The Renters’ Rights Act: Why property condition matters for landlords

Local authorities now have greater powers to take action where serious hazards, such as damp, mould, unsafe electrics or inadequate heating, are not addressed. Further reforms are also expected to extend the Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law requirements to privately rented homes.

For landlords, this makes understanding and documenting a property’s condition increasingly important.

Identifying the cause of a problem

Visible symptoms do not always reveal the full cause of a defect.

Mould could result from condensation and poor ventilation, but it may also indicate penetrating damp or a plumbing leak. Cracking does not necessarily mean serious structural movement, but its position, width and progression may warrant investigation.

Simply treating the visible symptom could leave the underlying problem unresolved.

How can a chartered surveyor help?

Depending on the scope of the inspection, a chartered surveyor can provide an independent assessment of the visible and accessible areas of a property.

This may help landlords to:

• Identify visible defects and areas of concern
• Understand potential causes
• Determine whether specialist investigation is required
• Plan repairs and ongoing maintenance
• Keep a professional record of the property’s condition

A visual inspection cannot uncover every concealed issue, but it can provide valuable information to support the next steps.

Taking a proactive approach

Regular inspections, prompt investigation and clear records can help landlords address problems before they become more serious.

Useful records may include dated photographs, inspection reports, repair invoices and follow-up evidence showing that recommended work has been completed.

Taking a proactive approach can help protect the property, support tenant safety and reduce the risk of minor defects developing into costly repairs.

This article provides general information and should not be treated as legal or regulatory advice.