One of the landlord’s jobs is to ensure that their property is in the best condition, not only to protect their investment property but also to create a good living environment for their tenants. The rental property inspection checklist has several points to maintain, and every landlord should keep these tasks in mind. In this article, we’ll guide you through some common things to include on your own checklist for your property.
Exterior Rental Property Inspection
Roof
The roof protects your property from outside elements; even the smallest damage can lead to leaks and water damage. A property manager should check for cracks, holes, or missing shingles. When you do find damage, it’s important to get it repaired immediately, especially before the event of bad weather.
Gutters and Downspouts
Your gutters catch all the rainfall and debris that rolls off the roof, which then flows through the downspout and onto the ground. While minimal maintenance is necessary for water flow alone, debris like leaves needs to be cleaned out more often.
If not, dirt will build up in both areas, which will result in clogging. The water build-up can seep into the rental property and damage the roof, and it might cost you more than simply cleaning it. Be sure to include it in your seasonal rental inspection.
Walls
Your exterior walls don’t only contribute to the overall appeal of your rental property, they also show the structural integrity of the building. Check for cracks and other damages, as well as peeling paint. The latter could be an issue if your area often has extreme weather conditions or direct sunlight.
Foundation
If you found cracks on your wall, there’s a chance it might be due to the condition of the building’s foundation. Even the smallest shift can affect the entire structure, so check for cracks or signs of settling, especially if the land it’s built on is soft.
Landscaping
A pretty yard will attract more prospective tenants, so be sure to take care of your property’s lawn, shrubs, and trees. If you don’t have a green thumb, you can always hire a gardener to oversee the landscape and tend to it now and then.
Interior Rental Property Inspection
Electrical Systems
All the lights and electronics in a rental unit will work fine if you have a flawless electrical system, so you need to regularly inspect electrical outlets, switches, and wiring. Not doing so may lead to incidents like broken appliances or electrical fires, which can cause harm to your tenants and damage the property.
Heating and Cooling System
The temperature inside your rental unit greatly contributes to the comfort your tenants get and a broken HVAC system will prevent them from adjusting it based on their liking. This can become bothersome, especially for tenants with medical conditions who are affected by the slightest changes in temperature.
Walls
Your rental inspection checklist should include two separate wall inspections, including the interior. This is essential for a move-out inspection if the previous tenant is keeping pets, as there could be scratches or other major issues to address during the rental inspection. Fix this immediately for new tenants in the future.
Ceilings
The ceilings of your property will be among the first to be affected when there’s a leak. If you find that your roof is damaged, ceilings are the next point of concern. Check for leaks, cracks, damage, molds, or stains and resolve them right away.
Windows
Broken windows can be a cause of concern since broken glass is dangerous for anyone, and a window that can’t shut properly may become a point of entry for robbers. Locks and glass cracks should be a part of your rental inspection, and replacements or repairs should be made if necessary, especially for a move-in inspection.
Appliances
If your unit has provided appliances, it will be your responsibility to determine if they are working correctly, and issue repairs when they don’t. Broken appliances contribute to tenant dissatisfaction, and they could even be the cause of electrical fires and other problems.
Smoke Detectors
Since smoke detectors run on batteries, you will need to replace them periodically. It is illegal to not have a working smoke detector in your rental property, and most importantly, it will not be able to detect any fires in the dwelling, which may lead to tenant safety risks.
Benefits of Regular Rental Inspection
Preventive Maintenance
Identifying issues in the early stages of a rental property inspection will prevent them from worsening and won’t cost you as much since the repairs will be minimal. That also means the process won’t take as long and tenants won’t experience long disruptions.
Tenant Satisfaction
Tenants will appreciate that you’re looking out for the rental unit and by extension their safety as they occupy the space. It helps if tenants have responsive property managers to reach out to.
Increase or Maintain Property Value
Keeping your property well-maintained is more likely to retain or increase its value over time. This can serve as a good contingency plan, in case you want to sell your property someday. You’ll be able to sell for more than the amount you acquired it for.
Property Inspection FAQs
Who should conduct the property inspection?
You can do the rental inspection yourself if you’re experienced in the task. However, it’s always better to hire certified home inspectors or a property manager. Some property management companies like CRM Properties schedule regular inspections, so you won’t have to worry about it.
How often should rental property inspections happen?
While it is typically done for move-in or move-out dates, it’s recommended for inspections to be done every few months on average so you’ll be able to detect issues early on. At the very least, you should do quarterly inspections to maintain the rental property's condition.
Which damages are covered by the security deposit?
You should only charge for the damages the tenant caused during their tenancy period and those covered in the lease agreement.
When is the most convenient time to conduct inspections?
That will vary based on the tenant's schedule. It would be advisable to do so when the tenant is home for easy access. It’s not considered polite to enter when they are not on the premises since the unit is still considered their private space and unauthorized entry may cause potential problems.
Hiring Professional Property Management for Rental Inspection
While many landlords choose to do it themselves, there are many benefits to hiring a property manager to conduct the rental inspection. Time-savings for you are the biggest benefit; however, property managers often lead to more efficient investment management and a higher ROI for you as the owner.
Property managers like us at CRM Properties know the state and local laws to abide by during inspections and can create a comprehensive inspection report for you to review. You can use our free ROI Calculator to determine if you need a little boost to maximize your property's value.