As a Charlotte landlord, when was the last time you inspected your property? If it's been a while, this is your reminder to stop putting it off.
The reason why rental inspections are important is that they allow you to identify a wide variety of issues. If you're lucky, you'll catch them before they turn into major problems. Some things an inspection may help you discover are:
- Structural damage
- Damaged flooring
- Plumbing and electrical issues
- Pest or rodent infestations
Want to ensure you won't miss anything during your next inspection? This rental property inspection checklist will help you get started!
Review the Regulations
Every tenant inspection guide starts with reviewing your state's laws. In North Carolina, you don't need to notify tenants before entering the property. That said, standard practice is to provide at least 24 hours' notice.
You'll also need to go through your lease agreement. Check whether your lease mentions a more specific amount of notice you need to provide. If you breach the lease, the tenant may file a suit against you.
Talk to Your Tenant
One of the best property management tips we can give you is to keep tenants informed about your moves. For starters, let them know why you're doing the inspection and the type of inspection you'll perform.
Also, let your tenant know they should be there during the inspection as well. This is particularly important if you only perform annual inspections. That way, they can walk you through any issues they have.
Document Everything
During the inspection, you should bring an actual checklist with you. The inspection checklist template should have these sections for each key item:
- Specific location or quantity
- Condition on arrival
- Condition on departure
By performing both move-in and move-out inspections, you can document what happened to every item during the tenant's stay. Documentation can be invaluable in disputes over property damage.
Take Some Photos
Written documentation is great, but there's no reason you shouldn't snap photos as well. Of course, your focus should be on the condition of the property and not the tenant's personal belongings.
Photos are important because they're hard to fake. If you suspect issues with rental property maintenance, photos are a great way to prove your point. Even if you don't want to use them, you may have to.
Consider Outsourcing
For best results, you should perform property inspections at least semi-regularly. By doing so, you'll be able to manage your properties more efficiently. You'll also save yourself a potential headache with managing tenants.
Of course, not every landlord has time for routine inspections. If you have several properties, consider hiring a property manager to help you. This approach will also provide many other benefits.
Rental Property Inspection Checklist Made Easy
As a landlord, you should never forget that your property is an investment. If its condition diminishes, its value will diminish with it. The above rental property inspection checklist will help you protect your investment.
Need help with inspecting your Charlotte, NC property? At Carolina Property Management, we've been helping landlords like you since 2008! Contact us here -- we respond to all communications within 24 business hours!
