What is?

WHAT’S A PROPERTY INSPECTION?

The comments we hear about property inspections and the rationale behind not doing them, mostly from self-managing Landlords range from “I just don’t find the time to do them,” “It’s a bit of a waste of everyone’s time really” and, my personal favourite” “I have a good relationship with my tenants and trust that they will let me know if something is wrong.” In our experience property inspections are an absolute must – not carrying them out is a false economy and, worse, stores up potential, expensive problems for the future. They highlight issues, they help catch things early and, on a more psychological level, they demonstrate to your tenants that you take their safety and the care of the property, seriously and that you are a hands on landlord or letting agent. Here’s the thing about inspections – if done correctly and carried out regularly, not only do they allow you to ensure that any issues with your property (and there will be issues from time to time, this is part and parcel of property management) are found in a timely manner and can be sorted before they escalate, but in addition, in doing so, it helps to maintain good relations with your tenants and fosters an environment where issues do not get ignored when they arise or swept under the carpet – but dealt with, quickly and timely, as and when they arise and before they grow into big and expensive problems! The protection of your biggest asset should not be left to chance, abandoned because you “simply don’t have the time” or hinge on a relationship that you believe you have with your tenants. Inspections allow you the opportunity to catch issues before they become big problems and to get a feel for what is happening inside your property and how it is being looked after.

We often notice things before tenants do and we always encourage them to be present at inspections – they live in the property, so they will know if something is wrong and collaborating with them to put it right, is the cornerstone of good property and tenant management.

During inspections, some of the things we look for are:

Safety and compliance issues, for example – alarms, sockets, fire safety and any obvious HHSRS issues); • Fabric of the building issues -boiler, radiators & TRVs (thermostatic radiator valve), guttering, fences etc.; • A stitch in time issues – silicone, mould, drains etc; • Are tenants looking after the property; • Is the garden (if applicable) in a good condition and being looked after; • Who and how many are living there – different sized shoes, 2 toothbrushes, too many beds/mattresses etc; • Whether there are any illegal substances visible – remember sight and smell here; • Whether there are any candles being used or other infringements to the contract; • Whether there is evidence of any pest infestations; • An opportunity to take meter reads and to talk with your tenants. And, finally, my top tip – always have a look in the loft and any garage – this can be a wealth of information and a real eye opener!

A property inspection is exactly what it says it is; an inspection (careful examination) of the property. It is not a cursory look; it is detailed and it is systematic. If you can enlist the participation of tenants and make them a part of the process, then we would advise that you do – we have always found this to be positive. It is a time to spot any issues, to answer any questions or queries from tenants and it is an essential part of the lettings process. If you have any questions about inspections, or we can help in any way, then give us a call on 0117 440 6789.

LETTINGS WITHOUT COMPROMISE

LET AGREED

While it’s tempting to think your dog’s fur coat will provide everything they need to stay warm and safe this winter, they still need a little help from their human companions. As temperatures set to drop, certain risks increase for your dog. Here are 5 ways cold weather can affect your dog, DANGER OF SLIPPING/FALLING AND EXPOSURE TO TOXINS

During icy and snowy conditions, slippery surfaces increase the risk of injuries due to falls. And while salting is a convenient solution for humans, the types of salt used to melt ice and snow and keep it from refreezing are somewhat harsh for our four-legged friends. These salts – typically calcium or sodium chloride – can irritate the pads of your dog’s feet and are toxic if ingested. DIFFICULTY REGULATING BODY TEMPERATURE IN SICK OR ELDERLY DOGS

Low body temperature can affect your dog’s bodily functions in many ways, and older dogs and those with kidney problems, Cushing’s disease, or hormonal issues can have a harder time regulating their body temperature. A low body temp can affect how well their heart works, cause an irregular heartbeat, and bring about low oxygen in the body or a change in blood pressure. It can suppress the immune system, leading to a higher infection rate and slower wound healing. Cold can also affect the gastrointestinal system, slowing down digestion as well as making it harder for the liver to metabolize medications. ALTERED METABOLISM

It takes energy to keep warm, and some dogs may need a slight increase in calories once the temperature drops below a certain degree to maintain body heat. For this reason, dogs subjected to cold have an altered metabolism, which may cause weight loss. However, keep in mind that not all dogs need this bump in calories, especially if they are sedentary in the winter – the health challenges overweight pets face are very serious. SUSCEPTIBILITY TO FROSTBITE

When your dog is exposed to extreme cold, such as when the temperature drops below 32°F (0°C), their blood vessels constrict to divert blood towards their core to keep the vital organs warm. This reduces blood flow to the extremities, meaning their ears, tail, and paws are susceptible to frostbite. The combination of decreased blood flow and cold temperature can lead to the freezing of the tissues, which causes severe damage. RISK OF BEING LEFT IN COLD CARS

A lot of attention is paid to the dangers of leaving an animal trapped in a hot car during the summer, but the risk is just as serious in winter. In lower temperatures, cars act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold, and this can cause hypothermia and even death.

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