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There are over 19 million rental properties in the United States.
With so many options, renters can be selective, choosing units that are well-maintained and safe. As a landlord, you must ensure your property is in top shape to attract tenants and retain them. You need to conduct regular inspections to uncover issues early on and fix them.
You may wonder how to go about the inspection process. Here are the five must-have items in your rental property inspection checklist.
1. Structural Integrity
The longevity and safety of your tenant are dependent on the condition of the foundation, walls, and roof. Conduct an inspection to check for signs of cracks in the exterior walls. Check peeling paint, as this could be a sign of water damage.
Check the foundation for noticeable shifts or cracks. Inspect the roof for leaks, signs of wear and tear, and missing shingles. If you notice signs of structural damage on your property, act fast and seek professional help.
2. Plumbing and Water Systems
Most landlords only address plumbing problems when tenants raise them. Unfortunately, this can cause some tenants to vacate the property, forcing these landlords to undertake the costly and time-consuming process of finding new tenants.
Invest in regular rental property maintenance to mitigate this challenge. Check for leaks under sinks and around toilets. Inspect the water heater for signs of leaks and corrosion.
3. Electrical Systems
Electrical problems can pose serious safety hazards and create significant inconvenience for tenants. Your tenants depend on electricity for work, chores, and entertainment. Electrical systems are also a key item in the tenant move-in checklist.
Test all the outlets and switches to ensure they're working properly. Check the circuit breaker panel to confirm it's labeled properly. If your property has flickering lights, contact an electrician to fix the problem.
4. HVAC Systems
Tenants rely heavily on HVAC units to regulate their indoor temperatures, especially during extremely cold or hot seasons. You must ensure that the HVAC system in your property is working well by conducting inspections and maintenance.
Clean air filters at least every month and replace them twice every year. Inspect the vents and ducts to ensure proper airflow. Consider investing in preventative HVAC maintenance to extend the lifespan of your unit.
5. Safety Features and Compliance
As a landlord, it is your responsibility to ensure that your tenants are living in a safe and secure environment. During property inspection, ensure that all the doors and windows have functional locks. Ensure that there are fire extinguishers in strategic locations within the property.
Ensure the emergency exits are clearly marked and unobstructed. Also, make sure your property adheres to all building codes and safety standards.
Follow a Comprehensive Rental Property Inspection Checklist
A thorough and well-organized rental property inspection checklist can help you maintain your property in good condition. However, you might struggle to do the inspection work as a landlord.
Consider outsourcing this responsibility to Veno Properties. We are the leading property managers in Saratoga Springs. You can trust us to help you maintain your property in top condition.
Contact us today to discover more about our property management services.
