According to JCHS, almost 4 million tenants lived in substandard conditions in 2021. Additionally, many physically adequate rental units still had significant repair needs.
Skipping inspections is a major reason why properties end up in poor shape. Small issues go unnoticed, turning into big problems. Leaks become mold, faulty wiring causes fires, and pests spread.
These problems drive tenants away, leading to high turnover. Frequent vacancies hurt your income and reputation.
As a landlord in Denver, how can you prevent this? The answer is regular, thorough rental property inspections. Uncover the top tips for protecting your investment and keeping tenants happy.
Schedule Regular Inspections
Most landlords don't have a set schedule for conducting property inspections. They check randomly or wait until tenants move out. This approach leads to missed problems and costly repairs.
A regular inspection schedule prevents this. Do a move-in check, a mid-lease visit, and a move-out review.
Denver's winters can freeze pipes, and summers can damage roofs. Checking often keeps your property safe and in good shape. It also helps you fix problems early, saving money and keeping tenants happy.
Follow a Detailed Property Inspection Checklist
Without a checklist, you might not know what to look for during an inspection. You could miss serious problems, even after checking the property.
Create a rental property inspection checklist to guide you. It can include:
- Plumbing (leaks, water pressure, pipe damage)
- Electrical systems (wiring, outlets, light fixtures)
- HVAC (heating, cooling, air filters)
- Roof and gutters (leaks, blockages, missing shingles)
- Walls and floors (cracks, mold, water damage)
- Safety features (smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms)
- Lease violations (unauthorized pets, subletting)
A checklist keeps inspections organized. It helps you catch small issues before they escalate.
Document Everything
Keep clear records to protect yourself and your property. Also, take photos and write detailed notes. Don't forget to store reports digitally for easy access.
If a tenant claims an issue existed before, you'll have proof. This prevents misunderstandings and legal trouble. Track ongoing maintenance needs to prevent costly surprises.
If you hire contractors, keep invoices and receipts. These documents prove work was done and can help with future repairs. Good documentation keeps your rental property running smoothly and protects your investment.
Invest in Preventative Rental Property Maintenance
Property inspections help you uncover issues early. At this stage, they may seem minor. A small leak or crack might not bother tenants yet.
It's tempting to ignore these problems. But small issues can grow into costly repairs. Leaks can lead to mold, and cracks can weaken structures.
Fix problems as soon as you spot them. Schedule regular maintenance for plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems.
Inspect the roof and foundation yearly. Preventative property maintenance keeps tenants comfortable and prevents expensive emergency repairs.
Hire an Expert to Oversee Your Rental Property Inspections
As a landlord, finding time for inspections can be hard. Even when you do, you might miss hidden problems. A lack of expertise can lead to costly repairs later.
Mavi Unlimited Property Management can help. We are Denver's top-rated property management company with 25+ years of experience. Our experts catch issues early and keep your property in top shape.
Let us handle your rental property inspections. Get in touch today and protect your investment!