How Often Should a Rental Property Be Inspected?
Rental property inspections are essential for both landlords and tenants. They assist with property maintenance, identify little problems before they become bigger ones, and assign responsibility for damages. Effective property management requires knowing how often should a rental property be inspected, who should perform this duty, and how to do it.
Who Should Conduct the Inspection?
The scope of the inspection determines the choice of inspector. Landlords can conduct their inspections for regular or minor damage assessments.
However, a professional home inspection is recommended for more critical problems, such as:
Dealing with the after-effects of fluctuating weather or
While buying a house
Look for organizations, like Bloom Property Management London Ontario, registered with the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors (CAHPI).
How Often Should a Rental Property Be Inspected?
At the very least, Inspections should be conducted before and after a renter vacates the property. Throughout the tenancy, routine checks might also be planned.
Before A Tenant Moves In
A pre-move-in inspection determines the rental's condition, giving a reference point for when the tenant vacates. Taking pictures or recording videos of the property's state is helpful. Pre-move-in inspections also provide landlords the chance to find and address any issues. It helps to start the landlord-tenant relationship off well.
After Tenant Moves Out
It is essential to inspect the property within 48 hours when the renter vacates - postponing the inspection results in disagreements about damages. To prevent missing damage during moving, including scratches on floors or wall holes. Ensure you wait until the renter has completely moved out.
Also, read about 7 tenant responsibilities when moving out of a rental.
Regular Inspections
Ontario legislation does not define how often should a rental property be inspected. We recommend doing routine inspections at least once a year or more frequently based on the property's condition.
Inspections are best conducted during specific seasons of the year, such as:
Late winter and early spring, when snow and ice melt, or
Autumn, when heating systems are necessary
Before and after extreme weather events, if the property is located in a region that experiences them frequently.
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How to Prepare Tenants for an Inspection?
Before an inspection, notify your renters within 24 hours in advance, either by letter, email or as specified in the lease agreement. It is optional for the renter to be present during the property's investigation.
Nonetheless, it is polite to let the renters know whether pictures will be taken and to permit them to take their belongings out of the areas that will be captured. During the inspection, tenants can also point out trouble spots that could require maintenance.
What to Expect During the Inspection Process?
The goal of an examination determines how comprehensive it should be. For instance, a professional inspection before purchasing a home or for a value assessment will be more detailed than a walkthrough conducted after a tenant vacates.
Professional inspections frequently include evaluating the home's electrical, plumbing, and structural soundness, among other things.
In contrast, a landlord's walkthrough can concentrate on purely aesthetic concerns like windows, carpeting, and appliances.
The Bottom Line
Maintain your rental property and build a good rapport between landlord and renter. A mix of regular, post-move-out, and pre-move-in inspections certifies that your property is kept up correctly and that any problems are immediately dealt with. So, learn how often should a rental property be inspected and safeguard your land assets.