Dr Stranglove. Thats what I do alright, but every 3 months. I figure i'll catch anything major not being reported to me during those inspections. Havent had any nightmare scenarios that people warn me about in 7 years of doing it this way and 18 previous years as a landlord too.
What it does save me from are things like the following requests ive had over the years
shower hoses (what is it with tenants and shower hoses), ok, i'll send someone up to screw on a replacement hose- he will charge me €50 - never mind i bought one (€5) and screwed it on myself.
The grass is getting long - ok, i'll get someone to cut it every 2 weeks. it will cost me €200 pm - oh never mind i will cut it with the mower in the shed.
The sitting room needs painting. Ok, it will gost me €800 when suits you - ah never mind, i suppose we can live with the colour for a while.
There are weeds in the flower bed - I'll send a gardener once a month it will cost €100pm - oh we will pull the weed when we see them.
squeaky door handle, - ok, but will cost me €200 to get someone to come out - Ah, never mind they arent that bad.
a mouse, quick get an exterminator - ok, but he will cost me €250 - Oh its ok we will buy a mouse trap and catch it ourselves.
A ring on the 4 ring cooker isnt working, ok i'll get it replaced. It will cost me about €500. Oh never mind we can make do with 3 rings.
The LED in the living room ceiling isnt working and i cant change that type of bulb. Ok, i'll get someone to change it. It will cost me €50. Ah, never mind, i'll look it up on youtube and buy one for €3.
Im locked out. My key is in inside. Ok. i'll call a locksmith. It will cost me €250. Ah never mind, i'll wait til my partner comes home and they can let me in.
The stopper in the sink has cracked. Ok, i'll send someone out to woodies to get once and bring it up to you. He will charge me €50 to do this. Ah, never mind, i'll bgo to woodies and get one.
and many more times.
Those of us who live in our own homes and have to pay for everything usually find a way to deal with or live with something that is going to cost us money or time, rather than jumping straight to the costly solution. Tenants have no cost to them so ask for the simplest things without realizing they cost you time and money.