Rental Inspection Checklist: Pro Tips to Protect Your Property
As a landlord, you agree that the state of your rental property plays a key role in determining the income you earn from it. And for that, you must conduct rental inspections that cover the nitty-gritties of a structure’s exteriors and interiors. Having a rental inspection checklist handy can be especially useful whether you are new to the rental business landscape or a seasoned landlord, as you won’t miss out on anything important that way.
Hence, this write-up delves deeper into the concept and importance of rental inspections and what to include in a checklist.
What is a Rental Inspection?
It refers to ensuring that your rental property is in good shape and compliant with all safety regulations. But before jumping to the rental property inspection checklist, know about the different kinds of inspections:
- Pre Move-In: This is your inspection before a new renter moves in. You make a note of the condition of the property, maintenance requirements, and any existing issues.
- Periodic: You conduct these regularly to spot and resolve timely maintenance issues. Periodic inspections also allow you to make sure that tenants are following the lease terms.
- Drive-By: Such inspections are informal and swift, focused on the exterior of a property. You watch out for external damage, overgrown gardens, signs of negligence, etc.
- Move-Out: During a move-out inspection, you compare the property’s state vis-à-vis the pre-move-in observations. It helps you spot damage beyond the usual wear and tear and make deductions from the security deposit if needed.
Why Are Rental Inspections Important?
Having a city rental inspection checklist, no matter where you live in Minnesota, can make your life as a landlord easy and efficient. But why take rental inspections seriously in the first place? First, you can avoid expensive repairs or replacements by promptly detecting and handling property damage or maintenance issues. Also, when your rental property is in shipshape, you can demand a decent rent and negotiate confidently.
Also, when you regularly inspect and maintain a rental property, you attract and retain the right tenants. This is a financial and reputational plus. By ensuring maximum safety, you also minimize the scope of accidents, complaints, and legal hassles.
How to Conduct a Rental Inspection
Before we get to the rental inspection checklist for landlords, here’s a look at the basics of the process:
- Legalities: Inform tenants about the inspection at least 24 to 48 hours before, per your local jurisdiction. The inspection notice must mention the date, time, and objective. Conduct inspections during reasonable hours to ensure minimal disruption to the tenant’s routine. Make sure the inspection is non-invasive and document findings through notes and photos.
- Documentation: Keep necessary documents, including the lease agreement, previous inspection reports, relevant communication with the tenant, and the rental inspection checklist.
- Essential Tools: These usually include a smartphone app to document findings digitally, a flashlight for dark places, gloves, measuring tape for possible repairs, pliers and screwdriver for testing fixtures, tester for smoke detectors, and moisture meter for checking leaks.
What should you include in your rental inspection checklist?
Detailed below are the key things you must check when it comes to the different aspects of a rental property:
- Grounds and Landscaping
Ensure that no debris or litter is around the property, lawns are mowed, and gardens are kept well. Trees and shrubs shouldn’t be damaged or overgrown, and irrigation systems should function properly.
- Exterior of the Building
Check if the siding has holes, cracks, or any other damage and if the paint is fading or peeling. Windows shouldn’t have broken panes and must close and open smoothly, while doors should lock properly. Watch out for shifts or cracks in the foundation.
- Roof and Gutters
Examine the roofing material and look for damaged or missing tiles or shingles. Check for water damage or leaks, and ensure the gutters and downspouts are clear.
- Walkways and Driveways
They should be clean and free from debris and stains. Watch out for tripping hazards like potholes, unevenness, and cracks. Ensure all outdoor lights work fine.
- Garages and Sheds
Inspect these for signs of wear, structural problems, water damage, and pest infestation. Make sure doors function and lock without any glitch. All safety equipment must be functional, too.
- Entryway and Hallways
Check floors for dirt and damage, walls for peeling paint, cracks, or holes, and make sure the lights are sufficient and functional.
- Living Area:
Check ceilings and walls for water damage, holes, cracks, or peeling paint. Watch out for excessive wear or stains on floor tiles or carpets.
- Kitchen
A crucial part of the rental inspection checklist is ensuring that all kitchen appliances are clean and functional. Cabinets and drawers must be clean, damage-free, and shut and open easily. Look out for clogged drains, leaky sinks, and faulty faucets.
- Bathroom
Ensure ample ventilation and watch out for mold. Check tiles for damage, dirt, and missing grout. Ensure all fixtures work correctly and there are no leaks.
- Bedrooms
Windows should close and open easily, and there shouldn’t be any drafts. Check if closet doors function smoothly, too.
- Basement/Attic
Make sure there are no water damages, structural issues, or mold infestation. These areas should also be clutter-free.
- Safety Checks
No rental inspection checklist is complete without ensuring that safety measures are in shipshape condition. So, ensure that smoke detectors are correctly installed and functioning properly. Fire extinguishers should be in good condition and easy to access. Also, watch out for damaged electrical outlets and exposed wires.
Once you finish the inspection, put together a comprehensive report, inform tenants about any issues noticed during the process, prioritize repairs and maintenance work, and plan when you want to schedule the next inspection for follow-up.
Conclusion
So, by now, you have a fair idea about a rental inspection, the multiple ways it can benefit you, how to arrange one, and what a rental property inspection checklist entails. However, from gardens and exteriors to common areas, bedrooms, bathrooms, attics, and safety measures, there are many areas to focus on during the inspection process. It can be daunting, especially if you have a busy routine, live far from the rental property, or have multiple units to handle.
Luckily,
can come to your aid in such scenarios. Besides regular inspections, such companies can handle everything from tenant screening, lease preparation, and maintenance to rent collection, renewals, accounting, and reporting.
Choose Guardian Property Management for Efficient Rental Inspections
At Guardian Property Management, we know the vital role of inspections in running a rental business smoothly and profitably. We are among the
best apartment management companies in Minnesota
to help you boost property value through professional and thorough inspections, preventive maintenance, and by fostering positive landlord-tenant relationships.
We are proficient in various inspections and can handle multiple legalities and formalities. So,
get in touch with Guardian Property Management
for personalized advice.
We are available at
and on 651-287-2011.
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