According to the Philadelphia Housing Authority, landlords are responsible for conducting inspections and repairs. As a landlord, understanding your property is vital to efficiently managing it.
Inspecting your rental units goes a long way in ensuring the property remains in good condition. Let's explore how often you should schedule rental property inspections.
When to Conduct Property Inspections
The best practice for conducting property inspections is to schedule them at least three times per year. But you can conduct property inspections at specific periods for various reasons, such as:
When Tenants Are Moving In
Always conduct an inspection when a new tenant is moving in. Doing so lets you document the property's condition before the tenant arrives. You should also take this time to prepare a welcome package to kickstart the tenant-landlord relationship.
The welcome kit should include items such as:
- Your contact information
- House rules and regulations
- Useful items such as local maps and information about the available amenities
Follow a property inspection checklist that details everything. Proof can also be collected by taking pictures of the property, from the floor to the available appliances. Let your tenants see the property before moving in so they can make their own assessment of its condition.
When Tenants Are Moving Out
Schedule rental property inspections whenever a tenant vacates your unit. This inspection is ideal for assessing damage that may be due to:
- Misuse
- Abuse
- Neglect and deliberate damage
Evaluate the condition of the property before and after the tenant moved in., you can use the security deposit to cover the cost of repairs.
Lease Renewal and Maintenance Inspections
The best way to enhance your property's ROI is to have good tenant-landlord relationships. Consequently, lease renewals are the best way to ensure that you retain tenants who have already passed the screening process.
Schedule an inspection at the end of each lease to check for any repair and maintenance needs. Take the time to talk to your tenants about any issues they may want addressed. You can also conduct a walk-through inspection during the lease period.
A landlord property assessment can also occur due to the following reasons:
- Suspected violations of the lease agreement
- Response to a natural disaster
- Tenant-reported issues
As a property owner, you'll also want to schedule investment property inspections when buying houses for rent.
How to Handle Property Inspections
You have to balance conducting a thorough inspection and the tenant's rights. To ensure you align your property inspection with all legal requirements, conduct inspections by:
- Communicating transparently and ahead of time
- Maintaining professional standards
- Practicing empathy
- Staying informed about any changes to local regulations
Protect Your Property With Regular Rental Property Inspections
Inspections are crucial to rental rental property maintenance p planning as they enhance your investment's value. Scheduling regular rental property inspections helps you understand what your tenants need. This measure enhances the tenant-landlord relationship, minimizing turnover rates and improving lease renewals.
At Innovate Realty and Property Management, we understand the intricacies of property inspections and maintenance coordination. We offer full-service property management, from tenant screening and property marketing to rent collection.
Contact us today, and let us help you maximize the value of your property with regular inspections.
