There are almost 44 million renter-occupied homes in the United States. Unfortunately, not all of them are in great condition. Rental property inspections can seem overwhelming if you're not sure how to properly conduct them.
When a rental property in San Antonio, TX isn't taken care of, it tends to lose value quickly. Not only will you have to pay for costly repairs, but you'll lose out on a lot of prospective renters looking for properties in better condition. Read on if you'd like to learn more about how to inspect a rental property.
Your Rental Property Inspections Checklist
While they can be time-consuming, inspecting a rental property is one of the best ways for assessing the general condition of your property. You'll be able to identify property damage that may need immediate attention, and you'll get a peek into what issues may need to be addressed in the future.
Always Give Proper Notice
Every state has different laws governing the required legal notice you need to give your tenants before entering the property. Most fall somewhere between 24 and 48 hours.
You may not be legally required to give tenants more than a day or two's notice before entering the property. However, giving them a little more breathing room can help foster a more positive relationship with your tenants.
Check the Ceilings
Look around the ceilings for damage - particularly from smoke or water. Water damage in the ceiling can indicate a leaky roof - which can be very expensive to repair.
Most rental properties are smoke-free, but some tenants do so anyway. If you notice that the ceiling is darker in some rooms, it could be from smoke damage.
Move On to the Floors
Observe the floors and look for scratches, dents, or nicks. If the home is carpeted, you'll want to keep an eye out for stains and marks. Don't forget to check beneath the carpets, too.
Windows
Windows can easily be damaged or broken. Whether tenants are currently living on your property or not, you want to make sure that the windows are safe and secure.
Look for ripped or torn screens, make sure that everything opens and closes correctly, and that all of the locks are functioning.
Look for Water Damage
Pay close attention to the area around every toilet, bathroom or kitchen sink, shower/bathtub, and baseboards to look for signs of water damage. Observe the surfaces around bathroom and kitchen fixtures to make sure nothing is leaking.
Take Photographs
It's a good idea to bring a camera any time you're going to perform a rental property inspection. Photos can be beneficial whether there's damage to your property or not.
Even if nobody is living there, taking photographs is important to document the condition of the property before a tenant moves in.
Conduct Regular Inspections
Rental property inspections take time and should be conducted regularly. It's essential to do so every time a tenant moves out, but they can also help you keep tabs on the state of your property while occupied by tenants.
Managing a rental property in San Antonio, TX can be daunting - especially if you're not sure what you're doing. If you'd like to find out more about rental property inspections, or how we can help, contact us today.
