Maintenance inspections are designed to allow a landlord to maintain accurate data on their property. Most of the time landlords only do inspections for a few simple things like a move-in/move-out or for a new lease.
Understanding Property Condition
Property inspections are typically done to determine how the tenant maintains the property. Property owners want to ensure the condition of their property is well-maintained and is keeping its value. It also allows the property manager to ensure that preventative maintenance is being performed, like filter and battery changes. When someone is planning to move-in, inspections are done to ensure the property is holding its value.
Inspections also call attention to some of the issues that need to be repaired. Sometimes tenants learn to live with broken appliances and they simply forget to let you know. Landlords want to maintain healthy relationships with their tenants, and performing repairs after an inspection is a great way to show them you want to give them the best property you can.
How Often Should an Inspection Be Performed?
On average, most landlords will perform three inspections per year. Some landlords only do it for move-in/move-outs. Some of the most common reasons to do an inspection are for the following:
- Move-in – You’ll want to do this before a new tenant moves in. You will want to have a checklist of certain areas that need to be checked and photographed before a person moves in. Some of the things you want to include on the checklist are things like the walls, appliances, and existing damage.
- Move-out – When you are doing the move-out inspection, you need to assess the entire property to determine if repairs need to be made. You want to do it on one of the last days or right at the end of the move-out as damage could occur when they are moving out.
- Routine Inspection – A routine inspection should be done at least two or three times a year to make sure the property is maintaining its value and you have a good tenant.
- Drive-by Inspection – Property owners often perform drive-by inspections to make sure the property is looking good. Just by looking at the property, you can see if there are some outside issues you need to be aware of and need to repair.
How to Handle an Inspection
To ensure the tenants are happy with the inspection, you need to make sure that you give your tenants proper notice. People need to have enough time to clean and prepare the home for inspection if they desire. It is also helpful to have the tenant be home as you can discuss some of the repairs that you plan to do. Try to make the entire inspection into a simple, friendly visit and one that is mutually beneficial.
Richmond Keyrenter is focused on finding ways to protect landlords and the tenants. If the tenant has damaged the property, the security deposit is used to ensure those repairs are paid for. Contact Keyrenter to discuss additional items that need to be addressed when you are dealing with an inspection.