Rental property inspections are an essential component in protecting your Temple City investment property.
Move-in and move-out inspections should be automatic, and a maintenance walk-through during the lease period is an excellent idea as well, to ensure the property is being well-maintained and to hold the tenants accountable to your lease agreement.
What specifically should you be looking for when you conduct inspections?
We have some ideas. Here are 10 things that Temple City landlords should always look for during a rental property inspection.
1. Safety and Habitability Issues
Safety and security are where every rental inspection checklist should begin. You want to make sure your tenants are safe from accidents and incidents while living on your property. Check electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. Make sure doors and windows lock. Inspect smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Like safety, habitability is non-negotiable. When you inspect your Temple City rental property, make sure there’s running water and electricity.
2. Look for Leaks
Leaks and drips and toilets that don’t flush right can be hazardous to rental properties.
When you’re inspecting, look at every faucet. Flush every toilet and check the showers, the tubs, and the appliances. Look for evidence of moisture under the floors. It doesn’t take long for a minor water issue to become a complete plumbing disaster. You can’t leave these problems alone because damp interiors only invite mold, mildew, and rot.
3. Inspect the HVAC
Your heating and cooling system is perhaps the most expensive system on your property. Avoid expensive replacements and extend the lifespan of your air conditioning unit, furnace, and ventilation system with periodic inspections and servicing.
4. Property Condition and Cleanliness
Is the property in good condition? Is it well-maintained, and if not – what does it need?
When you’re inspecting, make sure the home is clean and functional. There should not be any trash or debris gathering inside the house that might attract insects or rodents. Cleanliness must also be an inspection point when the home is empty. It has to be professionally cleaned before a tenant moves in, and this should be part of your turnover process after a tenant departs.
5. Pet Damage
If your tenants have moved in with pets, always check the floors and walls for evidence of pet damage. Discuss the lease requirements, the pet policy, and the things your tenant will need to do to stay in compliance.
6. Opportunities for Upgrades and Improvements
During your inspection, take a moment to evaluate what you could do to increase your rental value. Repairs are one thing, but upgrades and improvements can go a long way toward increasing rents and tenant satisfaction. Where can you make some updates?
7. Inspect for Deferred and Unreported Maintenance
You want your tenants to report maintenance needs immediately. Preventative maintenance will be less expensive than emergency repairs. If something isn’t working right, make a note and schedule the repair with a trusted vendor.
8. Look for Lease Violations
Walking through the property with your tenants present is an opportunity to ensure the lease is being followed. You want to make sure there aren’t any unauthorized pets or long-term guests at the property when you’re inspecting. Hold your tenants accountable to the lease terms they agreed to.
9. Tenant Satisfaction
Work on tenant retention while inspecting. Have a friendly conversation with your tenants about their rental experience. You want to provide good customer service and keep an open and transparent dialogue going.
10. Tenant Damage
During the move-out inspection, look for tenant damage. This is different from general wear and tear. While you’re responsible for wear and tear replacement costs, the tenant can be held accountable for any damage that’s left behind. Document damage and send an itemized list with your security deposit.
These are 10 things that will always need your attention when you inspect your Temple City rental home. If you need further assistance, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at ZenPro Property Management.
