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4 good reasons for carrying out a property survey

Published at October 22, 2025 by Bernard
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4 good reasons for carrying out a property survey

Property is often one of the biggest investments of a lifetime. However, this investment is often surrounded by imprecision, which can be a source of conflict. Fortunately, you can avoid unpleasant surprises by carefully documenting the condition of the property. Are you sceptical? Here are 4 good reasons to carry out a property survey.

Drawing up a detailed inventory

A property survey provides an objective assessment of the property at a given time. It describes each space in detail, from the entrance to the storeroom. This document should capture the condition of the walls, floors and ceilings. It also notes the operation of equipment and any defects.

Make sure you check every piece of joinery and every sanitary installation. The inventory attached to the report lists all the furnishings. It specifies their condition and any wear and tear. This detailed description makes it possible to distinguish between initial defects and future damage. You need to be familiar with the different types of property survey in order to choose the one that's right for you.

Some models even include additional metrological readings. Don't overlook any detail during this preparation phase. The smallest scratches or micro-cracks must be included. This completeness will protect you effectively in the future.

Protecting yourself against disputes

A statement of facts is your legal shield in the event of disagreement. It provides an indisputable factual basis for settling disputes. Make sure you draw it up with the utmost rigour.

Return of the security deposit

The question of the deposit is often a problem when the keys are returned. The owner may be tempted to withhold all or part of the sum. The outgoing inspection, compared with the incoming inspection, determines responsibilities objectively. It establishes precisely the normal state of wear and tear and any abnormal damage.

This comparison can be used to justify any deductions from the security deposit. You should therefore always ask for this comparison before any payment is made. A disagreement over the inventory of fixtures can block the entire refund. In this case, the signed document is your only admissible proof.

Repairing damage

When damage occurs, its origin must be clearly identified. The initial report establishes whether any damage existed beforehand. In this way, it prevents unjustified claims or unfounded denials of liability. This dated proof plays a crucial role in resolving disputes.

Be sure to keep your signed copy of the document in a safe place. The images attached to the report greatly reinforce its authority. They provide a visual illustration of the initial condition of each item.

Taking charge of the work

When repairs become necessary, the report determines everyone's obligations. It makes it possible to check whether the problem is the responsibility of the tenant or the owner. This distinction is based on the nature of the work and its cause. Always refer to this document before committing to any expenditure.

This preventive approach considerably reduces endless discussions. It clearly defines who is financially responsible for repairs. Routine maintenance work is generally the tenant's responsibility. Major repairs are normally the responsibility of the landlord.

Simplifying rental management

This document makes the relationship between landlord and tenant much simpler. It establishes a shared consensus on the condition of the property from the outset. This initial openness creates an atmosphere of mutual trust.

In this way, the landlord can optimise the management of his assets. For their part, tenants enjoy the property with complete peace of mind. Use this document as a tool for ongoing dialogue. Balanced rental management is often based on this precise documentation. Consult it regularly to check the normal state of wear and tear of equipment. During the maintenance phase, it can be used to plan any work that needs to be done. In this way, tenant relations avoid unnecessary tensions. This common reference serves as an objective basis for all exchanges.

Negotiate with full knowledge of the facts

During a property transaction, the valuation has a direct impact on negotiations. An accurate valuation justifies the requested cost or offers an acceptable reduction. This makes discussions more objective and technical.

This rational approach defuses the tensions that usually arise. The document may reveal the need for major repair work. These different elements enable you to adjust your position.

Always base your discussions on these factual observations. Successful negotiation requires a perfect grasp of the details. Never underestimate the impact of this meticulous preparation. It forms a solid basis for arguing your valuation. Buyers benefit from transparent explanations. Sellers have an impartial document to justify their price.