What Can a Landlord Look at During an Inspection? A Guide

What Can a Landlord Look at During an Inspection? A Guide

In a survey done by Lemonade, 63% of renters said they had good or excellent relationships with their landlords. Almost three-fourths consider a good landlord as someone who responds promptly to property issues, so that should be one of your main priorities.

A great way to ensure your property is in excellent shape is to perform inspections. But what can a landlord look at during an inspection? Read on to find out.

What Can a Landlord Look at During an Inspection?

The main purpose of a rental property inspection is to make sure your property is well-maintained and that no renters are violating their lease agreements. So with that said, here's a general landlord inspection checklist of what to look for.

General Cleanliness

Do a visual inspection to see that all living areas are clean. In the kitchen, inspect the countertops and appliances for overall tidiness. You should also check that the toilets, sinks, and showers are clean and free of mold.

It's part of the tenant's responsibility to maintain cleanliness, so if they haven't kept their end of the bargain up, let them know immediately.

Condition of the Property and Appliances

Look for signs of damage in the walls and paint, such as holes or stains. Inspect the floors and carpets too, checking for scratches, stains, or just excessive wear. You should also confirm that the doors and windows open and close properly and that the locks and handles are functional.

While checking the appliances for cleanliness in the above step, see if they're operating correctly as well. If you find anything wrong with the above, schedule maintenance right away. A professional property management company can coordinate the logistics so you don't have to.

Safety Features

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), one home fire-related injury happens every 53 minutes and one death happens approximately every three hours. This makes it extremely important to maintain your property's safety features.

Confirm that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are present and functioning and that fire extinguishers are accessible and up-to-date. The emergency exits should be clear and accessible too.

Lease Compliance

Tenant screening is essential if you want non-problematic renters. However, some people can slip through the cracks, so you have to check that they're not devaluing your investment.

See if there are any unapproved changes or additional occupants not on the lease (including pets). If the property's in poor condition and you suspect illegal activities, then involve the authorities immediately.

Be Thorough With Your Inspections

So what can a landlord look at during an inspection? There's plenty to check, and we've only scratched the surface.

The reality is that as a busy landlord, you don't have the time or energy to perform inspections yourself. It's much more efficient to leave this job up to professionals, as they know exactly what to look for.

Get in touch with us today if you'd like someone else to take care of property maintenance and more. We at Mavi Unlimited have over 25 years of experience and offer great guarantees on our services.

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