Owning a rental property can be a rewarding investment, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. One of the most crucial aspects of property management is conducting thorough property inspections. At Douglas Realty Property Management, we’ve honed our inspection process to a science, ensuring that both landlords and tenants are treated fairly. In this post, we’ll share some best practices for landlords on how to perform effective property inspections.
The Importance of Property Inspections
Property inspections serve multiple purposes. They help landlords assess the condition of their property, ensure tenant compliance with lease terms, and provide a basis for security deposit deductions. Regular inspections can also help in identifying issues before they turn into costly repairs.
Pre-Move-In Inspection
Before a tenant moves in, it’s crucial to document the property’s condition comprehensively. At Douglas, we fill out a detailed inspection report accompanied by numerous photos. This sets the baseline for the property’s condition and helps in resolving any future disputes over security deposits.
Inspections During Tenancy
Once a tenant is placed, we advise them to take pictures of any problem areas and make note of it. This ensures that they are not wrongfully charged for pre-existing issues. We also offer an Additional Inspection Package that includes two extra inspections on the 3rd and 7th months, complete with a report and pictures. These periodic inspections are essential for ensuring that the property is well-maintained.
At the 10-month mark, we conduct another inspection to evaluate the property’s condition and the tenant’s suitability for lease renewal. A report is sent to the property owner, complete with pictures, providing a transparent view of the property’s status.
Move-Out Inspection
Upon the tenant vacating, a move-out inspection is conducted using the same type of report as the move-in inspection. We take many pictures and compare the move-in to the move-out inspection to determine what damages, if any, were caused by the tenants. Common issues often include uncleaned carpets and personal items left behind. Any items deemed the tenant’s responsibility are deducted from their security deposits, based on vendor estimates for repairs.
Inspection Checklist
During our inspections at Douglas, we check for the following items at a very minimum. Exact inspection items will depend on the features of the property.
General Items
- Walls
- Floors
- Ceilings
- Doors
- Windows
- Light Fixtures
- Plumbing
- HVAC Systems
- Stairs
- Hallways
- Safety Detectors and Alarms (Smoke, Carbon Monoxide, Theft Deterrent, etc.)
- Fire Extinguishers
- Sprinklers
Indoor Items
- Baseboards
- Moldings
- Fireplace
- Counters
- Drawers
- Cabinets
- Appliances
- Garbage Disposal
- Showers
- Bathtubs
- Toilet
- Furniture
Outdoor Items
- Parking Area
- Lawns
- Backyards
- Gardens
- Patios
- Balconies
- Porches
- Decks
Trust Douglas to Keep an Eye on All Your Rental Properties
Property inspections are a vital part of property management that protects the interests of both landlords and tenants. At Douglas Realty Property Management, our tried-and-true process has never lost a security deposit dispute in court, allowing our clients to rest easy.
If you’re a property owner in Southwest Florida, including Cape Coral, Fort Myers, San Carlos, Lehigh Acres, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, and North Port, we invite you to contact us at 239-542-6906 or online. Let Douglas help you manage your properties more efficiently and profitably by helping keep them in the best condition possible.