How to Conduct a Walk-through Inspection
Rental inspections are very important for all landlords. A property that is in good shape ensures continuous rental income in the long term. This can be achieved with the implementation of a thorough walk-through. The tenant will be able to appreciate your standards as a landlord and seek to maintain them throughout the lease period.
It is highly recommended to conduct a walk-through checklist to ensure the success of your rental business. We have highlighted a few tips to guide you on how to go about this. Read on to find out more.
Create a Checklist
You can generate a checklist online or come up with one manually. The list should include all the rooms to go over, the appliances, and the condition of floors, doors, and windows. As you create your list, make sure to be as detailed as possible. Include everything in your property.
For example, if you are checking the bathroom in a furnished unit, include shower curtains, doorknobs, tiles, toilet seats, toilet paper dispensers, and bulbs. This will help avoid disagreements in the future with the tenants on whether the components were in good or bad condition at the time they moved in.
Carry Out the Property Inspection Together
Once you have identified a potential tenant and undergone the tenant screening process, going through the entire property together, room by room, is preferred. The tenant will be able to appreciate the condition of each space and you can check the quality of the property together.
During the walkthrough, the tenant will personally examine the condition of the property. You will be able to set the tone for their time on the property. It will also give them an opportunity to point out any maintenance issues they might have spotted in a room. The relationship between landlord and tenant will start off on the right foot.
Keep the Entire Walk-through Process Simple
As you walk your potential tenant through the premises, be brief and clear. This will make the tenants feel more at ease and consider moving into your property. It is advisable to conduct the entire process in around twenty minutes, while still leaving plenty of time for tenants to ask questions.
Simplicity is key since it will accentuate your confidence as a landlord about your rental. If you make the walk-through complicated, this might create doubt in your prospective tenants.
Take Pictures or Videos of the Property
During the term of the lease agreement, your property is going to be the tenant’s home. The best way to be able to document the changes that have occurred on your property is by taking photos or videos before or during the walk-through inspection.
With a quality smartphone, you can take photos or record videos of the property. Go to each room and take pictures of the walls, and ceilings, Note any existing damage on your inspection checklist. Most phones will automatically timestamp photos and videos, but you must make sure to keep them in a secure folder so as not to misplace them.
Occasionally, you may experience disagreements during the final inspection of the property and its potential impact on the security deposit. These disagreements can be easily handled by referring to the photos or videos.
Some tenant damage is considered normal wear and tear and must be covered by the landlord. However, property damage is the tenant’s responsibility to repair and pay for. If you allow pets in your rental, pet damage is the renter’s responsibility.
Read the State’s provisions on normal wear and tear versus property damage. It should give you a good perspective of what is to be covered by the security deposit.
Do Your Own Checks before the Tenant Arrives
Before the tenant arrives it is important to run-through the inspection on your own. This is where you need to be extra critical. Don’t assume that everything is in order. Over-confidence in the quality of the premises might cost you a good tenant. Take your time as you carefully observe all the rooms one by one.
Check for marks on the floor and ceiling, as well as scratches or dents in appliances and countertops. The tenant will be appreciative that you are aware of the condition of the rental before they view it with you.
You should also check the fittings on the premises. In order to ensure everything is working well, run the water, turn the light switches on and off, test the appliances in the kitchen, living room, and bedrooms.
Give the Tenant Time to Find Additional Problems
There are some ‘hidden’ errors that might not be fully known until the tenant actually moves in. For instance, if you rent your house furnished, you might not know if a dishwashing machine was actually working unless the tenant puts out their dishes then you find out that there was a draining problem.
It is therefore advisable to let the tenant inspect some of the unseen problems within the rental property. Most preferably over a period of close to three days. This tip shows the tenant that you are confident in the condition of the premises and trust their judgment which will improve landlord-tenant relationships.
Conclusion
Conducting a walk-through inspection is one of the best tips for being a successful landlord. This is done by creating a form, conducting a property visit with the tenant, taking pictures or videos, and conducting your own personal check.
We understand that not all property owners have the time, resources, and expertise to conduct a thorough walk-through. You might require a property professional to oversee the management of your rental property. If so, get in touch with the leading service provider in the region, First & Main Property Management Inc.
We are a full property management company offering comprehensive management services to landlords in Napa Valley. Our company has been a household name for the past 10 years and is known for its professionalism, authenticity, and diligence.
Feel free to contact us today!
