The property inspection report is a supporting document in the visa application process. Our reports are tailored for entry clearance or settlement visa applications. The housing inspection report conveys to the immigration officer that the accommodation is safe and fit for habitation and will not become overcrowded by the addition of the visa applicant (s).

Our reports are compliant with relevant housing legislation and are frequently used to support the following visa applications:

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- Spouse visa

- Fiancé visa

- Visitor visa

- Further Leave to Remain (FLRM)

- Adult Dependent Relative Visa

- Unmarried Partner Visa

- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

The immigration rules require adequate accommodation for Appendix FM applications. The accommodation standards that must be met for the property to pass the inspection for an accommodation certificate to be issued are shown below:

- The property must be in a good state of repair and not contravene public health regulations. The property is assessed under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) in accordance with the Housing Act 2004 to identify any Category 1 hazards.

- The property is owned or occupied exclusively by the sponsor/sponsor's family (if you live in a HMO, you will need a different type of inspection).

- A current gas safety certificate from the landlord and EICR (only for rented accommodation).

- The property has sufficient space and will not become statutorily overcrowded under the Housing Act 1985. We consider the rooms and occupants when determining if statutory overcrowding is present or will occur with the addition of the proposed occupant (s).

- Valid EPC minimum rating E (only for rented accommodation).

UK immigration rules require applicants to show that there is adequate accommodation available in the UK. This means the property must not be statutorily overcrowded and must be safe and suitable for occupation.

A property inspection report is a supporting document. However, immigration appeal decisions show that accommodation is often closely examined and can become a key issue where the Home Office is not satisfied by the evidence provided.

In the appeal case OA/05445/2011, accommodation was considered alongside other matters. Although, accommodation was not one of the original refusal reasons, it was raised by the First-tier Tribunal during the appeal process. When the case was reconsidered by the Upper Tribunal, the judge noted that an immigration housing report had been provided. The report contained detailed information about the property and expressed the professional opinion that the accommodation would not be statutorily overcrowded for the proposed household.

Other appeal decisions follow a similar pattern. Where accommodation evidence is unclear or missing, tribunals may carry out their own assessments or uphold refusals because the requirement has not been adequately demonstrated. Where a professional housing report is provided, judges are often able to rely on it as clear and objective evidence.

From these decisions, it is clear accommodation is frequently scrutinised, overcrowding is a common refusal point. Applications are more vulnerable where property details are unclear. An independent property inspection report can remove doubt by providing a professional assessment based on housing legislation from a qualified surveyor. This means reports produced by estate agents, EPC assessors, immigration advisors will likely not meet professional standards when scrutinised.

A property inspection report can help demonstrate that the property will not be overcrowded, confirm that it is fit for habitation, and reduce the risk of refusal caused by uncertainty. This is particularly helpful where household size is close to occupancy limits, where rented accommodation is relied upon, or where the suitability of the property may otherwise be questioned.

The property inspection report issued by us is valid for 3 months.