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Every time I go through the change of tenant change, I ALWAYS ensures that the property is vacant for at least a few days before the new tenants leave. Through that window I was able to ensure that everything on the site worked. It is also a good time to make cosmetic improvements (for example, splashing the walls with a new coat of paint), if necessary.

I usually judge how long the property will remain empty when I do an inspection about a week before the current tenant has to leave. If serious damage or cosmetic changes are not necessary, a few days are usually sufficient time for the property to happen again. Anyway, no matter how impeccable a property looks, I will still release a minimum period of two days.

Health and safety checks that I perform

Does anyone, in addition to general cleaning and cosmetic accessories that might need some attention, really have a routine safety inspection / verification? I mean, I do the basics (or at least what I consider the basics to be):

Ensure that the accommodation has a valid gas safety certificate

Ensure that all doors / windows are opened, closed and locked correctly

Ensure that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly

Check all supplied electrical elements (usually only the smoke alarm)

Make sure there are no exposed electrical wires or broken plugs

Ensure that the equipped units that are supplied with the home are correctly installed on the walls

Be aware of obvious health hazards, such as broken carpet or laminate flooring or hardwood floors. In short, everything that could cause a trip or a fall.

I find it as comprehensive as my checks. But I think I cover the basic areas; Enough to keep me out of trouble.

According to the Association of Independent Inventory Employees (who? Yes, exactly), many homeowners still don't even know the basic health and safety rules when they leave their properties for rent. Here is a list of the 10 most common health and safety issues found in rental properties according to their findings:

The 10 most common health and safety problems in rental properties

1: furniture, bedding and non-conforming furniture

2: loose plugs and light switches

3: no smoke detectors or monoxide detectors are installed

4: darkened gas meters and electricity fuse boxes

5: Curtains and blinds where the screws are placed directly on the wall without untreated plugs

6: loose / damaged steps, paving without property

7: loose stair carpet

8: poorly maintained coverage

9: Air vents and covered air stones in the rooms, especially when there are gas appliances.

10: locked windows without keys included

Regardless of whether you have a routine health and safety regime, it may be worth paying attention to the aforementioned areas, along with any additional checks that you may already be performing. I am not entirely sure how many legal issues (if any) that do not meet the requirements of each item on the list can arrive, but I assume that each security issue has its own degree of danger. For example, I cannot imagine that not using unprocessed plugs when hanging curtains would have as many reasons for legal prosecution as not installing smoke detectors. But don't quote me about that.

Anyway, with British consumers becoming increasingly Americanized with all the waste from demand culture, it's probably better not to take risks with safety.

If someone has more health / safety advice / history, you know what to do ... pick up the microphone and spit out the text.

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