Post repair inspection service is launched
With the Government announcing the Renters’ Reform Bill would be implemented in this session of parliament – that’s before June 2023 – thoughts are increasingly turning to an enhanced level of protection for tenants.
One new aspect to expect before next summer is a Decent Homes Standard for the private rental sector. The condition and age of fixtures and fittings will be in the spotlight like never before, with many landlords facing the prospect of making repairs in line with new regulations.
The private rental sector’s Decent Homes Standard joins an existing scheme already in operation in social housing. The industry’s learnings from maintaining safe, secure and modern standards in tenanted properties has taught us that the quality of workmanship and standard of repair can be variable.
With this in mind, and with the Renters’ Reform Bill on the horizon, Viewber has launched a new service for property managers and landlords, whether they work in private or social housing.
A Viewber can be booked to carry out post repair inspections. With the address and access details, collecting keys if required, they will visit any property in the UK to check what work has been carried out and how well it has been completed.
All types of repairs are covered – it could be a shower screen replacement, repointing brickwork, fixing a leaky pipe or removing mould – with the appointed Viewber taking photographic evidence (close up images and ‘in context’ photos), as well as filing a detailed report about what they have seen.
A Viewber can also check whether the contractor has left behind any rubbish and removed old products, and they’ll note whether they have damaged the existing structure or locality while undertaking the repair.
Evidence of repair work and its standard of execution is vital for both private and social landlords. A poor standard or inadequate repair may give tenants a reason to take action for damages under the Defective Premises Act 1972.
If you manage a portfolio of properties where repairs and replacements are a regular occurrence, talk to us about booking a Viewber to make a follow-up post repair inspection.
