Rental property inspection is an important part of every landlord’s property management itinerary. It is your duty as a landlord to make sure that your property is being maintained by your tenants.
Other than the typical move-in and move-out inspections, landlords have to carry out regular inspections for long-term tenants. However, it can be difficult to keep track of all the things you need to inspect in an inspection. By having a proper inspection checklist in place, Norfolk landlords can efficiently conduct seasonal, 6-monthly, and annual inspections.
Here are a few different types of checklists that we recommend to Norfolk landlords for thorough property evaluations.
Annual Property Inspection Checklist
Your rental property inspection details will vary as per the state policies in Virginia, and the type of the property. However, every inspection checklist must cover all the important areas of your property that you want your tenant to look after.
Check and replace the smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, door locks, and the state of stairways and railings. Thoroughly inspect the kitchen and bathrooms for water damage.
The state of electronic appliances, sinks, drains and pipelines, flooring, and walls should also be examined carefully. The furniture and foundation of your house must be checked for pest damage and mold.
Other than this, it is essential to see if the overall condition of the property is clean and livable.
6-month Inspection Checklist
Unlike the annual inspection, conducting an inspection every six months is a great way for landlords to ensure that the tenants periodically carry out all the necessary repairs.
Your investment property is more likely to go through wear and tear as the weather changes. Therefore, it falls up to you to ensure that your property is equipped for the potential changes in the weather.
Check the state of furniture, and the heating and plumbing systems in the house. Make sure the taps and toilets are running and unclogged. Electrical appliances such as refrigerators, dryers, and washing machines should be serviced regularly.
Most importantly, make sure that the vents are cleaned on time.
Winter Inspection Checklist
Seasonal inspections of your unit are essential to make sure if your rental property is prepared to handle any harsh climate changes.
Conducting a rental property inspection for winter entails checking fitting conditions of electronics, the condition of the roof, chimney (if any), and the fireplace.
Once all the equipment is examined, check if the windows and doors are strong enough to handle rough winds and snowfall. The cooling system must be cleaned and stored away for the season.
Checking smoke alarms and the state of sidewalks, in addition to stocking up on shovels and salt, is another winter necessity. An outdoor sweep to check if the basement or roof has become home to pests and small animals in winter is also a must.
Summer Inspection Checklist
As the snow melts and the weather changes, the requirements of your rental property also change. You need to undo most of the work you did for the winter. Summers require cleaning of the air conditioning systems and vents. Therefore, check and replace the filters in the AC. Make sure the roof is undamaged and check the topmost floor for signs of water damage due to the melting snow.
The outside of your rental property, like its inside, should also be cleaned. Any debris, lying trash bins and garage equipment should be properly housed. Make sure your tenant recycles their trash and segregates it accordingly. For military landlords and tenants, a military housing checklist that prioritizes cleanliness is a must.
What to Include in your Landlord Inspection Checklist?
Every Norfolk Landlord’s rental inspection checklist must include tenancy agreements, inventory, as well as safety and preventative maintenance particulars. Make sure that every surface in the house is clean and damage-free. This checklist will demonstrate to your tenants that you expect cleanliness and thoroughness during their tenancy.
Make sure you follow these particulars while inspecting your Norfolk investment property. If you need any help regarding managing your Norfolk rental, feel free to connect with us as Doud Realty Services, one of the leading property management firms in Norfolk.