As a landlord, it is crucial to maintain your property in order to preserve its value. You should regularly check your property systems, such as electrical, plumbing, and appliances. The quicker you can spot signs of damage from wear and tear, the faster you can arrange repairs.
This article by Service Star Realty will offer plenty of reasons why periodic property inspections must be scheduled and what to keep an eye on. It is important that you maintain a habitable space for your residents to encourage them to stay for the long term.
What Are the Benefits of Regular Property Inspections?
Regularly inspecting your rental provides you with more options if any issues come up. You can decide to replace items that have surpassed their lifespan or arrange for repairs. Also, you should evaluate whether the potential damage is caused by tenant abuse or neglect.
You need to maintain your rental’s condition to prevent renters from moving to another property. Being vigilant is required since some renters may not report simple issues, such as tiny leaks which can lead to costly water damage later on.
If your property inspections are consistent, then you can fix property problems, such as mold and pest infestation before they make your rental inhabitable. Another benefit offered by periodic property inspections is you can be aware if renters violated property policies.
They may make unauthorized changes, such as painting or decorating the unit and drilling holes in the walls. They may also sublet your property or bring in a pet without your knowledge. Learning about these situations early helps you enforce the lease agreement.
Different Types of Property Inspections
To avoid extreme property damage and prevent simple property concerns from escalating, regular property inspections are essential.
You can perform periodic property inspections:
● Before a new tenant arrives
● While a renter occupies your rental
● After a tenant moves out
Why Is It Vital to Perform Regular Property Inspections Before A Tenant Arrives?
You need to document the state of your property before a tenant moves in so you will be aware of whether your rental is well-maintained and if there is anything that needs fixing.
You are responsible for providing a safe and habitable home for your renters and properly documenting the condition of your property helps you determine if there are existing damages you need to address.
You want to gain the trust of your tenants by presenting a unit that is move-in ready. Check if the plumbing, electrical, and security systems are properly functioning, so renters feel comfortable and safe.
Documenting through photos and written notes helps you record pre-existing damage so that problems are resolved easily. This practice also reduces future conflicts and preserves your landlord-tenant relations.
Property Maintenance During Tenancy
Uncovering property problems early limits your stress since you will fix any issues at an earlier phase. Once a renter moves in, you need to make routine maintenance a part of managing your property to check if renters continue to comply with the terms and conditions of the lease.
You do not want to learn later on that a renter has hidden a pet even if you expressly have a no-pet policy. That is why it is important to inspect the unit regularly so you can ensure that the tenants comply with the terms of the lease agreement.
Some renters who are left unsatisfied with the rental upkeep may break their lease early, which results in vacancies. It may take you some time to find suitable renters, but you will still need to maintain an empty unit. Therefore, it is best to attend to property maintenance while you have residents occupying the unit.
After Tenancy Property Inspection
Once a tenancy ends, you need to check the property’s state before accommodating new renters. You must learn if home systems are still working excellently.
Also, you want to make sure that the repair fees are paid by the tenant if the damage is outside wear and tear. You can then deduct the fees from their security deposit. However, you as a landlord are responsible for paying the repair costs for damages related to natural wear and tear.
Tips For Maintaining Property Upkeep
When planning to perform a property inspection, send a notice to your tenants so they will have the option of leaving the unit or staying. Even if the property inspection schedule is written down on the lease agreement, renters will still appreciate knowing about it in advance.
Before conducting a property inspection, it is a good idea to have a checklist prepared ahead of time. This will make it easy to review key items and avoid missing anything. Make an effort to document the inspection by capturing videos and photos.
Leave some space to make notes of property issues you discover so it is easy to determine which items require repairs. A checklist ensures your property inspection remains uniform, especially if you have multiple rental units.
Consistent Property Inspections Lead to An Outstanding Rental Condition
To meet your duty of providing an excellent living space for renters, you need to schedule property inspections regularly. This practice lets you discover new property issues and avoid tenant complaints. You also protect the value of your property investment.
Engaging the Services of a Trusted Property Management Company
While the landlords’ primary duty is to maintain their rental properties and perform routine inspections, it can be time-consuming. Consider hiring a professional property management company like Service Star Realty to oversee the operation of your rental property.
You gain peace of mind and access more resources, a well-vetted network, and professional management services. If property emergencies occur, you will have a dedicated partner providing support to reduce damage to your property and handle your tenants’ safety.
Contact us today to learn more about our services!
Service Star Realty
2929 East Camelback Road #119, Phoenix, AZ 85016
(480) 426-9696
