When it comes to renting, routine inspections are par for the course, but what do they actually involve, how should you prepare and what is the property manager seeking to determine as part of this regular visit?
Here’s an insight into what property managers look for during routine inspections.
What is a routine inspection?
Carried out no more than four times a year at intervals of about every three months, routine inspections are part and parcel of renting a property.
This inspection sees the property manager attend the home and do a walk through. A written notice is required in advance of their visit and by law you should receive this about seven days prior to the scheduled inspection.
The renter does not have to be home at the time, but they can be if they wish, and while regular inspections may feel like an inconvenience, they are an important part of the rental process.
The main aims of routine inspections are to ensure the property remains in good condition and to identify any required repairs in a timely manner.
So what exactly is the property manager looking for?
Is the home being cared for?
A property manager is responsible for protecting a major financial asset and routine inspections are a critical part of this role.
During the inspection, the property manager will look for any damage to the home. The aim is to ensure the property is being looked after appropriately and that conditions of the rental agreement (such as the number of people living there) are being adhered to.
Are any repairs required?
Contrary to popular belief, routine inspections aren’t just about assessing how well the renter is caring for the property. They are also an opportunity to determine if any repairs are required or if there’s maintenance that needs to be undertaken.
For renters, this is the chance to flag any issues they are encountering with the home, whether it’s something that needs fixing or something that could be done to reduce the likelihood of repairs being required at a later date.
Are there any health and safety issues?
The property manager and owner have a legal responsibility to ensure the home remains safe and healthy to live in, and routine inspections help in this process.
As part of the inspection, the property manager will be seeking to determine if there’s anything unsafe that needs fixing or if there’s something that needs to be maintained to reduce the risk of a safety hazard in the future.
Examples of this might include checking that pool gates close as they should, checking for tripping hazards on decks or pavers, or checking balustrading on staircases, decks and balconies.
If, as a renter, you’ve identified anything that might pose a safety hazard, a routine inspection is an ideal time to bring this to your property manager’s attention.
How renters should prepare
When it comes to preparing for a routine inspection, renters should ensure the house is neat and tidy.
Although this isn’t an assessment of your cleaning capability, a neat tidy home speaks volumes about how well you’re caring for the property.
As part of this general tidy-up, you should also make sure the garden is tended to, including a mow of the lawn.
Meanwhile, prior to the inspection consider any maintenance issues that you feel need to be addressed.
If you’re not going to be at the inspection in person, you can let your property manager know in writing, or if you’re there at the time, bring them to the property manager’s attention.