FAQs
Property Inventory Reports FAQs
What is a property inventory report?
A thorough check-in inventory includes a detailed list of the property’s items and locations as well as a schedule of condition, which documents the level of cleanliness throughout the property as well as a precise description of the condition of each room’s fixtures. Additionally, if not integrated in the report, the check-in inventory should include high-quality images that are time and date stamped.
It’s crucial to obtain the renter’s consent to this statement of condition, and the easiest way to do it is by visiting the rental property with the tenant to confirm their acceptance of the statement of condition during “check in.”
This report serves as the foundation for everything that follows when examining how a tenant has occupied and maintained the property, as well as any alterations discovered during mid-term inspections and at the end of the tenancy, during “check out.”
Why is an inventory report so important?
The amount of damage a tenant can cause might surprise you, This damage may include stains on carpets, shattered windows, burns on worktops, holes in walls, or damaged doors, to name a few. You are instantly at a disadvantage in any negotiations with your tenant when the tenancy ends if you don’t have a check-in inventory or if what you do have isn’t comprehensive enough.
When the tenancy ends, a thorough inventory can assist to settle things amicably. Remember, if there is no inventory, there is no evidence with which to bargain, and this raises the question of whether obtaining a security deposit is even necessary given how difficult it will be to demonstrate that the damage was caused by the tenant.
Property Checkout Reports FAQs
What is a Property Checkout Report?
The property will be inspected at the check-out by way of carrying out a checkout inventory, where the cleanliness and condition described at check-in and the cleanliness and condition on check-out will be compared. The report that is delivered to the agent or landlord will make note of any discrepancies.
It’s crucial to start with a strong Inventory Schedule of Conditions or Check-in. Tenants are required to clean the property to the same standard as stated in the inventory schedule of condition at the end of the rental period.
The landlord may deduct repair, replacement, or additional cleaning charges from the tenant’s security deposit if anything is different and deemed to be beyond normal wear and tear.
Check Out reports are essential when tenants move out because the tenant wants their deposit returned and the landlord needs to be sure they can make a deduction if necessary.
Example:
A second-hand table shouldn’t be replaced with a brand-new one since anything that needs to be fixed or replaced should be done so “like for like.”
The tenant(s) must return the property at the end of the tenancy in the same state in which it was first leased, “allowing for fair wear and tear.” Unless another arrangement has been made, the landlord is typically liable for covering any check-out appointment and report costs.
Portable Appliance Testing FAQs
What is a PAT test?
In-service Inspection & Testing of Electrical Equipment (formally known as PAT Testing) is a examination of electrical equipment to determine whether it is safe to use. This includes visually inspecting and testing of electrical equipment.
Who is qualified to perform a PAT test?
Whilst there is no legal qualification required, Your PAT tester must be competent to test your electrical equipment. The competent tester must also ensure that any PAT testing machine used to test electrical equipment, is calibrated according to manufacturer guidelines (every 12 months).
What is calibration?
It is crucial that PAT Testing equipment are running correctly and accurately because they are used to inspect electrical items for safety. There is a means to verify this—calibration. Like many older electronic devices, older PAT Test equipment may require periodic adjustment to ensure that the readings are reliable.
What kind of appliances and devices require PAT tests?
One of the biggest PAT testing myths is that we only need to test objects that have plugs. The Electricity at Work Regulations of 1989 mandate PAT testing for any electrical “Systems” used; as a result, the law does not distinguish between equipment that is wired directly to the supply and that that has a plug. This can also include visual inspection of equipment wired direct to the supply.
Legionella Risk Assessments FAQs
What is Legionnella?
A type of bacterium called legionella is frequently found in water systems, including water tanks, pipes, and air conditioners. Legionnaires’ disease can be brought on by breathing in tiny droplets of water carrying this bacteria.
How does Legionnaires' disease affect people?
People get Legionnaires’ disease by breathing in aerosolized water droplets (aerosols) that are suspended in the air and carry the bacteria.
Do I require a Legionella Risk Assessment if I'm a landlord?
Landlords are required to follow the new rules. In addition, they are required by law to guarantee the safety of any visitors and tenants.
Where may I obtain additional information on Legionella?
On their website, the Health and Safety executive has published a guidance. You can find it at this website: http://www.hse.gov.uk/legionnaires
What do Legionella Risk Assessments serve?
Any dangers in your water system will be found using the risk assessment. If there are any dangers of exposure to legionella, these should be able to be determined by the competent person conducting the assessment.
What should be covered in the assessment?
Included in your Legionella Risk Assessment should be:
- Managerial responsibilities, including a description of your system and the identity of the qualified individual.
- The capability and instruction of critical individuals.
- Any identified sources of possible risk.
- Any methods for reducing the risk or safeguards in place to do so.
- Methods for monitoring, inspection, and maintenance.
- Records of the monitoring data, inspection findings, and checks performed.
- Plans in place to frequently reassess the risk assessment, especially when there is cause to believe it is no longer valid.
Who is qualified to conduct the risk assessment?
The law mandates that a “competent person,” or someone with the qualifications, experience, and expertise needed to manage health and safety, including the control mechanisms, conduct the risk assessment.
If they feel they are qualified, landlords can perform the assessment themselves, or they can hire a specialised contractor to do it for them.
The assessment and management of the legionella risk in your property are entirely your responsibility as the landlord and are subject to your liability. A properly qualified and competent individual with the required knowledge and professional indemnity insurance must conduct the risk assessment in order to safeguard you. If an outbreak occurs on your premises and you conduct your own risk assessment or hire someone who is not qualified to do so, only you will be prosecuted. Safeguard yourself.
Mid Term / Property Inspections FAQs
What is a Mid Term/ Property Inspection?
During the tenancy, an interim property report is done to give the landlord an idea of how the property is currently holding up. It should aim to draw attention to any upkeep problems and/or anticipate any possible problems, such as unauthorised occupation, pets, smoking, and any known anti-social behaviour.
After a new tenant has moved into a home, interim reports, also known as property inspections, are crucial and advised.
During inspections, our inventory clerks will cover their shoes and take general photos as well as brief comments.
For a property inspection, the property should be generally tidy and clean. Any maintenance problems should be reported right away by the tenant to the landlord or letting agent.
We will photograph the interior of the building in general and in more depth if there is a problem that needs to be rectified. The goal of the mid-term visit is to confirm that everything is in compliance with the tenancy agreement and that there are no signs of subletting, unpermitted pets, or other wrongdoing.
Property inspections make sure the property is being well-maintained and that there are no maintenance or health and safety issues, routine inspections are conducted.
Are there any other benefits of completing Mid Term/ Property Inspections?
Mid-term inspections are also the ideal time to identify any issues with the property, confirm that tenants are upholding their end of the tenancy agreement, and make sure there is no subletting, wall painting in a different colour, carpet replacement, curtain removal or addition, or engaging in any illegal activity.
Ultimately, Mid Term / Property Inspections will protect your capital investment.
Who are Mid Term/ Property Inspections for?
Both the landlord and the tenant benefit from interim property inspections to ensure that everything is proceeding according to plan, that the tenant has fully settled in, and that all conditions are as expected. On the other side, it is advantageous for the Landlord to be aware of any defects within the property to ensure compliance of The Repairing Standard, contained in the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 which covers the legal and contractual obligations of private landlords to ensure that a property meets a minimum physical standard.