How to conduct a property inspection
When it comes to property inspection the main thing to keep in mind is that these visits should benefit both parties. This gives the tenants a chance to raise any maintenance issues while the landlord can also check for things that the tenant might have not noticed. This also allows the landlord to sort out any problems while they are still minor repairs/issues.
Regular inspections are a good idea, you need to check if there are any frequencies stipulated by your mortgage company or insurance company. You may decide to do more but definitely not less, once a quarter is ideal. Always take a copy of the inventory with you as a reminder of the original condition of the property so you can cross reference.
While it may feel more comfortable to carry out an inspection on your own, it is a good idea to have the tenant with you so you can discuss as you go along. Remember to keep the visit friendly do not comment on their way of living just if there are issues with the property itself. Also take this as an opportunity to check essential safety features such as smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Don’t forget that after the inspection make sure you send a written summary to the tenant either via email or post. If you aren’t managing your own properties, then make sure that your agents are carrying out quarterly inspections and providing you with a report each time.