How can you be sure your Prosser rental property is in good condition and occupied by tenants who are treating it right?
You inspect.
Regular property inspections allow you to look for deferred or unreported maintenance – problems that will only cost you more if they are not taken care of right away.
Your lease agreement must reflect your intention to conduct a maintenance inspection during the course of the tenancy. You’re not permitted to enter an occupied property without your tenant’s consent, so put your request in writing at least 24 hours ahead of your planned inspection. State law requires both landlords and tenants to be reasonable about seeking and granting access to a rental unit. As long as this is spelled out in your lease, you should be comfortable conducting the inspection.
Here are some of the reasons that performing inspections is so crucial.
Checking in with Prosser Tenants
Inspections can be a great opportunity to nurture your tenant relationship. When tenants feel like you’re responsive to their needs and willing to listen, they’re more likely to renew their lease agreements. Tenant retention is always good news for your ROI – it means lower vacancy loss and fewer turnover costs.
Check in with your tenant about how things are going while you inspect. Ask if there’s anything they’ve noticed that needs to be repaired. Sometimes, tenants don’t want to bother you with minor issues, and this is a good chance for you to hear about them.
Responding to Repairs and Maintenance
Another great reason to perform routine inspections is because you want to check for any necessary maintenance. You also want to take preventative measures. Your routine inspection is a good opportunity to change the air filters for the tenants. Check lighting and make sure the doors and windows are locking easily.
Look for issues that the tenants may not have noticed or reported. Check under sinks to make sure there aren’t any leaks. Plumbing issues and water intrusion can quickly become expensive, and you’ll want to take care of any minor repairs that are needed right away.
Looking for Safety and Habitability Issues
This is also a perfect time to check for safety and habitability issues.
During the inspection, take a look at your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and any security systems that are installed. Look for sufficient exterior lighting and handrails on stairs or outside. Walk around your parking lot, driveway, and walkways to make sure they are free of debris and trip hazards.
Documenting the Condition of your Prosser Rental Property
Taking photos, notes, and videos will allow you to document the condition of your property during the inspection. This is especially critical for move-in and move-out inspections, but photos and checklists can also be useful during your mid-lease inspection. You’ll have an easier time detecting tenant damage that may go beyond wear and tear. You can also collect evidence if there are any lease violations that will need to be addressed.
We manage rental inspections as part of our Prosser property management services. If you’d like to hear more about how we can help and why these inspections protect your investment, please contact us at Real Estate Gladiators.
