What to Expect During a Landlord Inspection (and How to Prepare)

If you’ve reported a disrepair issue or are making a complaint about your living conditions, your landlord may schedule an inspection. While this can feel a bit intimidating, especially if you’re worried about your tenancy or housing benefit eligibility, it’s actually a normal and important step toward resolving the problem.

Knowing what to expect and how to prepare for a landlord inspection will help things go smoothly and ensure the issue is taken seriously.

Why Do Landlords Carry Out Inspections?

Inspections are usually done to:

• Assess the condition of the property

• Confirm reported repair issues

• Check for any health and safety risks

• Decide the scope and urgency of repair work

They are often the first action landlords take after receiving a written complaint — especially if you’ve made it clear the problem is affecting your daily life or well-being.

How to Prepare for an Inspection

Here are some simple steps to get ready:

1. Make Sure the Problem Is Clearly Visible

Avoid cleaning up or hiding the issue — the goal is to show the real condition of the property. If it’s damp, mouldy, cracked, or broken, let it be seen as it is.

2. Gather Your Evidence

Have copies of any letters, emails, photos, or videos you’ve collected ready to share if needed. This helps create a timeline of the problem and shows that it’s not a new issue.

3. Walk Them Through the Property

Take the landlord (or their contractor) through each area that’s affected. Point out what’s happening, when it started, and how it impacts your ability to live comfortably in the home.

4. Be Calm but Firm

Use this opportunity to be clear about your expectations. Be respectful but don’t downplay the severity of the disrepair — especially if it’s affecting children, elderly family members, or your health.

Does an Inspection Affect Your Benefits?

In some cases, yes — but not negatively. If an inspection reveals that your property is unfit to live in, this could affect your housing benefit eligibility in ways that actually increase your support. You may qualify for additional help, temporary accommodation, or changes in your benefit amount, depending on the situation.

This is why it’s so important to take inspections seriously — they not only lead to repairs but can also help protect your financial stability.

Need Support? Don’t Go Through It Alone

If your landlord isn’t responding properly or you’re unsure about your rights, Housing Repair Solutions is here to help. Their team supports tenants living in council or housing association homes, guiding them through disrepair complaints, inspections, and legal processes.

They’ll make sure your inspection leads to action — not delay — and that your rights (and home) are fully protected.