Residential property inspections are beneficial to both the landlord and the tenant because:

1. By evaluating the condition of their property landlords are better able to protect the value of their investment.

2. For a tenant they provide reassurance that the property is a healthy and safe environment for habitation.

During an inspection, a check will be made on the condition of:

The internal and external walls and ceilings, paintwork, both inside and outside, doors and windows and whether or not they are secured properly and in good working order, Landlords fixtures and fittings: Such as light fittings, and kitchen appliances, including washing machines and dishwashers, which were supplied as part of the tenancy agreement.

Checks will be made to see that:

Smoke alarms, CO2 detectors, and all plumbing fittings are in good working order, that there are no obvious leeks or areas of damp within the building, and that there is sufficient heating and ventilation throughout.

Outside checks will be made from ground level to the exposed parts of guttering, of fall pipes, and the roof, whilst checking gullies for blockages.

A copy of the report will be sent to the Landlord, and the tenant. It will include findings of the inspection and give advice on what measures could be put in place to help remedy any problems.

Landlords must have:

• All gas appliances, pipes and flues checked every twelve months by a Gas Safe registered engineer, and any defects fixed immediately.

• All electrical wiring in a safe condition and electrical appliances supplied as part of the lease, checked for defects by a qualified electrical engineer and any defects fixed immediately.

• An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for the property.