If you're a landlord you'll already know that no two days are the same. One minute you might be tweaking your online listings and the next interviewing potential tenants.
It's a job that's challenging and rewarding—and at times exhausting. But it's also a job that requires fastidious attention to detail.
There are now over 100 million renters in the US. It stands to reason that not all of these are going to be perfect tenants. Along with tenant screening, rental inspections are a means of making sure that your apartment doesn't get damaged by the tenants that are occupying your property.
Each state has its own laws for landlords and tenants and these are important to familiarize yourself with. This guide will offer landlord tips for carrying out routine inspections of rental property.
Give Plenty of Notice
The law in each state (and each city) sets out the notice landlords need to give before entering a tenant-occupied property. Denver tenant rights are strictly set out and must be adhered to.
In Denver, Colorado, landlords need to provide tenants with at least 24 hours' notice before an inspection. However many landlords give 48 hours' notice as a gesture of good faith. It's always a good idea to remain on good terms with your tenants so things like rent collection and general communication are easier.
Take Plenty of Photos
Often the results of a rental inspection will cause a dispute between landlords and tenants. There could be a disagreement over when or how damage occurred.
In order to have a better footing in case of such contentions, you should always take plenty of photos during every rental property inspection you conduct. If you document the state of the unit before a tenant is due to move in you'll have photo evidence to produce when they're moving out. This will prove whether or not damage occurred during their leasing period.
Perform Seasonal Inspections
You don't only want to perform inspections when a tenant is moving in or out. You should also try to perform periodic property inspections on a seasonal basis. These are inspections that assess whether a property is ready for the season ahead.
A certain amount of maintenance is necessary to prepare homes for winter, hurricane season, or the rainy season for example. It's your duty as a landlord to ensure this has been seen to.
Leave It to the Professionals
One of the best real estate investing tips you'll hear is to outsource any tasks you're unable to do yourself. Don't spread yourself too thin.
A property management company will be able to assist you with rental inspections but also property marketing and property accounting. It can be a real help especially if you've got multiple units.
Rental Inspections Done Right
Whether you're carrying out rental inspections yourself or a property management company is handling them for you make sure that the above best practices are adhered to. You want to be in good standing in the eyes of the law and in the eyes of your tenants.
If you're in need of further real estate tips or information on real estate investing, we'd be happy to answer any questions you have. Get in touch with a member of our team today.
