The U.S. has at least 48.5 million rental units, including apartments, duplexes, and single-family homes. Nearly half of those rental units are owned by individual people.
Owning rental property can be a great source of income, especially if you can find conscientious and dependable tenants. But, rental property also comes with a need for maintenance and regular repairs.
The trouble is, sometimes you don't catch these maintenance issues until the next tenant moves in.
That's where a property inspection checklist comes in handy. Read on to learn what should be included on a property inspection so you can keep your rental unit in top shape.
Condition to Walls and Flooring
Check for any large holes in the walls that might need patching. Look for any scuffs, scrapes, or scratches on the baseboards or flooring. If there's carpet, check for any stains or missing fibers or patches in the carpet.
If it's a routine inspection and your tenant still lives there, don't forget to look under area rugs to check the condition of the floor.
Check for Signs of Water Damage
Mold can start growing in as little as 24 to 48 hours to start growing after a water leak. That's why it's key to fix minor leaks before they create problems.
Check for water leaks around all sinks and toilets. Look at the roof and gutters for any warning signs of problems. If you find some signs of a water leak, check the walls and ceiling inside the rental unit to find the extent of the problem.
Evaluate Appliances
You'll also need to check the condition of all your provided appliances. That can include the refrigerator, stove, microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, furnace, and air conditioner.
If you notice any new issues, make note. Plan to repair these issues as soon as possible before it causes damage to your property or endangers the tenant. As a property manager, you need to provide a safe place to live.
Look for Safety and Security Issues
Once you've checked the appliances, you need to check for any issues with safety and security. Check the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for working batteries and check the furnace or AC filters.
You also need to check the latches and seals on all windows and doors. Make sure the front door lock and deadbolt are in good working condition.
Check Overall Care and Cleanliness of Property
The last thing you need to check is the overall cleanliness of the rental unit. How often do they clean the property?
This gives you a good idea of the overall condition of the unit.
Start Using a Property Inspection Checklist Today
A property inspection checklist will help streamline the move-out process and help you address any potential issues. Plus, it takes some of the stress off of you and the tenant if you both know what's on the checklist.
Managing rental property can be a very time-consuming responsibility. If you're looking for property management services, Avalon Realty and Oaktree Management can help. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
Bonnie is the visionary that has driven the company and culture of Avalon since 1993. Her passion is improving procedures and practices; incorporating technology and value added services for both our clients and tenants.