What a mid-tenancy inspection is for
Many letting agents carry out inspections every three to six months, or once or twice a year. The aim is to check the property is being looked after, identify maintenance issues before they get worse, and confirm the tenancy terms are being followed – for example, no unauthorised pets or occupants.
It's not a white-glove cleanliness test. The inspector isn't expecting an end of tenancy standard while you're living there. They're looking for signs of damage, neglect, damp and mould, and safety issues.
Your rights
In England, landlords and agents generally have to give at least 24 hours' written notice for inspections and visit at a reasonable time, unless it's an emergency. Your tenancy agreement will usually set out how often inspections happen. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own rules, but reasonable notice is the norm.
You don't have to be present, but it's often useful – you can raise repairs and answer questions.
What inspectors look for
Expect them to note:
- Damp, condensation and mould, especially in bathrooms, bedrooms and behind furniture
- Leaks under sinks, around baths and toilets, and from ceilings
- Damage to walls, doors, floors, worktops and fittings
- General cleanliness and hygiene, particularly kitchens and bathrooms
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms present and working
- Gardens and outside areas, if they're your responsibility
- Signs of pests, unauthorised pets or overcrowding
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A quick cleaning plan
If you've got a day or two's notice, focus on the rooms that matter most and the areas that look like neglect rather than everyday living. A couple of hours is usually enough.
Kitchen
Clear and wipe worktops, clean the hob and the front of the oven, wipe cupboard doors, take out the rubbish, clean the sink and mop the floor. Wipe up any grease around the extractor.
Bathroom
Clean the toilet, basin, bath or shower, wipe away limescale from taps and screens, and remove any surface mould from sealant and grout. Open the window and run the extractor fan.
Everywhere else
Tidy and vacuum, clear access to radiators, windows and utility cupboards, and make sure any damp or mould is visible so it can be assessed. Hiding damp behind furniture doesn't help you – it needs to be recorded and fixed.
Use the inspection to report problems
Write down any repairs before the visit – dripping taps, broken extractor fans, sticking windows, failed sealant, damp patches – and hand over a copy or email it afterwards. Problems reported in writing are much easier to resolve, and they show at the end of the tenancy that issues weren't caused by you.
Damp and mould are a particular focus for landlords now, and guidance stresses that they should be dealt with promptly. See removing mould from walls and ceilings for what you can do and when to report it.
Help with regular cleaning
If you're struggling to keep on top of things – busy jobs, shared houses or health problems – a fortnightly regular cleaner can keep the property in good shape, and a one-off deep clean can reset it before an inspection. Shared houses often find a rota plus an occasional professional clean works best; see our student house cleaning guide.
