What is a Housing Report / Property Inspection Report?
A Housing Report (or UKVI property inspection report) is a document that is required for some immigration applications such as a Spouse Visa, or Visit Visa. It helps applicants prove to the Home Office that they have adequate accommodation.
‘Adequate accommodation’ is a mandatory requirement for UK partner and parent visa applications. It is also a necessary component in visit visa cases and some human rights cases.
Who can provide a Housing report for an Immigration Case?
There is no specific criteria for this in the Immigration Rules or the Home Office guidance. However, in our experience, such reports are conducted by estate agents, surveyors or immigration law specialists.
What are the benefits of a Housing Report?
A well-prepared housing report will help a visa applicant prove that adequate accommodation is available in the UK. As discussed above, this is a mandatory requirement for some visas such as a spouse visa.
What should a Housing Report for Immigration include?
A well-prepared housing report should include:
- Details of the applicant;
- Details of the sponsor;
- Details of who owns the property;
- A description of the type of accommodation;
- Exact measurements of the rooms;
- Details of current occupiers;
- Professional opinion as to whether there is adequate room, as per the Housing Act, for the applicant to live;
- Confirmation that the property is currently not overcrowded, and will not become overcrowded on arrival of the applicant;
- Details of the author of the report;
- Stamp of the organisation.
Do you require a Housing Report for a Spouse Visa, Visit Visa or Immigration Application?
Get in touch with Batley Law today, and we can arrange this for you at a reasonable fixed price.
FAQs
How often can a landlord inspect a property in the UK?
Usually, once every six months or more if needed.
What does a Property Inspection include?
A property inspector conducts a visual inspection of the building, including its foundation and roof, heating and cooling systems, plumbing fixtures, and interior and exterior walls, as well as the surrounding land. To ensure that the property meets the legal minimum standard is free from safety hazards and will not be overcrowded when the immigrant arrives.
Who needs a Property Inspection Report for Immigration?
Applicants pursuing a Spouse Visa, Fiancé Visa (Marriage Visa), and family dependents (such as Children, Parents, and Grandparents) are required to provide a Property Inspection Report for Immigration.
How long is a Property Inspection Report for Immigration valid?
The Property Inspection Report for UK Visas and Immigration is valid for 3 months from the date of inspection.
How much does a Property Inspection Report for Immigration cost?
It may vary however, they usually start from £65 and can go higher.
What happens if my Property Inspection Report for Immigration fails?
A failed property inspection report indicates that there are deficiencies in the property or its documentation that need to be addressed before the application can proceed further.
How long does it take to get a Property Inspection Report for Immigration?
The time to receive a Property Inspection Report (PIR) can vary from a few days to a couple of weeks. Applicants should verify the specific timeline with the agency or inspector conducting the PIR, taking into account current conditions and requirements.
