How Often Do Property Managers Do Inspections?

Conducting regular inspections is very important to ensure that rental property remains in good condition. Most people do not realize how a single bad tenant can cause serious damage in a very short time. There is the tendency to assume that as long as the tenant is paying rent on time, then everything must be fine. 
 

Property managers need to conduct regular inspections even while trusting tenants to follow lease rules and maintain the property. It is in the best interest of the property manager to carry out routine inspections.
 

How Often Should Property Be Inspected?
 

Inspecting rental property is necessary for ensuring that the property stays in excellent condition. It also helps ensure that the tenants follow the terms of the lease. A property manager can drive by the property to check the exterior. However, notice must be given to the tenant before inspecting the interior. 
 

By law, a property manager must give tenants a notice of at least 24 hours before visiting. The notice will need to state the time of the visit and the reason for the visit. Educate yourself on laws and tenant rights to avoid violating state or local rental rules. Visiting the property three or four times a year is recommended.
 

The Move-In Inspection
 

The move-in inspection is considered the most important one. During this inspection, the property manager must document the condition of the property. Taking pictures and videos will help with accurate documentation. Put everything down in writing before handing it over to the tenant. 
 

This includes both the interior and the exterior of the property. The tenant should walk through the property along with the manager before signing off on the inspection report. This documentation can be very handy if a dispute arises over damage to the property. 
 

Periodic Inspections
 

After the tenant has moved in, the property manager will need to carry out periodic inspections. The inspections can be quarterly or every six months. The property manager will need to visit the property and interview the tenant. It is important to take pictures and videos during the visits. 
 

The periodic inspections offer an opportunity to assess any maintenance that may be necessary. Preventive maintenance helps avoid future costly repairs. After the inspection, the property manager can determine whether or not to keep the tenant on for another year.

 

The Move-Out Inspection

The move-out inspection should be just as detailed as the move-in inspection. Every aspect of the property must be covered during the inspection. Pictures, videos, and written documents should be compiled to compare the condition of the property before and after. 

 

This inspection will help determine if the tenant is responsible for any damage to the property. The property manager can claim damage against the security deposit. You should give an allowance for normal wear and tear.

 

Unauthorized Tenants

If a property manager suspects that there are unauthorized tenants on the property, an inspection is necessary. You should ensure that only those with legal tenancy are living in the property.
 

A property manager should never take things for granted or make assumptions. Regular inspections allow the manager to catch problems early before they become worse. The inspections also work as deterrents for bad tenant behavior. 
 

For more information on home inspections, visit Prime Property Group, Inc in Oakland and Sacramento, California. You can call (510) 225-0470 (Oakland) or (916) 822-9655 (Sacramento) today to schedule an appointment.

​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​