To plan preventative maintenance and build tenant trust, here are 10 items to look for during a do-it-yourself rental property inspection.
Performing a periodic informational inspection/walkthrough of your rental property is important; we recommend once a year at a minimum. In addition to allowing you to build trust with your tenants (more on that in a bit), it allows you to understand the condition of your property, troubleshoot larger issues, plan some preventative maintenance, and troubleshoot for larger issues.
The most important boxes will be checked in a walkthrough rather than examining hundreds of items. The following are a few pointers before we begin the list:
- Your tenants will be motivated to keep your property in good shape if you schedule this walkthrough well in advance. A 48-hour written notice is usually required for anyone who wishes to enter a dwelling.
- You should explain why you are conducting a walkthrough to your tenants. You want to make sure your property is in good condition and provide a hospitable environment for your tenants.
A rental property inspection should include the following ten items:
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Make sure the furnace filter is replaced
The answer to this question is simple. Filters are easy and inexpensive to buy, but you’ll need them on hand. It can be very expensive to replace a broken furnace.
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Change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
The following is another simple but crucial safety tool. Let’s keep everyone safe, regardless of your liability if these alarms don’t work in an emergency.
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Ensure that dryer vents are clean
Changing batteries is important, but cleaning a dryer vent requires a little more elbow grease. In the event that your dryer isn’t able to ventilate, either it will breakdown ($$$), or you will have a fire.
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Switch on the GFIs
The number of calls we receive for electrical work that can be resolved by pushing a button is endless. Switch your tenants’ GFIs to avoid these issues.
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Ensure that the sinks are not leaking by running water and checking under them for leaks
To check if any liquid is trapped under the plumbing, turn on the water and place a baking pan underneath. The damage caused by leaks can be serious, even if they are small.
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Make sure all appliances are turned on
. It’s definitely helpful to make sure appliances are in good working order. When your dishwasher makes a weird noise, it may be an indication that it’s time to replace it. Appliances are expensive.
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Make sure the garbage disposal is running
Landlords receive the most maintenance requests concerning garbage disposals. It is recommended that you tighten them with an Allen wrench and/or reset them. Landlords love olive pits because they give them headaches.
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Perform an air conditioning and heating test
Providing a livable temperature to your tenants is your responsibility as a landlord. As you’re checking these systems, we recommend turning on the air conditioner to full blast, then switching over to heat. This allows you to easily check other parts of the system as well.
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Ensure that crawlspaces and attics are in good condition
It is the areas of your property where no one hangs out that are the most vulnerable to pests and water damage. (Poop and watermarks) are easy to spot, and if left untreated, they can be extremely dangerous.
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Verify that windows, doors, ceilings, and walls are in good condition
It is true that we crammed a few things into No. 10, but they are all important. Whenever there is any sign of water damage, it is a big red flag that needs to be addressed immediately. The cost of repairing walls, ceilings, and floors is high.
Alternatively, hire a property manager who will do all these things, and more in an inspection. Contact us today for a quote.
