Rental Property Inspections: What Landlords Look For

According to iProperty Management, 41% of renters spend more than 35% of their income on rent. With this statistic in mind, you'll want to get the best out of your rental agreement.

One way to do this is by understanding what landlords typically look for during rental property inspections. This knowledge can help you to prepare, maintain a positive relationship with your landlord, and avoid potential conflicts.

By understanding what landlords look for during rental inspections, you can ensure that your rental property is well-maintained and in compliance with the terms of your lease agreement.

What Is A Rental Inspection?

A rental inspection is a necessary process to help protect residents and landlords. It typically involves visits by the landlords to the rented property. They'll assess the condition, identify any necessary repairs or maintenance, and ensure the resident complies with the lease agreement's terms.

An inspection covers both the interior and exterior parts of the property. Your landlord should also inspect the fixtures, appliances, and any other features that came with the property.

Routine rental property inspections are essential to encourage landlords and residents to remain accountable and ensure everything runs smoothly. 

Ultimately, rental property inspections help protect everyone's interests so that all parties can provide a stress-free living environment for the duration of the lease.

Why Are Rental Home Inspections Important?

Rental home inspections are essential for several reasons. Your property management company ensures the safety of the residents. Your property manager can identify potential hazards and maintenance issues they must address.

Inspections also help landlords and property managers to protect their investments by identifying any damage or misuse of the property and addressing it before it becomes a more significant issue. 

Landlords and property managers can also ensure that residents keep to the lease agreement's terms. Your contract can include keeping the property clean and free from damage.

Regular inspections can help to promote a positive relationship between landlords and residents. It can foster open communication and address any issues on time. 

The 5 Types Of Rental Inspections

There are several types of rental inspections that you can expect from your landlord performing rental property inspections. Each assessment helps to ensure the property is maintained according to the lease agreement.

In this section, we discuss five types of rental inspections that you can expect. By knowing the purpose of each type, you can be better prepared for these inspections and maintain a positive relationship with your landlord.

1. Move-In Inspections

A move-in inspection is conducted before or when you move into the property. During a move-in inspection, your landlord walks through the rental property with you to identify any pre-existing damage or issues. These issues can include scratches on the walls, stains on the carpet, or malfunctioning appliances. 

The purpose is to create a record to compare with later during the move-out inspection. It's crucial for you to participate in the check. You'll need to document any pre-existing damage or issues in writing and with photos or videos. Doing so will help prevent disputes when you're ready to move out.

A move-in inspection is a crucial step in the renting process as it helps to protect both your and your landlord's interests by creating a record of the rental property inspection and its condition at the beginning of the tenancy.

2. Quarterly Rental Inspections

Quarterly rental inspections occur every three months throughout your lease. Landlords typically want to inspect that everything is in order and you're upholding your end of the lease agreement. This inspection helps to ensure everything is as it should be and there isn't damage caused by the rough seasons. 

With this type of inspection, the aim is to promote proactive maintenance. You and your landlord can identify any issues before they become more significant and costly. You can also use this time to bring up any concerns, problems, or repairs that need to be addressed by your landlord. 

It's important to remember that your property manager should provide you with advance notice of when the inspection will take place. This notice will give you adequate time to prepare and make the necessary arrangements.

3. Annual Inspections

Annual inspections are comprehensive inspections that are organized by your landlord once a year. Typically during quarterly inspections, your landlord will assess the property's condition to ensure your living conditions are safe and habitable. Each landlord will have a checklist to evaluate the property depending on their needs and property.

During the inspection, your property manager will inspect the interior and exterior. They'll do an in-depth assessment of fixtures, appliances, and other features to identify hazards. They may also check for unauthorized pets, subletting, or other lease violations. 

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Like the quarterly inspection, your landlord will need to arrange with you when to do the inspection. Be sure to bring up any concerns to help ensure a safe living environment for you and your family. 

4. Drive-By Inspections

Some landlords may conduct a drive-by inspection. This inspection happens more frequently and is a quick way to monitor the property. It typically involves the landlord driving by the rental property to assess the exterior condition. 

Your landlord uses this type of inspection to look for signs of neglect. They can also identify issues they must address, such as roofing problems, overgrown vegetation, or unapproved alterations to the property.

Drive-by inspections are a valuable tool for monitoring the condition of the property. However, they aren't a substitute for more in-depth inspections. If the property manager identifies issues, they must contact you for a more in-depth inspection.

5. Move-Out Inspections

Move-out inspections are conducted when you move out of the property. It happens either just before the resident moves out or after the end of the lease term. The landlord will walk through the property to identify any damages that may have occurred during your tenancy.

Your landlord will typically compare the property's current condition with the inspection notes from the move-in inspection. This'll help determine if the resident is responsible for any property damage. If there are any new damages, your landlord will deduct the costs from your security deposit.

As a resident, it's crucial for you to participate in this inspection. Do a thorough cleaning of the property before the inspection starts. If you disagree with any deductions and costs, you must discuss the issues with your landlord to resolve this. Keeping as much evidence as possible is crucial to motivating your reasoning.

What Do Landlords Typically Look At When Doing A Rental Inspection?

There are many areas that landlords will look at during an inspection. These may differ from landlord to landlord. However, you can expect the following as a general checklist: 

• Overall cleanliness: Landlords will inspect the rental property to ensure that it's being kept clean and tidy and that any garbage or clutter is correctly disposed of.
• Appliances and fixtures: Appliances and fixtures must function adequately to avoid safety hazards.
• Walls and flooring: Landlords will inspect the walls and floors for any damages or stains. They'll also want to ensure that previously discussed touch-ups and repairs were completed.
• Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors: Your landlord needs to inspect that these devices are working correctly and have fresh batteries installed.
• Safety hazards: Landlords will inspect the rental property for any safety hazards, such as loose handrails, broken stairs, or exposed wiring.
• Unauthorized pets or subletting: If it's against the lease agreement, landlords will inspect for signs of unauthorized pets. Subletting is illegal unless you have specific permission from the property owner.

A rental inspection helps maintain the rented property and ensures the residents comply with the lease agreement. It also helps ensure that residents live in a safe and comfortable environment.

Should A Landlord Give You Notice Before An Inspection?

Landlords of rental properties are required to give you notice before conducting a rental inspection. The terms of the rental review may vary depending on your local laws and rental agreement.

The notice needs to include a date, a time, and the purpose of the inspection. Depending on the laws in your area, they'll also need to provide it in writing, whether through a written letter or email. 

Some states and municipalities require landlords to give tenants 24 or 48-hour notice. Giving a resident adequate notice beforehand is not only a requirement but common courtesy to maintain a positive relationship with residents.

When inspecting the property, your landlord must follow the local laws and the lease agreement. This'll help ensure that the landlord, resident's security deposit, and rights are respected.

Do Your Own Rental Inspections With RentCheck

Rental property inspections are critical to maintaining a safe and healthy living environment for residents and protecting the landlord's investment. When ensuring that you know your rights, you can be better prepared and maintain a positive relationship with your landlord. 

However, scheduling and conducting rental inspections can take time and effort for residents and landlords. This is where RentCheck comes in. RentCheck offers a user-friendly and efficient solution for conducting rental inspection checklist reviews. It saves you time with a quick and smooth rental experience.

So why not give RentCheck a try? Signing up is free, and RentCheck makes it easy to conduct inspections at any stage of the lease cycle. It'll help you to stay on top of the condition of your rental property and avoid potential conflicts with your landlord.