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A Property Inspection Report is also known as:
A Landlord Inspection Report
A Rental Inspection Report
A Rental Inspection Checklist
What precisely is a Rental Inspection Report? Do I require one?
Landlords and Tenants should use a Property Inspection Report if they move into a new home or rent their residential property to tenants.
When entering a new Residential Tenancy Agreement, landlords and tenants use a Property Inspection Report to protect themselves. As well as the safety aspect, a professional report also helps document the property's condition before and after a tenant's arrival.
A typical inspection usually includes one or more of the following services:
Fire Risk Assessments - Periodical fire risk assessments are a legal requirement for rental properties and businesses across the UK.
EICR Testing - Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) refers to the inspection performed on rental property electrical installations. EICRs were previously only required for HMOs, but as of April 2021, all landlords of privately rented properties must have a valid certificate.
Emergency Lighting Testing - The landlord must contact licenced electricians to conduct emergency light testing. They will examine the emergency lights' connectivity to ensure they function during a power outage. Professional testing will provide the highest level of tenant safety.
PAT Testing - In England and Wales, landlords are not required by law to conduct portable appliance testing, but it is considered best practice. The government requires landlords to ensure that "the electrical system is safe" and that "all the appliances they provide are safe."
Fire Alarm Testing - During the tenancy or licence, the tenant or licensee is responsible for testing the alarm(s) and should contact the landlord to arrange for new batteries or a replacement alarm if an alarm stops working. Effective October 1, 2022, this requirement also applies to social landlords.
Fire Extinguisher Testing - Fire extinguishers must be inspected at the beginning of every tenancy and periodically during inspections. It is essential to instruct tenants on the proper use of fire extinguishers and blankets. Only use extinguishers on the type of fire for which they were designed.
Fire Door Testing - You owe a duty of care to your tenants to maintain your fire doors in a compliant condition and ensure their proper operation. For compliance, it is recommended that you have your fire doors inspected every six months.
Smoke Detector Testing - For compliance with the new law, landlords must ensure that all alarms are in working order. Property owners should instruct a professional to test the system and produce an inspection and maintenance report for the fire detection and alarm system.
Gas Safety Testing - Landlords must arrange for an annual gas safety inspection to be performed by a Gas Safe-certified technician. You must maintain a record of the safety inspection for two years and provide a copy to each existing tenant within 28 days of the inspection's completion, as well as any new tenants before they move in.
Legionella Testing - Landlords must assess the risk of Legionella bacteria in rental properties.
Asbestos Management Surveys - Landlords of buildings constructed before 2000 must conduct an asbestos survey to identify any asbestos-containing materials.
Carbon Monoxide Alarm Testing and Installation - Landlords are specifically required to ensure that carbon monoxide alarms are in proper working order when a new tenancy begins.
Evacuation Plans / Escape Routes - An evacuation plan is a written exit plan that includes the actions that all tenants and staff should take in the event of a fire or emergency.
Energy Performance Certification - An EPC contains information about a property's energy consumption and typical energy costs. It also includes suggestions for reducing energy consumption and saving money. It rates the property's energy efficiency from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) (least efficient). EPC reports are valid for ten years.
The above checks are necessary for health and safety; some are also required by law. Regular testing can save lives. Make it a priority to have these included in your property inspection.
Metro-PAT 247 Limited - Property Inspection Report London for Fire and Electrical Safety Compliance
Keep yourself compliant and your tenants safe. We offer multi-service package deals for all Property Inspection Reports in London - all services for compliance under one roof, bespoke to your requirements.
Contact us today on 020 3600 9964 for your Property Inspection Report in London.