Does Your Rental Property Need an Inspection?

86 percent of home buyers who carry out an inspection identify one or more issues that should be addressed.

A poorly managed rental property is a turnoff. You may lose potential tenants simply because you don’t repair the property’s worn-out parts.

From the windows to roofing to the wiring systems, every part of the house should be in excellent condition before you rent it out. That’s why it’s important to observe rental property inspection.

Here is everything you should know about rental property inspection.

The Purpose of Routine Rental Inspection

The inspection aims at identifying any problems in the house. These problems could include faulty faucets, damaged roofs, and other broken parts. A property manager oversees the process, and then forwards the inspection report to you or the property agent.

As the landlord, you can then use the results to know the specific parts of the property which should be improved. For instance, if some windowpanes are damaged, then it will be obvious that they should be repaired or replaced.

Since it’s a law requirement, you may face serious legal repercussions if you don’t adhere to the inspection rules. For reference, you should compile reports every time you complete the inspections. You should also keep the reports well in your files for easier access if you need them in the future.

The Right Time to Perform a Rental Property Inspection

You can carry out random inspections although the planned ones are better. Here are four main types of rental property inspections which you may observe.

Move-In Inspection

As the name implies, a move-in inspection is done when a new tenant is moving in. You should walk around with the tenant to confirm the current condition of the house. If everything is okay, the tenant should sign a move-in agreement.

Move Out Inspection

The move out inspection helps you know the condition of your property when the tenant leaves. You should schedule it on the exact day that the tenant will be moving out.

If you do it early, the tenant may cause additional damages when vacating. If you do the inspection too late, the tenant might deny causing the damages.

Routine Inspection

This is a scheduled inspection. For instance, you may decide to inspect the house after every three or six months. The regular inspection helps you identify the property’s faulty parts and repair them in advance.

Drive-by inspection is the last and rare type of inspection. You don’t enter in the property’s compound when doing this inspection. You drive by to check if there are any issues in the neighborhood.

Home Inspection Checklist for Rental Property

A home inspection exercise is done on all parts of the house. However, you should pay more attention to the sensitive parts of the house only. Here is an inspection checklist for rental properties:

Kitchen

A kitchen is the focal point of the house. It should be clean and well-kept even if the building is old. But how do you carry out a kitchen inspection?

Firstly, you should examine the condition of the sink. Find out if the sink has any blockage or rust.

Confirm that the taps are passing water well. After that, check the walls for any stains too. Lastly, inspect the kitchen appliances starting with the cupboard, stovetops, and oven.

Bathroom

Like the kitchen, the bathroom is a sensitive part of the house. Its dirtiness creates an impression that the fundamental parts of the house are dirty too. The faucets, the sinks, and the bathtub should be sparkly clean.

If the bathroom is located in a cold area, the chances are high that there will be mold. No tenant can rent a mold-infested toilet, and this means that you should add the bathroom in your maintenance checklist.

Electrical Systems

Are the lights working? What about the sockets?

The electrical systems are quite sensitive and cause significant risks to your property. You may call an electrician to fix the systems or replace the old wiring systems with newer ones.

Windows and Doors

Opens the doors and windows to confirm they are opening well. Lubricate the hinges too to prevent friction, and extend the life of the doors. If possible, repair the old doors and windows with the energy-efficient ones to save energy and enhance your house’s aesthetic appeal.

Roofing and Ceiling

The average life expectancy of a roof ranges between 15 and 50 years. If the roof is old, then the chances are high that it is leaking, weak, or has unappealing look. Before the move-in inspection, you should clean the roofs, replace the worn-out shingles, and add new gutters.

Outdoor Areas

Don’t focus too much on the indoor parts of the house and forget about the compound. The corridors, stairs, balconies, patios, and lawns need an inspection too. Well-kept outdoor environments create an excellent curb appeal of the entire property, thus, makes you attract more tenants.

Lastly, remember to inspect the flooring, the walls, and the gate. A comprehensive property inspection will translate to timely repair and reduce the overall maintenance costs for the property.

The Dos and Don’ts of Rental Property Inspection

As mentioned earlier, some laws govern rental property inspections. So, you will need to confirm that you are complying with the rental property inspection laws.

Don’t hesitate to consult a reputable lawyer regarding the best practices to adopt during the inspections. Here are the main dos and don’ts of the process:

Do provide prior notice to the tenants
Do encourage your tenants to be present during the inspection
Do provide reasons for the inspection, mainly if you have never done a similar inspection
Don’t take pictures of your tenant’s items
Don’t engage in verbal or physical wars with the tenants

When you inspect the property with your tenants, you will inform them of any deductions or remedies you would like to make.

Protect Your Assets

The primary reason for regular rental inspections is to protect your assets. If you are looking forward to buying a rental property, familiarize yourself with the rental property inspection rules and regulations. Also, partner with a team of professional inspectors who can help you inspect your property well even in your absence.

CLASS home inspection is an inspection firm in Northern Ohio. We help homeowners and landlords inspect their property. We also provide helpful advice to help homeowners protect their valuable assets.