4 Common Types of Rental Property Inspections

Owning a rental property comes with several responsibilities, including inspections. This activity is essential since it helps protect your tenants’ safety. Additionally, inspection helps you catch minor issues before they escalate and cost you a lot of money to repair.

There are different types of inspections that every landlord should carry out. Read on to find more information about rental property inspection types.

1. Move-In Inspection

A move-in inspection, also known as a walk-through, is a type of inspection done before a new tenant moves in.  

During this inspection, walk through the property with your future tenant while taking note of all pre-existing conditions. Ensure you go through all important areas, including:

• Dining areas
• Bedrooms
• Living areas
• Exterior areas
• Kitchen

Once you discover any issue, write a detailed document. You can also take a video or photo to help you ensure everything you write is correct. After completing the inspection, the tenant and landlord should sign on the sheet to affirm the information.

A move-in inspection is beneficial to the landlord and the tenant. For tenants, this inspection protects them from being held liable for damages they did not cause. On the other hand, this inspection helps landlords ensure tenants take responsibility for the damages they caused during the renting period.

2. Move-Out Inspection

If your tenant decides to move out, conduct a move-out inspection. The main reason landlords carry out a move-out inspection is to assess the overall condition of the unit and determine whether or not the vacating tenant caused any damages.

Generally, you need to do a move-out inspection on the day your tenant moves out or the day after. Otherwise, the tenants may claim that the damage is not their fault. Also, ensure the tenant is present during the exercise.

To ensure everything goes smoothly, come with the move-in checklist or the photos and videos you took before the tenant moved in. This way, you will easily determine any damage the tenant caused beyond the normal wear and tear.

Just like in the move-in inspection, carefully document all damages and ensure the tenant signs. The document will act as evidence in case the tenant refuses to pay for the damages.

3. Routine Inspection

Routine inspections are inspections done after a particular period when a tenant is staying on your property. Some landlords prefer to carry out this inspection quarterly or after six months.

Often, landlords conduct routine inspections to ensure the tenants are complying with the lease agreements. You can also use this opportunity to advise tenants on ways to take good care of the units. Additionally, routine inspection helps you to identify areas that need maintenance and ensure your property remains in good condition for a long time.

Sometimes, tenants view routine inspections as a violation of their privacy. However, you can make this procedure seamless. First, inform your tenants about your routine inspection schedule before moving in. As the inspection day nears, ensure you call the tenants a day before the exercise so that they can prepare themselves. During the exercise, avoid touching their personal items.

4. Drive-By Inspection

A drive-by inspection is the easiest type of rental property inspection. Here, all you need to do is drive by your property at any time without informing your tenants. This way, you will easily know if your tenants are violating lease terms like keeping unauthorized pets or staying with roommates you are unaware of.

Moreover, drive-by inspections can help you ensure the outside of your property looks good. Look out for sagging gutters, cracked sidewalks, and ripped screens that may reduce your property’s aesthetic value and repair them.

However, you should not do drive-by inspections too often since some tenants may get offended, which will reduce your chances of landing a long-term tenant.

Rental property inspections are essential. However, this task can be overwhelming. For this reason, you can hire a property manager to help you carry out this task. If you are looking for a property manager, contact New Leaf Properties LLC.