Why Landlord Property Inspections Matter in Manchester
Protect your rental investment and meet legal obligations with expert property inspections across Manchester. Whether you’re a private landlord or letting agent, regular inspections are essential to ensure your property remains safe, compliant, and well-maintained.
Manchester’s booming rental market brings opportunity, and responsibility. With over 30% of housing stock now privately rented, landlords face growing scrutiny from tenants, local authorities, and insurance providers. Failing to inspect properties regularly can lead to:
- Undetected damage (e.g. damp, leaks, pests)
- Unreported tenant issues
- Breach of tenancy terms
- Loss of deposit disputes
- Legal and insurance problems
- Illegal activities like subletting or cannabis cultivation
Routine inspections aren’t just best practice, they’re protection.
Types of Landlord Property Inspections We Offer
We provide a full suite of landlord inspection services in Manchester:
| Inspection Type | Purpose | Typical Frequency | Price (Ex. VAT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inventory Check | Create a detailed inventory and condition report before new tenancy | Before new tenancy | £80.00 |
| Inventory & Check-In | Combined service for documentation and tenant welcome | Before move-in | £120.00 |
| Mid-Term Check | Identify maintenance or tenancy issues mid-way through rental period | Every 3–6 months | £99.00 |
| Check-Out Inspection | Final property assessment at end of tenancy for deposit release | End of tenancy | £109.00 |
Here’s why inspections are critical, especially in busy rental hotspots like Didsbury, Fallowfield, Hulme, and Ancoats:
- ✅ Protect your investment: Spot minor issues before they become costly repairs
- ✅ Support deposit claims: Reduce tenant disputes with evidence-based reports
- ✅ Maintain compliance: Demonstrate due diligence under the Housing Act
- ✅ Spot illegal activity: Detect early signs of subletting or cannabis farms
- ✅ Increase tenant satisfaction: Resolve concerns promptly, improving retention
The Manchester Rental Market: A High-Demand, High-Risk Environment
Manchester’s rental sector has grown rapidly in the past decade. Areas like the Northern Quarter, Chorlton, and Salford Quays are hotspots for young professionals, students, and families. With high demand, properties often have short void periods, but quick turnovers also increase risks.
Key Manchester Stats:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Percentage of private rental households | 31% of all households |
| Average monthly rent (Greater Manchester) | £1,016 (as of May 2025) |
| Top tenant complaints (via council reports) | Damp, disrepair, and deposit disputes |
| Local enforcement activity | Over 2,500 inspections in 2024 alone |
Local councils like Manchester City and Salford City are ramping up inspection powers, with additional licensing schemes and selective landlord checks now in place.
What We Commonly Find During Manchester Property Inspections
Every city has its quirks, and Manchester is no exception. Here are the most common issues we uncover during landlord property inspections:
🔍 Top Issues Identified:
- Mould & damp in older terrace properties, especially in Levenshulme and Moss Side
- Unreported tenant damage such as broken fixtures or scratched flooring
- Neglected outdoor areas in suburban rentals (e.g. Chorlton, Prestwich)
- Signs of illegal subletting or cannabis cultivation
- Blocked fire exits or missing alarms
- Evidence of pets without permission
- Accumulated rubbish or pest risks
These risks can escalate quickly, especially if left unchecked over several months.
Read our article: What landlords need to know
Our Manchester Landlord Inspection Process
Our property inspections are designed to be thorough, discreet, and legally sound. Here’s how we work with landlords and letting agents:
✅ Step-by-Step Breakdown:
- Booking & Tenant Notice
- We arrange inspection time with 24–48 hours’ tenant notice
- Access arranged with landlord or keyholding agent
- On-Site Inspection
- Full interior and exterior check
- Photos, notes, and condition reporting
- Compliance checks: smoke alarms, fire exits, general safety
- Report Delivery
- PDF report delivered within 24 hours
- Includes timestamped photos and condition comments
- Ongoing Support
- Mid-term reminders available
- Follow-up inspections or keyholding support on request
Landlord Property Inspections
Stay compliant, avoid costly surprises, and protect your property from just £80 + VAT.
Get started with a free consultation today.
The Hidden Risk: Cannabis Farms in Rental Properties
One of the growing threats in Greater Manchester’s rental sector is illegal cannabis cultivation. Organised crime gangs often rent properties with false identities, pay several months upfront, and quickly convert rooms into grow houses.
🚨 Why Landlords Need to Stay Alert
- Greater Manchester Police seized over 150 cannabis farms in 2024
- Many setups are found in residential terraced homes
- Electrical rewiring, fire hazards, and structural damage are common
- Landlords can face huge repair costs and void periods
- Some insurance claims are rejected due to lack of regular inspections
Routine landlord inspections are one of the best defences against this type of activity. Early signs like blocked windows, heat damage, and strange smells can be spotted and reported quickly.
Legal Duties for Landlords in Manchester (Including HHSRS)
As a landlord in Manchester, you’re legally obligated to ensure that your property is safe, secure, and free from serious health hazards. These responsibilities are enforced under national laws and strengthened by local licensing requirements.
⚖️ The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)
Introduced under the Housing Act 2004, the HHSRS is the government’s system for assessing potential risks to health and safety in residential properties. Local councils use it to inspect properties, and so should you.
There are 29 hazard categories that every rental property should be assessed for. Inspections help you identify and correct these before they become enforcement issues.
🔧 Common HHSRS Hazards Inspections Can Identify:
- Damp and mould growth
- Excess cold or inadequate heating
- Fire risks
- Structural defects or instability
- Unsafe stairs, banisters, or flooring
- Poor lighting or electrical faults
- Pests, waste build-up, or hygiene risks
Failure to address Category 1 hazards can lead to Improvement Notices, Prohibition Orders, or even civil penalties up to £30,000.
Landlord Property Inspection Services
Stay compliant, avoid costly surprises, and protect your property from just £80 + VAT.
Get started with a free consultation today.
🏛️ Manchester’s Selective Licensing Zones
Manchester City Council operates selective and additional licensing schemes that require landlords in certain areas to register their properties and demonstrate ongoing maintenance.
Regular inspections:
- Show evidence of your duty of care
- Reduce the risk of non-compliance penalties
- Support your licence application or renewal
- Help meet documentation standards for licensing audits
Who Should Use This Service?
Our landlord property inspections in Manchester are ideal for:
🔑 Accidental Landlords
Inherited or recently let a property? Professional inspections help you get up to speed with legal obligations and spot issues early.
🏢 Portfolio Landlords
Managing multiple properties across Manchester? Scheduled inspections improve consistency, protect your assets, and save you time.
🧑💼 Letting Agents
We act as your professional inspection partner, providing condition reports you can share with landlords, tenants, and insurers.
🏘️ HMO Owners
HMOs require strict compliance. Regular inspections demonstrate good management and help meet licensing standards.
🆕 First-Time Landlords
Starting out in the rental market? We’ll guide you through the inspection process, ensuring you meet all legal and practical standards.
Insurance Requirements & Property Risk Management
Insurers are becoming more cautious about rental properties, especially in urban areas like Manchester. Many now require:
- Evidence of periodic property inspections
- Up-to-date condition reports
- Demonstrated steps to minimise risk
Failing to inspect your property can jeopardise your insurance claim if damage, fire, or illegal activity is discovered, particularly if the insurer believes the issue could have been prevented.
Our inspections provide a clear audit trail, helping you stay protected, even in worst-case scenarios.
DIY vs. Professional Inspection: What’s the Difference?
Failing to inspect your property can jeopardise your insurance claim if damage, fire, or illegal activity is discovered, particularly if the insurer believes the issue could have been prevented.
Our inspections provide a clear audit trail, helping you stay protected, even in worst-case scenarios.
DIY vs. Professional Inspection: What’s the Difference?
Some landlords choose to carry out their own mid-term inspections, and while this can work for experienced property owners with the right knowledge and time, it often leads to missed issues, limited documentation, and increased risk.
A professional inspection provides a clear, unbiased view of the property, backed by legally compliant reporting and photographic evidence. This is especially important if you need to defend a deposit claim, demonstrate compliance to local authorities, or protect your insurance coverage.
Here’s how DIY inspections compare with a professional service:
| Criteria | DIY Landlord Visit | Professional Inspection |
|---|---|---|
| Objectivity | May miss key issues due to familiarity | Independent, unbiased condition check |
| Legal compliance | No formal report | Timestamped evidence for deposit/legal use |
| Tenant cooperation | Can feel intrusive | Seen as neutral third-party |
| Detail & documentation | Often missed or incomplete | Full PDF with photos, checklists |
| Insurance validity | Often questioned | Meets audit trail requirements |
Which areas of Manchester do you cover?
We operate across Greater Manchester, including:
- City Centre
- Didsbury
- Chorlton
- Salford
- Hulme
- Withington
- Levenshulme
- Ancoats
- Eccles
- Failsworth
- Prestwich
- And surrounding areas
Book Your Manchester Property Inspection Today
Don’t leave your investment to chance.
Our professional landlord inspections help you:
- Avoid costly damage and disputes
- Stay legally compliant
- Spot early signs of illegal activity
- Keep tenants happy and safe
📩 Get in touch now to book your landlord property inspection in Manchester by callig us on 0800 035 6607 for a quick quote.
Frequently Asked Questions About National Rural Crime
How often should I inspect my rental property?
We recommend inspections every 3 to 6 months, depending on the type of tenancy. For HMOs or high-turnover properties, more frequent checks may be required.
Do I need to notify tenants before an inspection?
Yes. Under UK law, landlords must provide at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering the property. We handle all tenant communication as part of our service.
Is this service suitable for HMO properties?
Yes. Under UK law, landlords must provide at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering the property. We handle all tenant communication as part of our service.
Can I attend the inspection?
Yes, if you’d prefer to be present, we’re happy to coordinate with your schedule. Alternatively, we can carry it out independently and send a detailed report.
What’s included in the inspection report?
You’ll receive a PDF report within 24 hours, including timestamped photographs, condition notes, hazard observations, and compliance checks.
Can you help if my tenant refuses access?
Yes. We can provide templated legal wording and guidance to help you assert your rights, while staying compliant with Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act.
Do you inspect communal areas in flats or apartments?
Yes, we can include shared stairwells, entrances, and external spaces where applicable, depending on access and property type.
Is this service compliant with Manchester’s licensing schemes?
Yes. Our inspection format helps landlords meet the ongoing requirements of Selective and Additional Licensing in areas like Crumpsall, Rusholme, and Gorton.
What happens if issues are found during the inspection?
We flag them in the report, along with photos and recommendations. You can then take corrective action or request a follow-up inspection if needed.
Can these inspections help with insurance claims?
Yes. Insurers often request condition reports to validate claims. Our inspections provide a reliable, time-stamped audit trail that protects your position.
Do you carry out inspections during active tenancies only?
No — we also carry out inventory, check-in, and check-out inspections, including vacant property checks between tenancies.
What areas of Manchester do you cover?
We cover the whole of Greater Manchester, including:
City Centre
Salford
Hulme
Ancoats
Chorlton
Didsbury
Fallowfield
Withington
Levenshulme
Eccles
Prestwich
…and more.
What if I manage multiple properties?
We offer bulk pricing and scheduled inspection plans for portfolio landlords and letting agents. Contact us for a custom quote.
Are photos included in the inspection report?
Yes. We include clear, timestamped photos of every room and area inspected, so you have full visual documentation.
How do I book an inspection?
Simply call us on 0800 035 6607, email info@leisureguardsecurity.co.uk, or use the contact form on our website to book. We’ll handle the rest.
