Routine inspection checklist for UK rental properties

Check the front door operates smoothly and locks securely. Note the condition of the doorbell and entry lighting.

• Front door No issues Requires attention
• Lock and hardware No issues Requires attention
• Doorbell No issues Requires attention N/A
• Lighting No issues Requires attention

Check walls, doors and floor coverings along the hallway. Note any marks, scuffs or trip hazards.

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention N/A
• Lights and sockets No issues Requires attention
• Floors and floor coverings No issues Requires attention

Check walls, doors, windows and heating. Test that all lights and sockets work.

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention N/A
• Lights and sockets No issues Requires attention
• Floors and floor coverings No issues Requires attention
• Windows No issues Requires attention
• Blinds and curtains No issues Requires attention N/A
• Radiators No issues Requires attention N/A

Test all appliances, taps and lights. Check cupboards open and close properly and note any damage to worktops or surfaces.

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention N/A
• Lights and sockets No issues Requires attention
• Floors and floor coverings No issues Requires attention
• Windows No issues Requires attention N/A
• Blinds and curtains No issues Requires attention N/A
• Cupboards No issues Requires attention
• Sink and worktops No issues Requires attention
• Oven and hob No issues Requires attention
• Fridge freezer No issues Requires attention N/A
• Extractor fan No issues Requires attention N/A

Test taps, shower pressure and toilet flush. Check for leaks, mould or damage to fittings.

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention
• Lights and sockets No issues Requires attention
• Floors and floor coverings No issues Requires attention
• Windows No issues Requires attention N/A
• Blinds and curtains No issues Requires attention N/A
• Mirror and cabinet No issues Requires attention
• Bath No issues Requires attention N/A
• Shower No issues Requires attention N/A
• Wash basin No issues Requires attention
• Toilet No issues Requires attention
• Extractor fan No issues Requires attention N/A

Test the washing machine and check the utility sink for damage or leaks.

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention
• Lights and sockets No issues Requires attention
• Floors and floor coverings No issues Requires attention
• Windows No issues Requires attention N/A
• Blinds and curtains No issues Requires attention N/A
• Washing machine No issues Requires attention N/A
• Utility sink No issues Requires attention N/A

Check walls, doors, windows and floor coverings.

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention
• Lights and sockets No issues Requires attention
• Floors and floor coverings No issues Requires attention
• Windows No issues Requires attention
• Blinds and curtains No issues Requires attention N/A
• Wardrobe No issues Requires attention N/A

Check the handrail is secure and treads are free of damage or hazards.

• Handrail No issues Requires attention N/A
• Treads and risers No issues Requires attention N/A
• Lighting No issues Requires attention N/A

Check bins and bin store, locks and insulation. Confirm smoke alarms are present and working throughout the property.

• Bins and bin store No issues Requires attention
• Locks No issues Requires attention
• Insulation No issues Requires attention
• Smoke alarms present and working No issues Requires attention

Check the garage door and remote operate correctly. Note the condition of the floor and any damage to walls.

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention
• Lights and sockets No issues Requires attention
• Floor No issues Requires attention
• Door and remote No issues Requires attention

Check external walls and paintwork, gutters and downpipes. Note any signs of moisture or damage.

• External walls and paintwork No issues Requires attention
• Gutters and downpipes No issues Requires attention

Check lawns, gardens and fencing are in reasonable condition. Confirm the letterbox is present and usable.

• Lawns and gardens No issues Requires attention N/A
• Fencing No issues Requires attention N/A
• Washing line No issues Requires attention N/A
• Letterbox No issues Requires attention N/A

Check the loft hatch, insulation and any signs of water ingress or pests.

• Loft hatch and ladder No issues Requires attention
• Insulation depth No issues Requires attention
• Signs of water ingress No issues Requires attention
• Pest activity No issues Requires attention
• Water tank and pipework lagged No issues Requires attention

Check the boiler, cylinder and pipework for leaks and corrosion.

• Boiler and controls No issues Requires attention
• Hot water cylinder No issues Requires attention
• Pipework lagged No issues Requires attention
• No leaks or corrosion No issues Requires attention
• Shelving and door No issues Requires attention

Record the condition of shared entrances, stairs and bin stores.

• Communal entrance and door entry No issues Requires attention
• Stairs and handrails No issues Requires attention
• Lighting No issues Requires attention
• Bin store No issues Requires attention
• Fire doors and escape routes clear No issues Requires attention

Record the condition of any allocated parking, driveway or garage.

• Allocated space or driveway No issues Requires attention
• Surface condition No issues Requires attention
• Garage door and remote No issues Requires attention
• Lighting No issues Requires attention

Check for condensation, penetrating damp and rising damp. A property must be fit for human habitation under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018.

• No visible mould growth No issues Requires attention
• Extractor fans in kitchen and bathroom working No issues Requires attention
• Windows open and trickle vents clear No issues Requires attention
• No penetrating or rising damp No issues Requires attention
• No condensation staining on walls or ceilings No issues Requires attention
• Loft and wall insulation adequate No issues Requires attention

Record gas, electricity and water meter readings at the time of inspection. Leave a reading blank if the property has no such meter.

• Gas meter reading Number answer
• Electricity meter reading Number answer
• Water meter reading Number answer

A Gas Safe registered engineer must check every gas appliance and flue annually under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, and the tenant must be given a copy of the record. See hse.gov.uk/gas.

• Gas Safety Record in date Yes No
• Engineer Gas Safe registered Yes No
• Boiler serviced and working Yes No
• Gas hob and oven Yes No N/A
• Gas fire and flue Yes No N/A
• Ventilation to gas appliances clear Yes No
• Copy of the record given to the tenant Yes No

An EICR must be carried out at least every 5 years under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, with a copy given to the tenant.

• EICR in date and satisfactory Yes No
• Any remedial work completed and evidenced Yes No
• Consumer unit and RCD protection Yes No
• Sockets and switches undamaged Yes No
• No exposed or damaged wiring Yes No
• Supplied appliances tested Yes No N/A
• Copy of the EICR given to the tenant Yes No

Under the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015, as amended in 2022, a smoke alarm is required on every storey used as living accommodation and a carbon monoxide alarm in every room with a fixed combustion appliance other than a gas cooker.

• Smoke alarm on every storey used as living accommodation Yes No
• Carbon monoxide alarm in every room with a fixed combustion appliance Yes No N/A
• Alarms tested All sounding Some not sounding Not tested
• Alarms within their expiry date Yes No
• Tenant shown how to test the alarms Yes No