

I take care of the property myself - the new tenant is paying by dd so I have no reason to call.

With the previous tenant I called every week to collect the rent - I was only ever in the hall and sitting room and they were fine - but the rest of the house was not and I didnt find out until they left.

Never have any problem when i inspect the property. Give 24hours notice. Gives them a chance to clean up.

I don't check my property, but the plumber/electrician who are friends go in every couple of months for something or other and they always call afterwards and let me know how the house looks inside.

I don't like to disturb my tenants. I was a tenant myself for 18 months in Dublin and the Agency we rented from came to inspect the property every 6 weeks. I found this very intrusive as we were out at work during the day when they called. I set up 'indicators' to let me know if they were opening wardrobes, drawers etc. and 9 out of 10 times they were!

When tenants move in, I give them a letter outlining a few items such as when bins are collected, PIN number for main door, MPRN number for ESB, etc..

The final paragraph always says: "Upon departure, I will inspect the apartment giving particular attention to the kitchen, bathrooms and furniture. If these are not up to an acceptable standard, I will hire professional cleasners who currently charge 180 Euro per day which will be deducted from your deposit..."

Of course, "kitchen, bathrooms and furniture" covers most things. I also came up with the 180 Euro just to scare the tenants. It always works!


When they hand in their notice, I write to them again to remind them that the professional cleaners will be hired if the place isn't spic and span.