As a landlord, it is understandable that you want to protect your property. Landlords of students and non-students alike are recommended to carry out regular inspections on the property. If you are not doing so, there is good reason for why you should start.
Source: Dave Crosby. No changes made. Creative Commons 2.0 (License link)
The Main Reasons for Inspections
Landlords of regular tenants understand the importance of checking up on their tenants. The inspection is the opportunity for a landlord to ensure that:
- The property is not being used for something illegal
- The property has not suffered serious damage
- The tenants are honouring their responsibilities and rules
- No problems are likely to arise soon, such as mould in the bathroom
For landlords of regular tenants, it is straightforward. Once every three months is usually enough in a 6-month or 12-month tenancy. Inspections help keep you informed of what is going on at the property and lets your student tenants know that you care about their welfare and want to know they are taking care of your property in return.
How Often Should You Visit?
Typically, your student tenants will occupy the property for 9 months, even if the tenancy agreement covers a 12-month period. Few students are likely to be there the entire time though. Most will return to their parents homes for the Christmas and Easter breaks – that is unless you have post-graduate tenants or mature students such as a couple or a family.
For undergraduate student tenants, you should make one visit during each term. Ideally, one of these should be with students present. Mid-term is usually suitable for undergraduates. If you must go out of term, get their permission to enter their rooms. For post-graduates who are likely to be there all year (and possibly multiple years), follow the pattern of once every three months. December, March, June and September are the least disruptive months for your students.
Why Not More Often Than That?
There is a fine line between keeping a watchful eye on maintenance, looking out for their needs, and actively hassling them. If you are at the property more regularly than once a term (undergraduates) and once every three months (postgraduates) you could be seen as a disruption, especially if you ask one of the students to accompany you on each inspection. It’s also important that you do not turn up unannounced – this constitutes hassling in the eyes of the law.
Nobody likes to feel hassled and a court may fine you if this becomes problematic. Ensure that students know about the importance of inspections, write it into the contract and give them plenty of notice ahead of an inspection – with the option to rearrange if your chosen date is unsuitable. The inspection is there to help both parties.