Rental property owners in Orlando who want to protect the condition of their investment will need to conduct routine property inspections. It’s the only way to know your home is being well-maintained and your tenants are following the terms of your lease agreement. Having a routine will keep you consistent and protected.
You want to balance the need to inspect with your tenant’s privacy. We do not recommend you knock on the door every month with the intention of taking a look around, but make sure you’re getting inside at least once during the tenancy, and do a thorough inspection before and after tenants move in and move out.
Move-In Inspections Document Orlando Rental Property Condition
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:
- Check for any last-minute repairs or cleaning that needs to be done before a tenant moves in. When you deliver a clean and well-maintained home, you can expect to get one back. Look for leaks, appliances that aren’t working, and lights that won’t turn on. Make a list and have the repairs done immediately.
- 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.
Conduct Move-Out Inspections When Your Property is Vacant
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.
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.
Sometimes, it’s better to leave the inspections in the experienced hands of an Orlando property manager. We know what to look for and how to hold your tenants accountable. If you’d like some help, please contact us at R. Russell Properties.
