Buy To Let Survey
A Buy To Let Survey tells landlords what condition a rental property is in and whether it has hazards that could put tenants at risk. It combines a Level 2 style condition report with a review of the 29 hazards in the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, the system councils use to judge whether rented homes are safe. We carry them out across Essex.
About the Survey
A standard home survey is written for someone who's going to live in the property. A Buy To Let Survey is written for someone who's going to let it. As well as reporting on the condition of the building, it looks at the property through the eyes of a tenant and a local council, highlighting anything that could make it unsafe or unhealthy to live in.
Our Buy To Let Survey is carried out to the reporting standards of the Residential Property Surveyors Association (RPSA). The inspection is similar to a RICS Level 2 Home Survey, with plenty of photographs, and the report adds a review of each hazard profile in the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
The result is a clear picture of the property's condition, the repairs it needs and the steps you may need to take to provide a safe home for your tenants.
Who It's For
It suits houses, flats and maisonettes. For older or heavily altered rental properties, a Level 3 Survey may be a better starting point, and we can advise which suits the property.
What's Included
We inspect the property inside and out, including the roof, walls, windows, damp, timber, visible services, drainage and outbuildings, and report on defects and repairs in the same structured way as a Level 2 survey. Every report includes plenty of photographs, so you can see the issues even if you haven't visited the property.
We explain our findings in plain English and flag where a specialist, such as an electrician or Gas Safe engineer, should take a closer look. You can book a follow-up call to go through the report.
The Housing Health and Safety Rating System sets out 29 hazards that can affect the health and safety of people living in a home. They fall into four groups:
Our report reviews each hazard profile for the property and highlights anything that needs attention, helping you prioritise the work that matters most for your tenants' safety.
Why It Matters
Landlords in England have a legal duty to provide homes that are safe and fit to live in. Under the Housing Act 2004, councils use the HHSRS to assess rented homes and can take enforcement action where they find serious hazards. Tenants can also take action if a home isn't fit for human habitation.
A Buy To Let Survey helps you spot problems before a council inspector or tenant does. Identifying damp, inadequate heating, trip hazards or fire safety issues early means you can put them right on your terms, protect your tenants and protect your investment.
Our survey is a professional assessment of the property's condition and hazards. It isn't legal advice, and it doesn't replace the safety certificates and checks landlords are required to arrange separately.
Good to Know
An insurance reinstatement cost can be added for an additional fee.
Across Essex
Rental properties across Essex range from converted Victorian flats in Westcliff-on-Sea and Southend-on-Sea to modern apartments in Chelmsford and family homes in Basildon. Converted flats in particular can hide issues with fire separation, sound insulation and shared parts of the building, so a survey written with tenants in mind is a sensible investment.
See all the areas we cover, or get in touch with the property address for a quote.
Other Surveys
a photographic record of the property before a new tenancy or lease
when a tenant reports a problem such as damp or cracking
if you're buying a home to live in
for older or altered properties
Get in touch
Tell us about the rental property and we'll come back to you with a quote. Let us know if the property is currently tenanted, so we can plan access.
Prefer to talk?
WhatsApp us:
Send us a message, the property listing link and any photos or questions. Handy if you're busy during the day.
If you're unsure which survey you need, tell us about the property and your circumstance and we'll guide you through it.
The Housing Health and Safety Rating System is the method councils in England use to assess hazards in homes, under the Housing Act 2004. It covers 29 hazards, from damp and mould to falls and fire, and is used to judge whether rented properties are safe for tenants.
No. A council inspection is carried out by the local authority. Our survey reviews the same 29 hazard profiles independently, so you can identify and deal with issues before they become a problem.
Yes. Many landlords use it to check an existing rental, especially between tenancies or when they've not inspected a property for a while.
No. Gas safety certificates must be issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer, and EICRs by a qualified electrician. Our survey will flag any visible concerns with the services that need specialist attention.
Landlords may be able to offset the cost of a survey against their rental income in some circumstances. It depends on your situation and the reason for the survey, so check with your accountant or tax adviser.
No. Our surveys don't include a market or rental valuation. Your mortgage lender will arrange its own valuation if you're buying with a buy to let mortgage.
The fee depends on the size, age and type of property. Send us the property details and we'll give you a quote.
Our Surveys
From RICS Level 2 and Level 3 home surveys to new build snagging, buy to let and schedules of condition, we'll help you choose the right report for your property.
Get a Quote
Tell us the property address and the survey you need, and we'll come back to you with a quote.
Prefer to talk? Call or WhatsApp 07375 390466.
Lima Surveys is an independent firm of Chartered Building Surveyors based in Leigh-on-Sea, regulated by both RICS and the RPSA. Every survey is carried out and written by a Chartered Surveyor, with a clear photographic report issued within 5 working days and a follow-up call to talk through the findings. We cover the whole of Essex.
Lima Surveys Ltd
Leigh-on-Sea, Essex SS9 3PL
Registered in England & Wales, Company No. 13556609
Registered office: C/O Kingsley House, 22-24 Elm Road, Leigh-On-Sea, Essex, England, SS9 1SN.
VAT Reg No. 458 5578 39
T: 07375 390466
E: info@limasurveys.co.uk
