Are remote property inspections a thing?

Question

Question for you all. If I want to keep an eye on my property can I ask the tenants to send through pictures? Can I also ask them to check fire  alarms? Rather than visiting the property myself. Thanks for the help.

Dugan O'Donnell · Answer

Hey thanks @Joseph Firmin @Anthony Angotti @Alyssa Dyer Frustrating one when I can't get there. Might try having some example photos for the tenants and just get them to send the same ones. But I might end up paying someone/getting a manager.

Alyssa Dyer · Answer

Totally agree with @Steve K below. Some things just aren't worth the risk!

Steve K. · Answer

Tenants aren't going to show you anything they don't want you to see, so this would be like letting the coyote watch over the hens. I'd at least get a local agent or PM to do the inspection for you and take photos/video or FaceTime you from the property. I believe there is a company that will do this called WeGoLook, or you could probably find a local PM or real estate agent willing to do it for you for a small fee.

Alyssa Dyer · Answer

@Dugan O'Donnell

Sure! I probably wouldn’t! I’d do the inspection or pay someone to. Tenants don’t always know what to look for and/or want to show issues.

Anthony Angotti · Answer

You can, but I don't think this will be an effective strategy. Someone should be doing at least a yearly inspection on your places, and it should really be more often than that (twice per year is what I do)

Joseph Firmin · Answer

Sure you can, but you won't get the real/full perspective unless you are specific about what pictures you need and of what parts of the property. Definitely doable though.