Back to all articles
Inspections 5 min read

Subletting: the red flags during a routine visit

Subletting rarely announces itself. The patterns that suggest it, the questions to ask politely, and what to put in writing if you suspect it.

Subletting: the red flags during a routine visit

Subletting is rarely declared. Most cases come to light through small inconsistencies during routine inspections.

Visual cues

  • Locks on internal bedroom doors.
  • Numbered bedrooms or names on doors.
  • Different routers, different power points heavily used.
  • A meter cupboard with separate sub-meters that were not there at check-in.

What to do at the visit

Politely complete the inspection as normal. Photograph the cues. Do not accuse anyone. The conversation about the tenancy belongs back in the office, in writing.

A property suspected of subletting is also a property where compliance — fire safety, gas safety, electrical safety — may have been quietly compromised. Treat it as a priority follow-up, not a quiet entry on the next inspection schedule.

Outsource the legwork. Spend tomorrow winning new instructions.

A 15-minute call is all it takes to set up your branch and start ordering the services your team needs.