Immigration Property Inspection

1. Where does it show on the Home Office/UKVI website that a property inspection report is required for UK Entry Clearance Visa and Settlement applications?
Please refer to page 3 under ‘Accommodation details’ in Home Office/UKVI Guide to supporting documents: settlement in the link below.
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/out-of-country/sup-docs-settlement.pdf
A property inspection report is THE ONLY document in the UKVI supporting documents information guide which proves to the Entry Clearance Officer that you have ‘‘Obtained an independent assessment of the number of rooms and occupants of the proposed accommodation.  A report from a suitably qualified body certifying that a personal inspection has been carried out and giving details of accommodation inspected is usually acceptable for this purpose. Above all, the Entry Clearance officer must be satisfied that the accommodation will not become overcrowded within the definition of the Housing Act 1985 or that it will not contravene public health regulations.’’

2. How long do the reports last?
UKBA guidelines regarding property inspection report state that they will not accept a report that is older than 12 weeks or 3 months.

3. How long will my visit take?
A typical immigration property inspection will last 30 minutes. In this time your assessor will make an assessment of your residence, check your ID and answer your queries.  

4. What if I cannot make the appointment? 
You can cancel your appointment at any time before the visit. However we respectfully request you give us notice at the earliest opportunity so our assessors can schedule other appointments in the same slot.

5. What if there are issues relating to my accommodation? 
Well the good news is were on your side, so if there are any issues that could adversely affect your property inspection report we will highlight them and go through practical steps for you to rectify those issues.

6. Are your reports fixed price? 
Yes, we run a transparent service so no matter how technical or long your assessment or queries take, we will only charge you the initial flat rate which is inclusive once you book your appointment.

7. Are your reports accepted by UKBA and UKVI? 
Our Property Inspection Survey reports are specifically for Immigration service and drafted so that nothing on our report will cause your case to fail. They are compliant with all up to date guidance and legislation.

8. Why does the Home Office/UKVI require a property (or housing accommodation) inspection report?

It is imperative to demonstrate that the Applicant(s) will have no further need to be re-housed once in the UK.  The Sponsor needs to provide evidence that they have the funds to maintain and accommodate the Applicant(s) without recourse to public funds.  The Home Office/UKVI must be satisfied that the Sponsor can accommodate the Applicant(s) in housing that that will not become statutorily overcrowded under the provisions of Part X of the Housing Act 1985 and is safe and fit for human habitation under Part 1 of the Housing Act 2004.

9. What information do you require from me?
Before we come to inspect the property the following details will be requested:
• The address of the property;
• Full passport name and date of birth of the applicant(s);
• Full passport name(s) and date of births of all persons who will be living at the property once UK entry clearance visa has been granted;
• Relationship of Sponsor to the applicant(s);
• Ownership of the property;
• Type of application which is being made.

10. What do you check during the accommodation inspection?
We have to measure every room in the accommodation to ensure the property will not become statutorily overcrowded under Part X of the Housing Act 1985 and has sufficient space to accommodate both the current occupiers and any additional people who propose to live there after UK entry clearance or settlement is granted.

11. How quickly can you provide the report?
We can provide reports within 24 hours dependent on the level of service chosen. Please contact us to discuss your requirements in more detail.