If you’re a landlord, there are a lot of tasks that you should keep in mind. You’ll need to take care of everything from collecting the rent on time and making sure it gets paid when due without fail, doing a tenant credit check and handling applications for new tenants with carefulness before accepting any into your property, and being ready 24/7 in case they ever have an issue or question. 

And let’s not forget about all those repairs, which can crop up at any time. As a property owner, it’s important to keep a close eye on the condition of your investment. Routine inspections are key to maintaining the value of your property and keeping tenants happy.

What is a rental property inspection?

A rental property inspection is a thorough assessment of the condition of a rental unit. This can include both the exterior and interior of the property, as well as any common areas. Inspections are typically conducted before a tenant moves in and after they move out, but may also be done on a bi-annual or annual basis.

The purpose of a rental property inspection is to assess the condition of the property and identify any necessary repairs or cleaning that needs to be done. Inspections are important for maintaining the value of your property and keeping tenants happy.

With that in mind, here are the most important points for conducting rental property inspections:

1. Schedule the inspection in advance and give the tenant plenty of notice. This will give them time to prepare for the inspection and tidy up the unit, if needed.

2. Put together a checklist of items to inspect. This should include both the exterior and interior of the property, as well as any common areas. Be sure to take note of anything that needs repair or cleaning.

3. Take photos or videos of the property during the inspection. This will serve as a record of the condition of the property and can be helpful if there are any disputes later on.

4. Be professional and courteous throughout the inspection. Remember, the goal is to assess the condition of the property, not to criticize the tenant.

5. After the inspection, sit down with the tenant and go over your findings. This is a good opportunity to discuss any necessary repairs or changes that need to be made.

How often should rental property inspections be conducted?

The frequency of rental property inspections will depend on a number of factors, including the type of property, the number of units, and the number of tenants. In general, it is recommended that you conduct an inspection at least once per year. 

For properties with multiple units, you may want to consider conducting more frequent inspections. This is especially true if there are a large number of tenants. 

You may also want to increase the frequency of inspections if the property is located in an area with a high crime rate or if there have been reports of vandalism.

Move-in rental property inspection

A move-in rental property inspection is conducted when a tenant first moves into a unit. The purpose of this inspection is to make sure that your property meets all requirements and codes, as well as identify any necessary repairs or cleaning. Be sure to take note of anything that needs repair or cleaning. 

Move-out rental property inspection

A move-out rental property inspection is conducted when a tenant is moving out of a unit. The purpose of this inspection is to assess the condition of the property and identify any necessary repairs or cleaning that needs to be done.

Bi-annual rental property inspection

A bi-annual rental property inspection is conducted every six months. The purpose of this inspection is to determine the condition and origins of any damages on your property. If there are issues that need repair, they should be taken care of promptly.

Annual rental property inspection

An annual rental property inspection is conducted once per year. The purpose of this inspection is to ensure that your home’s condition doesn’t pose any imminent dangers and identify what repairs or cleanings may be necessary.

Why are rental property inspections important?

Rental property inspections are important for a number of reasons. First, they help to ensure that your property is being properly taken care of. By conducting regular inspections, you can catch any problems early on and prevent them from becoming bigger issues down the road.

Inspections also help to keep tenants happy. By assessing the condition of the property on a regular basis, you can address any concerns that tenants may have and make sure that they are comfortable in their living situation. Finally, inspections are important for protecting your investment. By keeping your property in good condition, you can maximize its value and avoid costly repairs down the line.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your rental property is in top condition and that your tenants are happy with their living situation.