Let me first make it clear – we are in no way questioning the current guidelines that periodic inspections should not be taking place in person during lockdown/self isolation. However there are other options available and there are several reasons why these should be considered.
Firstly I think it is worth considering why landlords or their agents should undertake inspections in normal circumstances. The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 gives landlords the right to enter the premises to view the “condition and state of repair”. This enables the condition of the property to be monitored for maintenance issues and tenant breaches of the lease. The tenant also agrees to inspections under the terms of their Tenancy Agreement.
During an inspection the property can be checked to ensure that it is legally compliant with no significant health and safety issues. Maintenance issues can be identified and resolved before they become an expensive problem. It may be possible to discover if a property is being sub-let or over-occupied, or if tenants are smoking in the property or have pets. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms can be tested, services and electrical items can be visually checked.
Despite the lockdown it is still important that issues are identified and landlords are understandably concerned if their properties are not inspected for what is turning out to be a lengthy period of time. In some cases those tenants who have considered buying pets or sub-letting may be more inclined to proceed on the basis that no one in person will be inspecting the property they rent. There may be less fear of being caught with the extended notice period of 6 months and even if a breach was detected and resulted in section 8; the Court’s have a significant backlog. On numerous inspections over the years we have found smoke alarms with batteries out or that are faulty and once prompted the tenant will replace the batteries and agents can follow this up. I am sure you understand that this is an area of high importance which could easily be missed during lockdown procedures if no action is taken to find a solution to cover inspections. We also frequently identify maintenance issues that tenants may not realise can develop into more serious problems, or even notice themselves. Within these lockdown periods that small leak they don’t notice can become a significant bill for a landlord.
With most people spending more time at home during lockdown it seems even more important to check that these items are monitored. I know that my house is taking more of a hammering than normal with a small child trapped inside! However the issue is how to do this in a COVID-safe manner? Some Agents have taken to video inspections and self-service tenant reports to solve these issues. Inventory clerks like ourselves are able to provide this service. Videos show the property in their entirety and reports can include set questions and photographs included. The questions included within a self-service report mean that a tenant has to confirm that different breaches are not occurring and it is stated what areas must be photographed; whilst a video enables the clerk to ask to see certain areas. Each has their own merits and limitations. Obviously without entering the property it is possible for tenants to hide certain aspects or problems. We feel strongly though, that some contact with tenants through completing a virtual inspection is contact nevertheless. A tenant that is aware their Landlord is monitoring the condition and the way the Tenancy is being conducted should continue to act in a tenant like manner despite the lockdown we face ourselves with.