Why You Need To Do Property Inspections

Many new landlords wonder if they need to do property inspections, and if so how often should they do it.

The first answer is yes. You absolutely need to do an inspection within the first six months of a new tenant moving in and it’s even better if you fit one in within the first three months!

Here’s why.

You’ve just awarded your property to a brand new person to your life. Yes you’ve screened them, you’ve checked out their credit, called some references, they’ve checked off all the required boxes, but you never entirely know if it’s all real.

That first inspection can go a long ways towards confirming you are an absolute beast at finding the perfect tenant, or it can remind you nothing is perfect…

Much like social media, not everything you find online out about a person matches up. Often you only see the best version, especially on social platforms.

An in person check up on your property can help confirm what you find, or worst case put you on alert that there may be issues forthcoming.

Issues?

You might be thinking what kind of issues should I be looking for.

Well, this perfect on paper tenant may not be quite as neat and tidy once they’re settled in. Not a deal breaker, but something you may want to be aware of so you aren’t truly devastated when they exit and don’t clean to your standards.

Knowing they are less inclined to clean you can prepare in advance and create your own detailed move out inspection report along with expectations and associated costs to the tenant if the tasks aren’t completed.

Or you may find this non-smoking tenant sure seems to have an abundance of cigarette butts lying around the property. Obviously it’s just their friends as a new tenant would never lie about not smoking just to get a place to live, right?

Perhaps they just happen to have a friends dog or cat over for a visit since they don’t have one… Or maybe there are no actual visual animals, but why is there a litter box, animal hair on the couch, dog poop in the yard or even a leash hanging on the door?

It’s tiny visual clues you need to be aware of just to protect yourself.

Understand There Is A Line

I’m not suggesting you go through their drawers, I’m just suggesting you be observant as you inspect and replace the furnace filter, as you test and change out smoke detector batteries and as you check under kitchen and bathroom sinks and behind toilets for any leaks.

Your fears may be unfounded, but doing that inspection can help clarify how the duration of your tenancy may go.

Have you ever had a tenant turn out slightly different than advertised? Share your story below to help other landlords!

Educated Landlord Tip – If you include inspection dates right in your lease it helps warn the tenants you are serious about inspections and it puts it right on your schedule!