In short
Property inspections give landlords and managers a recorded view of condition, visible defects and maintenance needs. Peachtree Maintenance carries out routine and mid-tenancy visits, check-in condition records, compliance checks and void inspections in London and across the UK. We agree the scope before attending so the report answers the questions you actually need resolved.
Access and housing standards in England
Frequency: There is no single statutory interval for every routine rental inspection. Agree a proportionate schedule that respects occupiers and reflects property risks, tenancy terms and licence conditions.
For access to view the condition and state of repair under section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords must give at least 24 hours' written notice and attend at a reasonable time of day. Arrange access with the occupier. Notice does not give a general right to force entry, and emergency situations need separate consideration.
The Housing Health and Safety Rating System, or HHSRS, is the risk-based framework under the Housing Act 2004 used by councils to assess housing hazards. A routine inspection can identify concerns needing action but is not a council HHSRS assessment, a legal compliance guarantee or a substitute for required specialist certificates. Check current guidance on GOV.UK or with your council.
Choose the right inspection for the tenancy stage
A check-in condition visit records the starting position, including cleanliness, visible wear and existing damage. Agree whether you need a full inventory as well, since a condition inspection alone does not necessarily catalogue every furnishing. Good records help distinguish pre-existing issues from changes during occupation.
Mid-tenancy visits focus on emerging repairs and property care, not unnecessary intrusion into residents' lives. Void inspections take place between occupancies and help prioritise safety concerns, cleaning, repairs and work that is easier while the property is empty. We can flag matters for the managing agent rather than making assumptions about tenancy breaches.
Turn findings into a workable maintenance plan
Tell us about previous leaks, recurring condensation, access restrictions and known defects before the visit. We record what can actually be seen and explain where furniture, locked rooms or inaccessible areas limit the inspection. Suspected causes are distinguished from confirmed defects, particularly where damp or structural movement needs specialist investigation.
Digital certificates and reports can be coordinated with your property records, keeping inspection findings separate from gas, electrical and other specialist documentation. Agents can request monthly consolidated invoicing for agreed work across their portfolio. Repairs are scoped separately, giving you control over approvals and helping avoid confusion about what the inspection fee covers.
How it works
- 01
Agree the brief
Tell us the property type, tenancy stage and concerns. We confirm the inspection scope and identify any specialist checks that need a separate booking.
- 02
Arrange lawful access
Agree attendance with the occupier or keyholder and arrange the required notice. Share access instructions and relevant resident needs before the visit.
- 03
Inspect and record
We inspect accessible areas within the agreed scope, capture photographs and record limitations. Urgent concerns are highlighted for the responsible person to address.
- 04
Review the findings
Receive the digital report, discuss priorities and decide which follow-up tasks to authorise. Keep the record alongside your tenancy and compliance documents.
Frequently asked questions
01How often should a landlord inspect a rented property?
Choose a reasonable interval based on property condition, known issues and any licence requirements. Avoid excessive visits. Explain the proposed schedule to residents and review it when circumstances change, rather than treating a fixed interval as a universal legal rule.
02Can a landlord enter after giving 24 hours' notice?
Notice alone is not permission to force entry. Arrange access with the tenant and respect their right to quiet enjoyment. If access is refused, record your attempts and seek appropriate advice about the next lawful step rather than using your keys regardless.
03Does an inspection replace a gas safety check or EICR?
No. A general inspection records visible condition within its scope. Gas safety checks, electrical inspection and testing, and other specialist assessments have their own requirements. We can help coordinate appointments, but the relevant competent professional must complete the specialist work.
04Will the report prove that a tenant caused damage?
Not automatically. Photographs and dated observations provide evidence of condition, but responsibility depends on the tenancy, starting records, fair wear and tear and other circumstances. Compare check-in and check-out evidence carefully before proposing deductions or making allegations.
05Can you inspect an empty property before a new tenancy?
Yes. A void inspection can identify repairs, cleaning needs and missing documentation before occupation. Tell us the proposed move-in date and any known defects. The report helps organise work but does not itself certify that every letting requirement has been satisfied.
Last reviewed 20 October 2026. General information, not legal advice.