Unless you enjoy surprises, it’s important to inspect your investment property in Greenville. If you don’t get into the home once in a while, you might be surprised to find thousands of dollars of damage after a tenant moves out. You might discover a family of kittens even though your property is supposed to be pet-free.
Rental property owners in Greenville need to conduct routine and detailed property inspections. If you have a set routine that’s consistent and thorough, you’ll also have peace of mind and protection.
You want to balance the need to inspect with your tenant’s privacy. Don’t be that annoying landlord who shows up every few weeks asking to take a look around. We recommend that you get inside at least once during the tenancy. We also think you should do a thorough inspection before and after tenants move in and move out.
Document Greenville Rental Property Condition with a Move-in Inspection
You need a well-documented record of your property’s condition, and it starts with the move-in inspection. Before a tenant moves into the home, conduct a thorough inspection, and pay attention to the following things:
Look for any necessary repairs or last-minute cleaning. You don’t want to wait for a tenant to move in to find that a sink is leaking or a door is off its hinges. Your inspection will lead you to these problems before they move in. When you deliver a clean and well-maintained home, you can expect to get one back. Document the condition of the property before you hand over the keys to your tenants. Take pictures and videos of every detail, including paint condition, floors, doors, walls, ceilings, and closets. All of this documentation will serve you well at the end of the lease.
Move-Out Inspections and Turnovers
After the tenancy is over and the tenant is moving out, you’ll do another inspection using the initial report. You’ll be able to see where things have been damaged or neglected. While normal wear and tear is expected and allowed, the pictures you took and the notes you made will help you determine whether anything should be deducted from the security deposit. Tenant damage might include broken drawers and cupboards, large holes in walls, scratches in the flooring, torn or stained carpet, and appliances that were broken and misused.
This inspection can help you prepare for turning the unit over. You’ll want to work quickly so the home is ready to rent again. Have your vendors lined up and your cleaning crews ready.
Conduct a Walk-Through Inspection During the Tenancy
A few months into the tenancy, schedule a time with your tenants to visit the property. This shouldn’t be a surprise to your tenants; include it in your lease agreement and be sure to mention that you will inspect routinely once a year to check for maintenance issues. A good tenant won’t mind.
When you’re at the property, take some pictures and look around for any unreported or deferred maintenance issues. You’ll also want to look for lease violations. If you have a strict no-pet policy and you see cat beds all over the house, you’ll have to discuss this with your renter.
Drive-by inspections can also be performed if you happen to be in the neighborhood. You’ll be able to see if everything is in good order. If something troubles you about the property, you can schedule another walk through.
If you need help with these inspections or you’re concerned about something you found while inspecting, a professional Greenville property manager can be your best resource. We’re here to help. Contact our team at Letts Property Management.
