Service to inspect rental to insure compliance?

General Landlording & Rental Properties
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Service to inspect rental to insure compliance?

Steve S.
Dallas, TX · Member since 2014 · 650 posts · 53 votes

I'd feel more comfortable having some official seal of approval on units I self manage. 

Does this exist?

What does it cost?

How often do you do it?

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Thomas S.
Member since 2016 · 13k+ posts · 12k+ votes
8y

You are over complicating things. The only things you really need to check for is common scenes safety items and that everything is working properly. No different than your own home. You should be doing regular inspections to insure filters are changed, batteries are changed, no water/fixtures are leaking and that your tenant is in compliance with your lease.

Simple common scenes items that do not require a specialist. Keep it simple.

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  • Anna M.
    Investor · Denver, CO · Member since 2016 · 220 posts · 98 votes
    8y

    Not sure I understand what your question is exactly.  If it is compliance as relates to landlord-tenant laws, simply read up on that, why would you need someone's seal of approval?  If it is compliance as relates to city/county code, then go to the city/county and have them come out and inspect.  Only word of caution for you is be careful what you ask for.  In the end, you should be following code and if you are, then I am not sure why you need an inspection, but perhaps those in Texas can explain better as I am unfamiliar with Texas laws as it relates to rental properties.  A local real estate attorney too in the end would also be a good place to start before opening up a can of worms seeking inspections.  Cheers!

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  • Steve S.
    OP
    Dallas, TX · Member since 2014 · 650 posts · 53 votes
    8y
    Originally posted by @Anna M.:

    Not sure I understand what your question is exactly.  If it is compliance as relates to landlord-tenant laws, simply read up on that, why would you need someone's seal of approval?  If it is compliance as relates to city/county code, then go to the city/county and have them come out and inspect.  Only word of caution for you is be careful what you ask for.  In the end, you should be following code and if you are, then I am not sure why you need an inspection, but perhaps those in Texas can explain better as I am unfamiliar with Texas laws as it relates to rental properties.  A local real estate attorney too in the end would also be a good place to start before opening up a can of worms seeking inspections.  Cheers!

     For me it would be more of imsurance that what I've read and what I'm doing to enforce the laws in my rentals is in compliance should anything happen. I have read them. I believe I'm in compliance. I admit there are others smarter than I about the laws, which is the root of my post. 

    The intent was to get a double check. Maybe I'm overly concerned but I prefer to be certain 

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  • Kim Meredith HamptonBusiness Member
    Real Estate Broker · St Petersburg · Member since 2014 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    8y

    Steve,

    I set myself up with a local home inspector, he does move, move out and periodically. It’s not cheap, but well worth the cost. 

    [email protected]407-448-6679Podcast Guest on Show The Key to Scoring Discounted Deals in One of America’s Hottest Markets
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  • Steve S.
    OP
    Dallas, TX · Member since 2014 · 650 posts · 53 votes
    8y
    Originally posted by @Kim Meredith Hampton:

    Steve,

    I set myself up with a local home inspector, he does move, move out and periodically. It’s not cheap, but well worth the cost. 

     I've had all my rentals inspected before I purchased them. Is that what you're referring to?  I'm thinking more of an expert to ensure compliance with rental and tenant laws. 

    0Reply
  • Robert A Garcia
    Fairway, KS · Member since 2018 · 82 posts · 28 votes
    8y

    Check with your City and see if they have a system in place to license and inspect..I'm sure even if they didn't, they would be happy to inspect your place no charge

    0Reply
  • Robert A Garcia
    Fairway, KS · Member since 2018 · 82 posts · 28 votes
    8y

    They would also give you time to correct any problems

    0Reply
  • Kim Meredith HamptonBusiness Member
    Real Estate Broker · St Petersburg · Member since 2014 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    8y
    Originally posted by @Steve S.:
    Originally posted by @Kim Meredith Hampton:

    Steve,

    I set myself up with a local home inspector, he does move, move out and periodically. It’s not cheap, but well worth the cost. 

     I've had all my rentals inspected before I purchased them. Is that what you're referring to?  I'm thinking more of an expert to ensure compliance with rental and tenant laws. 

     I would talk with a local property manager, and see if they could offer a la carte services for those items, unless you want full service 

    [email protected]407-448-6679Podcast Guest on Show The Key to Scoring Discounted Deals in One of America’s Hottest Markets
    Compass | St. Pete514 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
  • Thomas S.
    Member since 2016 · 13k+ posts · 12k+ votes
    8y

    You are over complicating things. The only things you really need to check for is common scenes safety items and that everything is working properly. No different than your own home. You should be doing regular inspections to insure filters are changed, batteries are changed, no water/fixtures are leaking and that your tenant is in compliance with your lease.

    Simple common scenes items that do not require a specialist. Keep it simple.

    1Reply
  • Ronald RohdePro Member
    Attorney · Dallas, TX · Member since 2016 · 5k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    8y
    Originally posted by @Thomas S.:

    You are over complicating things. The only things you really need to check for is common scenes safety items and that everything is working properly. No different than your own home. You should be doing regular inspections to insure filters are changed, batteries are changed, no water/fixtures are leaking and that your tenant is in compliance with your lease.

    Simple common scenes items that do not require a specialist. Keep it simple.

     To be fair, "common sense" isn't always common.

    In Texas, it depends on the local jurisdiction of the rental property. For example, Garland has a $40 annual rental fee, they have strict requirements for landlords and would be worth a home inspection + rental compliance.

    More than just the property, the paperwork and timing of demands can be just as expensive for landlords.

    0Reply
  • Anna M.
    Investor · Denver, CO · Member since 2016 · 220 posts · 98 votes
    8y

    Fair enough.  So as suggested, familiarize yourself with the local laws and when in doubt check with a real estate attorney and/or directly with the county/city.  That being said there may be others here at BP that are from Dallas, Texas that may help shed some light.

    0Reply
  • Anna M.
    Investor · Denver, CO · Member since 2016 · 220 posts · 98 votes
    8y
    Originally posted by @Steve S.:
    Originally posted by @Anna M.:

    Not sure I understand what your question is exactly.  If it is compliance as relates to landlord-tenant laws, simply read up on that, why would you need someone's seal of approval?  If it is compliance as relates to city/county code, then go to the city/county and have them come out and inspect.  Only word of caution for you is be careful what you ask for.  In the end, you should be following code and if you are, then I am not sure why you need an inspection, but perhaps those in Texas can explain better as I am unfamiliar with Texas laws as it relates to rental properties.  A local real estate attorney too in the end would also be a good place to start before opening up a can of worms seeking inspections.  Cheers!

     For me it would be more of imsurance that what I've read and what I'm doing to enforce the laws in my rentals is in compliance should anything happen. I have read them. I believe I'm in compliance. I admit there are others smarter than I about the laws, which is the root of my post. 

    The intent was to get a double check. Maybe I'm overly concerned but I prefer to be certain 

    Fair enough. So as suggested, familiarize yourself with the local laws and when in doubt check with a real estate attorney and/or directly with the county/city. That being said there may be others here at BP that are from Dallas, Texas that may help shed some light.

    0Reply
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