In California, landlords may only enter their rented properties in certain instances, provided they give the tenants 24-hour written notice. Rental property inspections are one of these occasions.
These inspections aren't only targeted at ensuring your tenants comply with their lease agreement. They have several other functions, too.
Read on to find out why they're so important.
Types of Rental Property Inspections
There are four main types of property inspections, and each fulfills a specific role. These are:
Move-in Inspections
These serve as proof of the property's condition before a tenant moves in. The ensuing document is usually compared with the results of a move-out inspection when the tenant leaves.
Move-out Inspections
Once the tenant vacates the premises, the landlord must make a note of the home's condition. This helps them determine any property damage that has occurred since the tenant moved in.
An outgoing inspection may impact how much of the security deposit is refunded to the tenant.
Routine Rental Inspections
A landlord must carry out regular checks throughout the tenant's stay. These usually take place every six to twelve months and help landlords address any issues early.
Drive-By Inspections
This type of inspection serves to gauge the external condition of the property. It can reveal significant changes to the property's appearance as well as major lease infringements.
The Major Benefits of Rental Property Inspections
By law, landlords must provide their tenants with reasonably habitable accommodations. Rental property inspections help ensure this is the case.
When you carry out a rental property inspection, you should work according to a detailed checklist. This helps you keep track of seasonal maintenance tasks, like changing HVAC filters, and carry them out timeously.
Routine inspections help you stay up-to-date with property maintenance tasks. These ensure the safety and comfort of your tenants.
Some important scheduled maintenance tasks include regular checks of carbon dioxide monitors and fire safety equipment.
These inspections may also reveal necessary repairs, which can help prevent ongoing damage to your property.
Property Inspections from a Tenant's Point of View
When you visit your property regularly, your tenants know that you have their best interests at heart. It shows that you're committed to their safety and comfort.
You'll also have opportunities to interact with them during these visits. This can help establish cordial landlord-tenant relationships.
Both of these factors can encourage them to renew their lease when the time comes.
From another perspective, when you take an interest in your property, tenants are more likely to take good care of it.
When you visit your property you could come across evidence of lease infringement, like pets or smoking. In this way, regular inspections will help keep your tenants in line with their lease agreement.
Hiring an experienced property manager is one way to ensure you maximize routine property inspections.
Stay Up-to-Date With Property Inspections
Rental property inspections are key to maintaining your property's value and appeal.
Provident Property Management offers a full range of property management services, including thorough rental property inspections. We work according to a stringent checklist regarding routine maintenance and carry out proactive repairs promptly.
Get in touch today to discuss your San Jose property management needs.
