What routine property inspections should be done throughout the year

Routine property inspections are an important part of managing a rental property to ensure the value of that investment is protected. They help you keep track of the condition of the property and ensure that tenants are taking proper care of it. Here is a guide to help you manage routine property inspections:

Schedule Inspections Regularly:

Schedule routine property inspections at regular intervals, once every 3 to 6 months. This will give you a chance to assess the condition of the property and make note of any issues that are found and to schedule repairs when needed.

Give Advance Notice:

Inform your tenants in advance of the scheduled inspection date and time. A minimum of 24-48 hours’ notice is usually required.

Create an Inspection Checklist:

Create a detailed inspection checklist to ensure that you thoroughly inspect all aspects of the property, including appliances, fixtures, walls, floors, windows, and doors. Using the same checklist for all of your properties will help to ensure the same process is being followed each time. Check smoke detectors, air filters, inspect for any water damage or leaks, visually inspect the condition of the home inside and out to determine what is normal wear and tear versus abuse and neglect of the property.

Document Issues:

Make note of any issues or damages you find during the inspection, and take photos as evidence. This will help you track the condition of the property over time and assist with resolving any disputes. It can also help contractors when repairs are ordered to ensure they find the problem area.

Communicate with Tenants:

Discuss any issues or concerns with your tenants during the inspection. Encourage them to bring any issues to your attention, so you can address them promptly.

Follow-Up on Repairs:

After the inspection, follow up on any repairs that need to be made. Hire a contractor if necessary and communicate the repair schedule with your tenants. Ask the contractor to send pictures of the repair once done to add to the file of documentation.

Keep Records:

Keep records of all inspections and any issues that were found and addressed. This will help you track the condition of the property and assist with resolving any disputes.

Consider Hiring a Professional:

If you are unable to conduct the inspections yourself, consider hiring a professional property manager to handle them for you. A full service property management company has procedures and software to handle this as well as staff who are trained to take care of rental investment properties.

If you have questions or would like to discuss full service property management for your investment property, give us a call at 443.252.3385 or email us at info@bluedoor-pm.com today!

A Guide to Manage Routine Property Inspections in Baltimore