3 Types Of Rental Property Inspections You Should Do

Are you a potential resident or a property manager looking to navigate the world of rental property inspections? Even though the average rent has dropped, conducting property inspections is still as important as ever to ensure a smooth and successful rental experience.

These inspections help protect residents and property managers, maintain property standards, and foster a harmonious living environment. This article will explore three types of rental property inspections that should be on your radar.

As a bonus, we'll also give you an effective way to save time and energy on rental inspections. So, grab your inspection checklist, and let's dive into the world of rental property inspections. You'll be ready for each step of the rental journey in no time.

What Is A Rental Property Inspection?

Rental Property Inspection is a crucial part of the rental agreement. Assessments are a valuable tool to protect residents, their rental deposit, and the property manager. The inspection helps to ensure that all parties involved adhere to the rental agreement.

Picture this: You've just signed your rental agreement. But before residents can call it home, a move-in inspection needs to take place. The property manager will look for damage and other issues around the home. They’ll also make note of these. This way, everyone's on the same page, and there are no surprises later.

The inspector will also pop up every few months to ensure the resident keeps up with the rental agreement. It helps to ensure that everything in the property is in top-notch shape. It's all about maintaining a cozy and safe living space.

In a nutshell, rental property inspections help to keep things fair. Of course, local laws and the rental agreement will have different requirements to be adhered to.

Why Are Rental Property Inspections Important?

Why are property inspections so necessary? Well, there are plenty of benefits for both residents and property managers. Let's take a look at a few of them below:

• Property maintenance: Inspections help to ensure that rental properties are in top-notch living conditions. Property managers can find maintenance and safety issues with regular checks and make the necessary repairs.
• Resident safety: Property inspections help to create a safe living environment for residences. Inspectors assess the property for potential hazards that need to be fixed as soon as possible. 
• Compliance with legal requirements: Inspections ensure the property meets all the applicable legal requirements and building codes. These include safety regulations, proper ventilation, working smoke detectors, etc. 
• Documenting property inspection: Inspectors report the property's condition at different stages of the rental agreement. It serves as evidence to assess damages beyond normal wear and tear.
• Lease compliance: This inspection is crucial to a great property manager-resident relationship and prevents lease violations. During rental inspections, the inspector will ensure that residents abide by the lease agreement's terms. 

Overall, property inspections are an excellent way to promote property maintenance, resident safety, and compliance with legal requirements. It's crucial in renting and ensures a great relationship between residents and property managers.

3 Rental Property Inspections To Complete

There are different kinds of property checks that you need to know. These are nothing too complicated or frightening. But, whether you're a property manager or a resident, these inspections can give you a great renting experience. 

Let's dive into the different types of rental property inspections.

1. Pre-Leasing Inspections

Pre-leasing inspections are the first step in the rental journey. Before you can rent, the property needs to meet quality, safety, and livable standards. In this inspection, the plumbing, electrical systems, appliances, and overall cleanliness, will be evaluated in detail.

If areas need improvement, it’s the property manager’s responsibility to get the property up to standard before placing it up for rent. If you're a property manager, you can see this as an investment rather than an inconvenience.

Once the inspection is completed, improvements can begin! As a bonus, working with professionals gives property managers a realistic resident move-in date.

2. Move-In Inspections

Move-in inspections happen just before the resident moves into the property. This inspection documents the property's condition at the beginning of the rental agreement. It's a great way to protect the resident and the property manager. Here's how it works: 

When the resident is ready to move into their exciting new space, they can join the property inspector to explore the property thoroughly. Both will examine each room, inspecting the walls, floors, fixtures, appliances and other relevant areas.

It's all about documenting the state of the property so it can be compared later when the resident moves out.

3. Move-Out Inspections

Move-out inspections are the grand finale of your renting journey! It's also where the rental deposit will come into play. The property manager will examine every nook and cranny and compare it to the move-in inspection documents.

Residents can be present during this inspection. In fact, it'll be super helpful. Residents can chat with the property manager and help clarify any concerns. They can also address any cleaning or maintenance tasks that may affect the return of the security deposit.

Once the inspection is complete, they'll usually whip up a detailed list of any damages, cleaning needs, or other findings. This list becomes the basis for deciding how much security deposit will be returned to the resident.

Did you know  RentCheck can automate your inspections and even send inspection reminders to residents? Learn How >

Simplify Your Rental Property Inspections With RentCheck

While rental inspections sound like a lot of work, it doesn't need to be. With RentCheck, the assessments are placed in the resident's hands. Residents can complete inspections on their own, which helps to save time.

Property managers can be kept in the loop with side-by-side comparisons and scheduling inspections for all stages of the lease cycle. They can also communicate requests and revisions with the resident, ensuring a good and healthy relationship.

So, it's time to save time and energy on rental inspections. Simplify your rental experience with RentCheck. It's convenient for all parties involved!

Ready to save time on inspections? See how easy it is with RentCheck — create a free account and try for free!