The Buy-to-Let Survey combines a survey of the property condition with a review of the Health & Safety matters affecting property in the private rented sector (PRS). There are two parts to the Buy-to-Let Survey report:

The Buy-to-Let Survey is a Level 2 survey inspection, roughly equivalent to an industry-standard Home Buyer Survey. The Buy-to-Let Survey and is inspected and compiled to the same reporting standard.

In tandem with the Level 2 reporting standard, a review of the 29 hazards profiles identified by the Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS) is carried out. This system is utilised by local authorities to assess the safety of properties in the private rented sector (PRS).

Many of the hazards that may be present are the result of condition-related defects. For example, black mould found on the walls could be due to the nature of the property construction, cracking of external render or badly-worn brickwork. It may also be due to tenants not using or providing any ventilation.

RPSA Building Surveyors have the skills required to 'follow the trail' and identify the root cause of any hazards that may be present. It is not an assessment under HHSRS, but considers all 29 hazards profiles, and how they may affect, or be affected by, the construction and structural condition of the property.

The report is structured so as to provide a mechanism to carry out an MOT-type annual Health & Safety review, with the full survey commissioned every five years or so. The annual review will be at lower cost than the full survey product.

Buy-to-Let Surveys are required because over 60% of landlords are private individuals who have invested personal savings in a single rental property. They have a specific interest in maintaining the condition of their investment. Landlords must comply with more than 140 pieces of legislation and 400 regulations. Letting agents, many of whom are unregulated and untrained, often take the responsibility for property management from the landlord. Most landlords and letting agents are not surveyors and don't have the building pathology skills to carry out a systematic assessment of the structural condition of the property and how that affects Health & Safety requirements. The Home (Fitness for Habitation) Bill, in Report Stage at the House of Commons in October 2018, will require landlords to make sure their homes are fit for human habitation at the start of, and throughout, a tenancy. Landlords can face fines up to £30,000 per infringement of enforcement notices served by local authorities.