Conducting rental property inspections and providing detailed property condition reports is part of what we do for our owners and investors. We know how important it is to get inside the home and take a look around, and our experienced and qualified Property Condition Director does this twice a year. We want to look for deferred or unreported maintenance issues, and we also want to make sure the residents are taking care of the property and following the requirements of their lease agreements.
We also drive by the property whenever we have the opportunity, just to make sure the yard is well-maintained and the property looks good.
Our owners can access our inspection reports from anywhere in the world, thanks to our easy and secure online portal. You’ll be able to see your property at least twice a year, even if you’re out of state or out of the country.
There are some specific things we look for during our rental property inspections, and if you’re inspecting your own Killeen investment property, make sure you add these things to your checklist.
Inspection Checklist: Leaks and Water
Water can do more damage to a property than anything else. When you’re inspecting the home, look under every sink. Make sure there isn’t any moisture or leaking. If a slow leak is left undetected, it can become a large plumbing problem. Then, you’ll have rot and possibly mold to contend with. Check each faucet, every sink, and all the tubs and toilets. Turn on the appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines to make sure there isn’t any runaway water.
Check out exterior irrigation as well. Look at the gutters for debris and branches that may be allowing moisture into the home. Trim back any tree limbs and make sure your sprinklers are functional and not leaking. You’ll want to inspect the foundation of your home periodically as well.
Plumbing, Electric, and HVAC Systems
Check and test your electrical, plumbing, heating, and cooling systems when you inspect your rental home. Turn on the furnace and the air conditioning. Plug something into every outlet and make sure everything is running the way you expect it to. Change the air filters and look for light bulbs that may have burnt out. Keeping your property functional and well-maintained will demonstrate that you care about your property and your residents.
Look for Lease Violations at Your Killeen Rental Property
When you’re inspecting the property while a tenant is in place, do a quick check to ensure they’re treating the property the way you expect them to. Tenants don’t want to feel like you’re checking up on them or invading their privacy, so provide plenty of notice in writing. Include the expectation that you’ll conduct an inspection in your lease agreement.
Once inside, be sure they’re taking care of the home and keeping it free of messes, pests, and other hazards. You can also use this as an opportunity to find out if your tenant needs anything to have a better rental experience.
Inspecting your rental property does not have to be stressful, but it does need to be thorough and complete. Move-in and move-out inspections are especially critical in order to document the condition of your property, and these routine inspections during the lease period also deserve your attention and time.
If you’d like some hel
p with inspections or anything pertaining to Killeen property management, please contact us at Shine Residential Management.
