When you're looking for ways to attract great tenants, it's important to commit to your Oak Grove property's condition.
The problem is that many property owners only take a look at their rental property when it's vacant. If this sounds familiar, you're probably missing out on some important changes.
So, how often should you conduct rental property inspections? What does Tennessee law say about when landlords can and can't enter a tenant's home?
Read on for our complete guide to conducting rental property inspections in Oak Grove, KY.
Are Post Move-Out Rental Property Inspections Enough?
If a tenant only lives in your rental property for a year, inspecting before move-in and after move-out may be enough. The problem is that you don't know how long a tenant will stay. In fact, it's to your benefit if a tenant stays for several years in a row.
At the very least, we recommend inspecting your rental property once per year. A bi-annual inspection can yield even better results. By inspecting your property during a tenant's occupancy, you can monitor normal wear and tear and make sure your tenants aren't causing excessive damage that would warrant an eviction.
Do Tenants Need Notice Before Entry?
Landlords and tenants are both protected by state laws. This includes laws determining when and how a landlord can access an occupied rental unit. While tenants must grant landlords access for the sake of an inspection, landlords must provide a minimum of 24 hours' notice before entering.
You should also make sure to enter the tenant's property at a reasonable time. In other words, don't ask to inspect a property at six in the morning or ten o'clock at night. Working with tenants to find a time that works for both of you can improve tenant relations.
What Should You Look For in an Inspection?
Before you up your rental property inspection frequency, it's important to know what you're looking for. Your rental property inspection checklist should include:
- Floors and carpets
- Windows and doors
- Walls and paint
- Basic plumbing and electrical
- Fixtures and appliances
- Roof and gutters
- Tenant-managed outdoor spaces
When you're in the process of inspecting an occupied rental property, make sure to respect your tenant's privacy as much as possible. The goal is to determine the condition of your property, not theirs, and to schedule any needed maintenance. If you need help streamlining this process, property management companies can help.
Let PMI Handle Oak Grove Rental Property Inspections
If your rental property inspection timeline is minimal or inconsistent, it's time to make some changes. Rental property inspections aren't designed to invade your tenants' privacy. Instead, they allow you to stay on top of maintenance and ensure that your tenants are doing their part to take care of your rental unit.
If you don't have the time to increase things like property inspections, PMI can help. PMI offers a wide variety of property management services, from tenant screening to accounting and maintenance. Contact us to learn more about how we can help.
