Inspecting your rental property regularly is not only a basic responsibility you have as a landlord, but it also prevents a plethora of problems for you in the long run. However, you need to know the key areas you need to check every few months. Otherwise, you might find yourself spending more on emergency repairs than regular maintenance.
Rental Inspection Checklist for Landlords
Landscape and Lawn
Walkways: Make sure that your walkways are clear of debris, cracks, or uneven pavers as they can cause accidents. You may even consider applying sealants when it's made of stone or concrete. Use a pressure washer or hire someone with the right equipment.
Pest Infestations: Given that your outdoor areas are an open space, they can be more prone to infestations that can quickly spread throughout your rental property grounds. Address the issue immediately if you do find pests. For more severe cases, call pest control services for a thorough extermination.
Landscaping: The state of your trees, shrubs, and other plants says a lot about the condition of your rental property. Not maintaining them will drastically decrease the curb appeal of your listing. Trimming them every few months can go a long way toward making your rental property more presentable.
Building Exterior
Roof: Arguably one of the most important aspects of rental property inspection checklists, checking for roof damage during rental property inspection prevents more serious and dangerous damages like ceiling stains or electrical damage.
Gutters and Downspouts: Even if your roof is in good condition, you may experience other forms of damage if your gutters and downspouts are clogged like basement flooding and water damage on the foundation. Be sure to add it to the quarterly landlord inspection checklist.
Foundation: Look for any signs of settling or cracking as this can mean poor structural integrity. Ensuring that the rental property's condition is at its best will keep your tenants safe. Consult an engineer or foundation specialist to determine the next course of action.
Paint: Just like your landscape, the paint also contributes to the property's condition in terms of curb appeal. Check for peeling or faded colors, and apply a fresh coat of paint when needed.
Living and Sleeping Area
Walls and Ceilings: Even if you don't find cracks, stains, or other forms of damage on your exterior walls, you should still check the living area and make repairs, as it is the rental property owner's responsibility to do so.
Windows and Doors: To ensure that the unit is safe for the tenant, make sure that the doors and windows are in good condition and can be locked to prevent unwanted entry.
Floor: Apart from normal wear and tear, check for damages on the floor and make repairs especially when you're expecting a new tenant. Floors and walls are key areas you have to check for move-in and move-out inspection reports.
Smoke Detectors: Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are required by law, so it is a necessary inspection even if you don't include it in the lease agreement. Your rental inspection checklist should include battery or unit replacements when needed for fire safety.
HVAC System: Landlords and property managers should examine the HVAC systems regularly and determine whether components like air filters need to be replaced. This comes as good property management as it can help reduce bills.
Bathroom
Sink and Faucet: Check for clogs and leaks and repair them right away. While this is included in regular inspections, some issues might not be evident unless you do thorough rental inspections.
Shower and Bath: Your rental inspection checklist should include examining the water pressure of the rental unit's shower and the drains of the bathtub. Other than water pressure, ensure that your water heater is well-maintained.
Toilet: It goes without saying that a clogged toilet or one that doesn't function properly can cause not only discomfort but can even affect tenant compliance. You will likely get maintenance requests as soon as this becomes an issue, but it would still be better to include it in routine inspections.
Kitchen
Appliances: For fully-furnished properties, you or property managers need to include appliances when conducting inspections. You can repair or replace broken ones to maintain your real estate investment's value.
Cabinets and Drawers: Storage places should be functioning properly so tenants can store their personal belongings safely. Unstable cabinets can lead to tenant property damage or even accidents.
Countertops: Depending on the unit, you should add countertops to your rental inspection checklist. Any damage apart from normal wear can be charged to the tenant's security deposit, allowing you to make repairs.
What Should I Do Before a Rental Inspection?
If you are assessing the condition of the property and identifying maintenance issues, be sure to notify tenants by providing a written notice before the upcoming inspections. Proper notice should be stated in your lease terms so tenants know what to expect.
What Are the Benefits of Property Inspections?
Regular landlord inspections help achieve a well-maintained property and avoid potential issues that can harm your tenants or cost more to fix when not detected early. Regular inspections also ensure that you adhere to local laws and avoid violating tenant rights, which are equally important to maintaining your property investment.
When Should I Conduct the Inspection Process?
That depends on what you're looking for. The detailed checklist above is best done quarterly, but some need more regular inspections to maintain a positive relationship with your tenants. While move-out inspections are usually recommended, you need to do this during move-in inspections as well, and not just during the tenancy period.
Can I Hire a Property Management Company to Do This for Me?
Absolutely. Professional property managers such as our team at Austin Property Management will not just handle inspections, we will also keep detailed records to stay organized, as well as handle potential disputes when a tenant refuses to pay for certain damages.
Our company has access to a network of reliable vendors for cheaper and faster repairs, whether it's for minor issues like faulty plumbing, to major problems like settling in court. We offer other services that can help your rental business thrive, and all you have to do is contact us to find out more!
