We’re always surprised when we hear that landlords and other Kansas City property managers hesitate to conduct routine rental property inspections. Taking a look at your property is an essential component to protecting its condition and ensuring it’s in good shape.
If you’re wondering why regular inspections are so important, we have 5 reasons to share with you today.
1. You Can Check for Deferred or Unreported Maintenance
Sometimes, tenants are unsure about whether they should submit a repair request for minor items. This delay can end up costing you more because small problems have a knack for becoming larger and more complex problems. When you’re inspecting regularly, you can take a look at the functions and systems in your property and make sure there isn’t any work that needs to be done. You can check for leaks or drips under sinks and behind toilets. You can make sure the appliances work and the drawers and cabinets all open and close easily.
2. You Can Make Sure your Property is Free of Safety and Habitability Issues
Keeping your residents safe is one of your most important responsibilities as a rental property owner. When you inspect, always make sure the smoke detectors are installed properly and working. Make sure the windows and doors are locking properly. Inspect the exterior lighting and make sure the bushes aren’t covering the windows or creating an easy place for intruders to hide. Look for trip hazards and make sure handrails are secure.
3. You Can Look for Lease Violations
With a good screening process, you can be reasonably sure your tenants are taking good care of your property and following the terms of your lease agreement. An inspection during the tenancy while a resident is occupying your home can give you extra peace of mind. Make sure there aren’t any unauthorized people or pets in the property. Look for evidence of smoking, which might violate your rules. It’s not that you’re trying to catch your tenant in the act; you simply want to make sure that the lease agreement is being followed.
4. Documenting the Condition of Your Home
Move-in and move-out inspections are especially critical, and they should be thorough. This is your opportunity to document the condition of your property before and after a tenant lives there. This will help you manage the security deposit and if necessary, hold your tenants accountable for damage they leave behind. Make sure you take pictures during your inspections. Video can also help. Make detailed notes and keep an inspection checklist as you move through the property.
5. Checking In with Your Kansas City Tenant
An inspection during the tenancy will also give you the opportunity to meet with your residents. Too many landlords move in a tenant and then rarely keep in touch unless it’s time to collect rent. While you’re walking through the property, talk about whether they’ve been having any problems. Ask if there’s anything they need to enjoy a better rental experience.
This will help with tenant retention and keep your vacancy and turnover costs down.
Rental property inspections are under-utilized. If your Kansas City property management company isn’t doing them, contact us at Donley Carver Investment Properties. We can talk you through our process for inspecting your rental home.
We lease, manage, and maintain investment properties in Kansas City as well as Liberty, Parkville, Gladstone, and communities North of the River.