Does your agent do pre-checkout inspections?
Conducted in addition to mid-tenancy visits, pre-checkouts minimise costs, reduce void periods & prevent deposit disputes.
The importance of mid-tenancy inspections is well known:
- They allow landlords or letting agents to identify potential issues early, preventing costly repairs down the line. For example, discovering damaged rainwater goods before water ingress leads to a penetrative damp problem can save significant expense.
- They’re valuable opportunity to remind occupants of their responsibilities in maintaining the property, ensuring it remains in good condition.
- Where tenant turnover is high, e.g. in the student sector, there’s always one eye on how the property looks to prospective new occupants, so they’re an opportunity to identify anything needing making good in that regard.
…but what about inspections at the end of a tenancy?
A pre-checkout is a great start to the end of tenancy process
Landlords are familiar with the importance of a thorough checkout inspection when contract-holders vacate. It’s a key step in assessing the condition of your property, comparing it to how it was at the start of the tenancy, and determining whether any cleaning, repairs, or redecoration are necessary. If damage or neglect is found, a claim may be made against the contract-holder’s deposit. However, no landlord – or letting agent – wants to be in a position where deductions are needed. Ideally, your property would be handed back in the same condition it was let, ensuring a smooth transition for the next occupant.
At CPS Homes, we believe in going the extra mile to make that a reality. That’s why we don’t just rely on the standard checkout inspection. We also offer a pre-checkout inspection to help reduce the chances of costly or time-consuming issues arising when contract-holders vacate the property.
What is a pre-checkout inspection?
A pre-checkout inspection is conducted a few weeks before the occupier is due to move out. It’s a proactive step that allows us to assess the condition of your property ahead of time and identify any potential issues that, if left unresolved, would likely lead to a deposit claim.
During this inspection, we highlight to the contract-holder any cleaning or repairs they will be held responsible for at the end of their tenancy, and follow-up in writing. This gives them the opportunity to address these issues themselves, at a much lower cost than if a contractor were to be called in after they’ve left.
Why does this benefit landlords?
- Fewer surprises at checkout: By alerting occupiers to issues before they leave, we dramatically reduce the likelihood of finding major problems during the final checkout inspection. This means fewer surprises for you as a landlord and a greater chance of the property being left in good condition.
- Minimised costs: When contract-holders are informed about what needs rectifying, they’re often happy to take care of these tasks themselves. This saves landlords the expense of hiring professional cleaners or tradespeople after the tenancy ends, which can be significantly more costly.
- Quicker turnaround times: When properties are left in better condition, there’s less work to be done in between tenancies. This is especially important when time is of the essence. A short window between one occupier leaving and the next moving in can be challenging, but with a pre-checkout inspection, we can help ensure your property is as close to move-in ready as possible.
- Happier contract-holders: Outgoing occupants are often grateful for the opportunity to remedy any issues before they leave, knowing that this will likely result in the return of their full deposit. Satisfied contract-holders are more likely to leave on good terms and may even be more willing to recommend your property to others or provide positive feedback.
- Reduced stress: Both landlords and contract-holders benefit from clear communication and reduced conflicts. By being transparent and proactive, we help to make the end-of-tenancy process as smooth and hassle-free as possible.
Why choose CPS Homes?
At CPS Homes, we understand that the fewer issues there are to resolve, the better it is for everyone involved. Our pre-checkout inspections provide a valuable opportunity to address concerns before they escalate, ensuring that your property is well-maintained, your costs are minimised, and the transition between tenancies is seamless.
Not every letting agent takes this extra step, but we do—because we’re committed to protecting your investment and ensuring the best possible outcomes for landlords and contract-holders alike.
Want to learn more about how our pre-checkout inspections could benefit you? Get in touch with CPS Homes today!
The information contained within this article was correct at the date of publishing and is not guaranteed to remain correct in the present day.
