"Regular property inspections should be at the core of a letting agent’s property management strategy. Not only do they enhance tenant well-being and mitigate long-term costs, they also protect asset values - a key concern for landlords"
- Siân Hemming-Metcalfe - Inventory Base
New research from Inventory Base, based on analysis of maintenance cost data and insights from property management professionals, reveals that letting agents and property managers can help landlords across Britain save up to £3.4bn a year in repair and maintenance costs by implementing a structured inspection strategy.
A well-managed property inspection is the first line of defense against costly maintenance surprises, ensuring that issues are flagged before they escalate into expensive repairs or compliance breaches. For letting agents, offering a proactive inspection service not only enhances landlord relationships but also strengthens their reputation as a trusted, knowledgeable partner.
The role of agents in streamlining property inspections
Agents and property managers play a crucial role in maintaining property value and tenant satisfaction by ensuring inspections are carried out efficiently and in compliance with regulations. A robust inspection process allows agents to provide accurate, data-driven reports, helping landlords make timely decisions while reducing their long-term costs.
Industry best practice suggests inspections should be carried out at least twice a year, with higher-frequency checks recommended every three months for older properties or high-traffic rental types such as HMOs.
Four key benefits of a structured inspection process
1. Proactive maintenance saves money
Letting agents who conduct or coordinate regular inspections help landlords catch issues early, preventing costly repairs. For example, spotting a minor leak early can save thousands of pounds in roof and ceiling repairs. Proactive maintenance services not only protect landlords' assets but also strengthen agent-client relationships by demonstrating value.
2. Compliance and risk mitigation
Regulatory compliance is a key concern for landlords, and agents who actively manage inspections can shield them from costly fines and legal issues. Health and Safety Executive regulations impose fines of up to £30,000 per breach, making it critical to identify risks like faulty wiring or trip hazards before they become liabilities.
3. Preventing long-term damage
Unaddressed issues such as damp and mould can quickly escalate into major legal and health problems. Under Awaab’s Law, landlords will be legally required to resolve these problems swiftly, making regular inspections an essential service that agents can offer to keep properties compliant and tenants safe.
4. Enhancing property value and landlord ROI
For letting agents looking to differentiate themselves in a competitive market, offering a comprehensive inspection and maintenance reporting service adds measurable value. Properties suffering from neglected maintenance can lose 5-15% of their market value, making preventative inspections a smart financial decision for landlords.
The financial impact - and why agents should take the lead
According to research from the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), early detection of maintenance issues can save a landlord an average of £1,200 per year, demonstrating just how important and valuable a good inspection process is.
According to the latest government data, there are almost 2.84m private landlords in Britain. If each of these landlords were to save £1,200 a year thanks to thorough inspections, it would result in a potential sector-wide saving of £3.4bn per year.
"Regular property inspections should be at the core of a letting agent’s property management strategy," says Siân Hemming-Metcalfe, Operations Director at Inventory Base, "Not only do they enhance tenant well-being and mitigate long-term costs, they also protect asset values - a key concern for landlords."
She adds, "Thanks to technological advancements, property inspections no longer need to be costly or time-consuming. End-to-end solutions allow agents to schedule, perform, and report on inspections seamlessly, ensuring fast turnaround on repairs and maintenance while improving service efficiency. This benefits everyone - from single-property landlords to agents managing large, diverse portfolios."
“For letting agents, embracing digital inspection tools and automated workflows means stronger compliance, improved efficiency, and happier landlords. In an increasingly competitive market, offering proactive, data-driven property management is a differentiator that boosts both profitability and client trust.”
