How Rental Property Managements Should Handle Inspections?

Bad tenants can cause a lot of damage in a short period. So, property managers need to schedule regular inspections and ensure proper repairs are made to pass the inspections. However, not every property manager can take care of this process.

Below are important questions to ask property managers about how they inspect your properties:

What kind of move-in inspection do they perform?

Property managers should perform a detailed inspection, including digital photos. Tenants should accompany the manager while the walkthrough is taking place and sign off on the inspection report. Documentation resolves any disputes in the future.

How often do they inspect the interior of the property?

The unit should be inspected annually, preferably every six months. The person doing the inspection should have a checklist that they go over, including things like checking all appliances, locks, A/C filters, furnaces, water heaters, smoke detectors, electrical, plumbing, and looking for lease violations.

Do not accept management companies that only do inspections in between vacancies because tenancies can last for years.

Are tenants notified before inside inspections?

Also, the tenants must be given notice before inspections at least 24/48 hours prior, depending on state laws. Make sure the property management company doesn't miss out on this step.

How often do they inspect the exterior of the property?

The standard time frame for Inspecting the property's exterior is monthly and quarterly, but those property management companies that do it more frequently are better. Besides, it's best to perform full-scale exterior inspections while often performing drive-by inspections.

How often are inspection reports sent to you?

Other than asking this question, request them to send you a sample copy to ensure they get reports pretty often.