Inspecting properties

When sourcing properties for a PRS access scheme, the tenant’s safety within that tenancy should be of paramount importance.  Assisting clients into good quality accommodation also greatly increases the likelihood that clients will take good care of the property and sustain their tenancy.  The only real way to ensure that the properties used by a PRS access are of a good standard is to inspect all properties.

 

It is important to inspect properties for a number of reasons

• Check that the client is going into a property of a good standard that will not have adverse affects on their health
• Shows the landlord that you are serious and professional
• Offers a chance to do a thorough inventory with digital photos should there be any claims made at the end of the tenancy
• Offers the chance to identify the suitability of the property for the client and establish any furnishings requirements or other that the client may need for the property to feel like a home
• Offers a chance to identify any property grants the landlord to which the landlord may be eligible

The inspection completed by the PRS access scheme can be very basic and any serious issues can be reported to Environmental Health/Private Sector Housing for their further inspection.

 

In 2006 the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) was brought into place, and while it is not necessary for PRS access scheme staff to be fully trained up on this system, it would be useful for them to have basic knowledge of the rating system.  When inspecting properties, at a minimum, the scheme should be able to identify if there are any HHSRS Category 1 hazards.  No properties with Category 1 hazards should be accepted onto the scheme.

 

Inspection process

Property safety

Fire safety

General property standards

Damp & condensation

'How to Inspect Properties' training

 

Crisis has also developed an example set of minimum property standards for use by PRS access schemes.