Landlord Inspection Checklist: What To Look For When Inspecting Your Property

It’s a good idea for landlords to inspect their property at regular intervals, checking on its condition and making sure tenants are adhering to the tenancy agreement. In this guide, I share a landlord inspection checklist with the key things to look out for.

According to research from Direct Line, more than half – 55% – of landlords inspect their property every six months, but 10% only check it at the start and end of the tenancy. Note that your landlord insurance may specify how often a property inspection should take place.

Naturally, one of the main reasons for inspecting the property is to make sure that there are no major issues requiring attention that the tenant may not have mentioned, or noticed.

But it’s also worth looking out for minor issues that you can prevent turning into problems that will be more costly and time-consuming to fix in the future if left unchecked.

It works both ways – many tenants appreciate someone visiting in-person to check that everything’s running smoothly in the property.

Take notes and photos of any issues. Sometimes, it’s easy to spot something that’s not right during an inspection because it’s obvious.

But to identify any less obvious issues, that’s where it really helps to have a landlord inspection checklist to hand.

Here are several areas to consider when inspecting a property, with a short checklist at the end of each section… All adding up to one overall, comprehensive property inspection checklist:

#1 Cleanliness and hygiene

Look throughout the property for a reasonable level of cleanliness, with no signs of any neglect that could lead to a long-term issue.

For example, in the kitchen, there should be no signs of bins overflowing or food waste lying around, as this can attract vermin.

Cleanliness and hygiene checklist – inspect/look for:

• Overall cleanliness of the property
• Condition of carpets and flooring
• Cleanliness of kitchen appliances and surfaces
• Signs of pests or infestations
• Bathroom condition including bath/shower

#2 Mould and dampness

Left unchecked, mould and dampness is more difficult to address the longer it builds up. Heavy mould will require a specialist to treat it, so check the bathroom carefully for signs of it.

Mould is also a health hazard requiring urgent attention, while dampness may suggest that there is a leak and can affect the structural integrity of the property.

Mould and dampness checklist – inspect/look for:

• Signs of mould growth on walls, ceilings, or around windows
• Damp patches or water stains
• Peeling wallpaper or paint
• Musty odours
• Condensation on windows or walls
• Condition of seals around baths and showers

#3 Plumbing

Linked to this, look for signs of any leaks – a small, isolated amount of water on the floor, for example – that could become a more serious problem long-term.

A dripping tap will waste a considerable amount of water over time and could increase the bill payments too.

Plumbing checklist – inspect/look for:

• Under sinks and around toilets
• Water pressure in taps
• Proper drainage in sinks, baths and showers

#4 Alarms

Test all alarms in the property to make sure that they work. It’s crucial that these are fully operational so be prepared to replace the batteries or even the whole alarm if necessary.

Under the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022, you must repair or replace any alarms that do not work.

Alarm checklist – test:

• Smoke alarms
• Carbon monoxide alarms
• Burglar alarm system (if installed)

#5 Appliances

Check that the property’s white goods are working correctly. In a furnished property, check that any other devices have not been damaged or tampered with and if appropriate, consider whether any need portable appliance testing.

Also check that the oven, hob and extractor fan are working properly and appear to be in good, safe condition.

Appliances – inspect:

• Functionality of white goods (fridge, washing machine, dishwasher, etc.)
• Condition of kitchen appliances (oven, hob, extractor fan)
• Small appliances provided by landlord (if any)

#6 Heating and insulation

Another cold winter is a reminder of how important a property’s boiler is. Alongside a scheduled landlord inspection, check if your boiler’s next service is due soon too.

Long before winter, review the property’s heating and insulation measures including the radiators and thermostat.

Heating and insulation – check:

• Boiler functionality and service history
• Radiators (check for leaks and proper heating)
• Thermostat operation
• Condition of windows and doors for drafts
• Loft insulation (if accessible)

#7 Electrics and lighting

The latest regulations passed in 2020 require landlords to commission a qualified person to inspect and test electrical installations in their properties at least every five years.

But the more proactive approach is to spend some time quickly reviewing the electrics during your regular landlord inspections, making sure that there are no risks or signs of damage.

Also, find out how to improve your EPC rating (energy performance certificate).

Electrics and lighting checklist – inspect/look for:

• Signs of overloading (multiple extension cords)
• Evidence of any DIY electrical work
• Condition of fuse box
• Condition of light switches and sockets
• Functionality of light fixtures

#8 Wear and tear

Over time, light wear and tear is inevitable in a property. Arguably, there’s no cause for alarm over light scuff marks here or there.

But more notable damage is a different matter and in some cases, an early fix could help prevent something’s condition from worsening or becoming more expensive to repair in the future. 

Electrics and lighting checklist – inspect:

• Condition of walls and ceilings
• State of carpets and flooring 
• Condition of doors and windows
• Furniture condition (in a furnished property)

#9 Indoor smoking

Indoor smoking can permanently damage a property – by discolouring surfaces, making stains or creating a lingering smell. There are also health risks from passive smoking.

The damage caused by indoor smoking could negatively impact your property’s rental value in the long term.

Indoor smoking checklist – look for:

• Cigarette odours
• Yellowing of walls or ceilings
• Cigarette burns on carpets or surfaces
• Presence of ashtrays or cigarette butts

#10 Signs of subletting

Many assured shorthold tenancy agreements ban subletting or have a clause in place requiring tenants to seek their landlord’s permission first.

There are several reasons for this. Your buy-to-let mortgage or landlord insurance policy may not allow subletting either – but crucially, hidden subletters bypass the right to rent check, a legal requirement.

Signs of subletting checklist – look for:

• Presence of extra bedding
• Notable increase in personal belongings
• Multiple names on letter box or deliveries

#11 Signs of illegal activity

Just to be on the safe side, while it’s rare that you’ll need to worry about this, be alert for any signs of antisocial behaviour or potential criminal activity.

Signs of illegal activity checklist – look for:

• Unexplained modifications to the property
• New/extra security (personal locks, CCTV)
• Unusual smells (e.g. cannabis)
• Presence of any suspicious items 
• Blacked-out windows

#12 Outside condition

Lastly, if the property is a house, check the outside appearance before you leave including the garden if there is one.

Outside condition checklist – inspect/look for:

• Condition of exterior walls and paintwork
• State of the roof (visible from ground level)
• Condition of gutters
• Security of external doors and windows
• Condition of garden or outdoor space

Final thoughts: Can a landlord enter without permission (UK)?

Before inspecting your rental property, bear in mind that landlords must provide at least 24 hours’ written notice before visiting the property, except in case of emergency. 

Otherwise, schedule the inspection at a reasonable time of day. Emergencies include cases of:

• Fire
• Gas leak
• Flooding
• Structural damage requiring urgent attention

I hope this checklist helps you to prepare for your next property inspection, no matter if you’re an accidental landlord or a highly experienced one.

Of course, if the idea of making regular landlord inspections does not appeal, you can always entrust a qualified letting agent to manage this for you.

For more information about renting out a property, the Fine Living team is here for you! 

There are several useful guides on our blog, including how to rent out your house or flat and a separate landlord checklist for this process.

Fine Living specialises in pairing exceptional homes with the people who’ll love them, whether you’re looking to buy or let out a property.

If you have any queries or would like to get in touch, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

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