Landlord Inspections: What You Need to Know

There are several reasons why a landlord might want to check their property. It is an expensive asset, they need to look after it.  It is their income and their future income, they need to protect it. It is their children’s money, and possibly a place to live, so it is vital that they look after it and keep it in good order.

The landlord might not trust the tenants, they might have heard a party, or rumours that there is a mess, or they might have the neighbours calling them regularly.   The landlord might have heard of pets, children, additional visitors, too many people coming and going, or moving in. 

Tenants break rules, tenants break the property, The landlord could be paranoid, or overly protective, or just inexperienced or simply have not visited the property in a long time. 

There are hundreds of reasons why a landlord needs to inspect their property. 

Whatever the case, you may wonder if a landlord can conduct random inspections. Well, there isn’t a simple yes or no response.

A landlord may use frequent inspections to be reassured that tenants are taking care of the place and to spot any concerns early on. Keep track of what you notice using a landlord inspection checklist.

1. Do provide prior notice – Make sure you understand the law regulating the required notice necessary before every inspection. Experienced landlords add in the lease provision specifying that they will undergo periodic inspections upon notice in writing to the tenant.

2. Compliance and safety – The intent of a regular inspection is to identify maintenance concerns that are clearly apparent. Basic tests of the electrics are required for the home inspection to see whether there is any notable hazard or threats. Check for damaged electrical components in sockets, light fixtures, and cables. Also, the landlord must ensure that there is a working fire escape available and unobstructed.

3. Issues Relating to Lease Compliance – Other areas on your rental property inspection checklist must be conforming with the agreement. Ascertain that your renters are abiding by the terms of the lease. For instance, look for indications of unauthorized pets and take a note of any cigarette smells in a nonsmoking property.

When you own a rental property, you always face the risk of things like property destruction, foreclosures, renter turnover, and lengthy periods with no leaseholders. As a result, frequent home inspections will offer you with added security knowing it is in fine condition as well as the knowledge you need to anticipate new home repairs.

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