As a landlord, you likely worry about tenants damaging your beautiful investment property every time you review applicants. Within a single year, 97.7% of homeowners insurance claims were for property damage.
Scheduling routine rental property inspections can give you peace of mind. You can ensure your properties are in the best possible shape.
How often should you schedule inspections in Pasco, WA? Read on to find out.
Rental Property Inspection Timeline
Inspections allow you to maintain the condition of your rental property. They're done to ensure the property is in habitable, safe conditions.
Most landlords conduct inspections when tenants move in or move out. This allows landlords to assess the damage tenants caused during their stay. You can compare inspections before and after they move in to recognize wear and tear.
Safety inspections allow you to check the property's safety features. These include:
- Fire extinguishers
- Fire alarms
- Smoke alarms
Landlords have the right to certain routine inspections, once either annually or quarterly. These inspections are specified in the lease agreement. Landlords must provide notice before stepping foot on the property for these inspections.
Your rental property inspection timeline will depend on:
- The purpose of entry
- Your landlord-tenant relationship
- Quiet enjoyment
Quiet enjoyment is one of a tenant's universal rights. Excessive inspections can interfere with this right. You can consult a property management company to determine how often to schedule inspections.
Schedule inspections after tenants renew their leases. Ensure the property is still in good shape.
Take the time to review local rental property inspection laws. For example, you must provide a written notice indicating the day and time of the inspection. Tenants have the right to see the inspector's identification before they enter the unit.
Your Landlord Inspection Checklist
Before your next inspection, draft a landlord inspection checklist. It should include:
- Fire safety
- Signs of bugs and pests
- Illegal activity
- General cleanliness
- Appliances
- Toilets, sinks, and faucets
- HVAC
- Water leaks and damage
- Signs of unauthorized pets
- Property damage
Creating a checklist will ensure you're efficient during each inspection. It will provide comprehensive guidance to ensure you're offering tenants the best living experience.
Hire a Property Management Company
You don't have to schedule inspections or handle rental property maintenance alone. About 70% of property managers perform inspections. Outsourcing will save you time and money.
Hiring an experienced property management company will give you peace of mind. They'll ensure you remain compliant with local housing laws and regulations.
They'll review each property routinely to ensure they're in good shape. If not, they can leverage their connections with local vendors to schedule repairs right away.
Schedule Rental Property Inspections Today
Don't schedule rental property inspections too often. You could waste valuable time and infringe on tenant rights.
Instead, consult a property management company. They can handle routine inspections and rental property maintenance requests on your behalf.
Crown Property Management has been a family-owned and operated management company since 2001. Our vision and expertise has made us the most effective company in our market.
We provide a personalized touch to ensure each client's success. We'll help you get the most out of your valuable rental investments. Contact us today for help developing your rental property inspection timeline.
