A crucial part of property management is doing rental property inspections. Results of these inspections will show you the extent of the work that has to be done for the property at a certain point in time. Doing these inspections on a regular basis ensures that you’ll have a properly-maintained rental property that’s a joy to work or live in.
To keep your inspection organized and to see to it that everything is in order, you can come up with a checklist of things to look into and tasks to fulfill. Here are some suggestions of what to include in your checklist:
The essentials
As you go through the interior and exterior areas, cover the basics first — where safety is the main priority:
- Kitchen and bathroom. Inspect for potential leaks and clogging. You might be able to DIY simple issues but for complex ones, call a plumber. Check for mold and mildew buildup in the bathroom, as well.
- Electrical installations. Outlets and cables normally deteriorate over time. If left unrepaired, these pose as safety hazards.
- Foundation. While you only need repairs once every couple of years, make sure to conduct simple routine inspections. Look out for visible signs of damage.
Then cover the rest of the property, including but not limited to:
- Windows and screens. Check for air leaks and punctures.
- Closets and cabinets. Make sure the hinges are functioning properly.
- Doors. If the knobs are faulty, best to replace them with new ones.
- Walls and ceilings. Apply a fresh coat of paint if these areas are looking severely worn out.
- Porch, lawn, and other outdoor areas. Ensure that property curb appeal is on point.
Moving in
A few things to note when conducting a move-in inspection with a tenant:
- Inform tenants about pre-existing issues to set expectations. Just make sure these said issues aren’t deal-breakers or major safety problems.
- Clearly explain the rules in and around the property. Have the lease agreement on hand for tenants so they can review every detail.
- Be on the same page in terms of method and schedule of rental payment.
Moving out
When a tenant moves out, make sure to do the following:
- Have the tenant do some cleaning and tidying up in advance before you arrive for an inspection.
- Compare the property’s condition before the move-in and after a tenant declares to move out.
- Ask for a tenant’s new address and updated contact details in case you need to reach out to clarify pending concerns.
Marketing
Whether you have yet to take in tenants or you’re adding more after some turnovers, marketing is something that you need to be constantly doing. Here’s a list of what you need to cover to make the best impression possible:
- Content plan. Plot out what you’ll be posting on social media or your website blog and when these should be published.
- High-resolution and cleanly edited photos. Just don’t overdo the editing; otherwise, people might have suspicions about the property’s true state.
- Well-written property description. Hire a professional writer if you must. It doesn’t need to read like Hemingway wrote it but don’t settle for sloppy writing.
When it comes to commercial real estate, we’re the proven experts in the St. Louis, Missouri area. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at the Cardinal Realty Group for more insights on rental property inspections. Call us at 636.225.0385 or send us an email at Hal@CardinalRealtyGroup.com.
