How Often Do You Do Inspections On Your Rental Properties

Question

Hi all, I have a question for anyone who would like to take the time to answer. Do you have your property manager do inspections on properties? And if yes, how often do you have them perform inspections? Once a year, two times a year, quarterly? My rental properties are single family and duplex.

Thank you so much for any input on my question!

LB

Thank you so much for any input on my question!

LB

John Morgan · Answer

I never do. And I haven’t seen some properties in 5 years. Hopefully they’re ok. Lol

Curtis Mears · Answer

@Libby Baugher

I do not do scheduled inspections unless warranted by complaints from hoa or neighbors. I do inspect when I perform work on the property.

Evan Polaski · Answer

@Libby Baugher, one reason I prefer to invest locally: I drive past my properties every 3-6 months.  In my experience, the condition they keep the exterior is commiserate with how they keep the interior.  These are single family homes, so tenant is responsible for basic landscaping care.

I also use any maintenance call to enter the property to get a gauge of things around the house.  This means I meet the electricians, plumbers, handyman even though I am not performing the work.

Kobe Anderson · Answer

RentCheck.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

You should inspect a property at least once a year, even for a Class A property with an excellent Tenant. Even if the tenant is excellent, you should still be looking for any deferred maintenance issues.

I inspect after eight months. This ensures the inspection is not tied to any expectation of a renewal offer. I then have several months to review their records, speak with the owner, and determine if we want to offer a renewal or not.

If I have a higher-risk tenant, then we may schedule an inspect three months after occupancy, followed by another one at eight months.

Our contractors are also instructed to notify us if they see anything unusual, but we don't count that as a formal inspection. Contractors are busy with work, many of them have really low standards, aren't observant, or don't even know what we would want them to look for.

Scott Schroeder · Answer

Hi Libby,

Generally speaking the property manager and/or their staff know very little about property maintenance and repair.  I would not trust that they

know what to look for or make the effort to look.  I'm refering to such things like:  plumbing leaks, gutter issues,  shingle issues, general care

of the home / property, and a myriad of other items.  Water issues are the enemy of a property.  If you don't have the skill set to know what to look

for reach out to a good home repair contractor.  As far as frequency is concerened that is based on the type of tenant(s) and your level of

confidence in their ability to recognize repair issues.  To reiterate, I would not trust that the repair people that the management co. contract with

know much beyond the minimum.  I know this all sounds negative, however, it is your capital that is at risk and you need to learn what to look for

and do it your self or atleast communicate specific expectations with regard to the above items.

Linda S. · Answer

@Libby Baugher,

Minimum annually when we check the smoke alarms, but anytime  we have a maintenance call-- I ask for observation, was It clean/dirty/seem like a lot of people living there/etc.    Your maintenance technician the landlord's eyes and ears-- people will do a beautiful clean up for the landlord, but the maintenance technician sees what's really going on.    Tenants relax and let their guard down for the maintenance guy,  that's when you see the truth IMO.

Ben Scott · Answer

I know some property managers will schedule time with the tenant once a quarter to change the air filters. It's a non-invasive way to check on how the property is being maintained and doesn't put the tenant on the defensive.

Michael H. · Answer

I have 3 duplexes and 2 townhomes and I only do a move in / out inspections. However, whenever the chance comes up to enter the property, we use it as an opportunity to have a look and make sure things look okay.

If you're doing to tenant screening correctly, I feel like you can avoid having to do multiple inspections.