Wouldn’t it be nice if, once you found the right tenant, your work was done? Routine rental property inspections may be a landlord’s least favorite task. But ignoring the condition of the property — and what the tenants may be up to — is simply too risky. If you are learning how to start a rental property business it is imperative that you implement routine property inspections to ensure the property is up to standards. 

Everyone from police to professional property managers and landlords who have been burned by delinquent paying tenants would recommend routine inspections for rental properties. In fact, judges have found landlords negligent for failing to conduct mid-lease inspections.

Why are routine rental property inspections so important?

Because checking up on the property can reduce property damage, and minimize income loss.

This checklist highlights what to look for during a routine property inspection:

1. Are there safety hazards? 

Look for items like disabled or malfunctioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, blocked access to windows or doors, open electrical components, shaky railings on stairs or balconies, space heaters, overloaded electrical outlets, and extension cords running under carpet or along walkways. Outdoor lighting and overgrown landscaping also are common causes of injury. Listen to tenants’ concerns regarding safety at the property.

2. Who is living in the unit? 

It is important to check for unauthorized occupants. These are people who are not screened, are not on the lease, and yet have full access to the property. Not only can this cause problems when it comes to enforcing the lease, but in multifamily properties, unvetted residents pose a safety risk. Be sure you know your legal limits when it comes to guests and general rules of rental property inspections. You must follow the law, as well as the language in the lease. Don’t act until you know the proper course, but don’t look away and allow strangers to take over your property.

3. Are there any neglected repairs? 

Check items such as leaking faucets or toilets. Those conditions degrade quickly, and may cause serious damage. Tenants aren’t always good about contacting the landlord when things aren’t working right, largely due to the fear that the tenants will be blamed. Maintain a good relationship with tenants by thanking them when they point out something that needs your attention. Also, remind tenants they don’t need to wait for the next inspection to report problems.

4. Have you checked in with your tenant lately? 

Spend a little bit of time with the tenant and advise about upcoming rental property inspections and what to expect. Find out how things are going, and whether they have any unanswered concerns. As uncomfortable as property inspections are for landlords, it may be even more awkward for tenants, who feel they are under a microscope. Rental property inspections need not be intimidating; it’s an opportunity to connect with the tenant and resolve any problems that may be percolating.