Rental inspections for your Stockbridge investment property have a number of important purposes.  With routine inspections, you can document the condition of the home and hold your tenants accountable to the requirements in their lease agreement. Most property owners will inspect their homes when they feel they have a reason to check up on things, however we think an annual inspection is a good idea – even if your tenants are great and maintenance is routinely reported. Inspecting once per year is a good way to monitor your property’s condition without violating the privacy of your tenants.  

Conduct a move-in inspection, move-out inspection, and a walk-through during the tenancy, when your resident is in place. An essential took during these inspections is a checklist. Make sure you take photos as well.

Move-In Rental Property Inspection Checklist

During the move-in inspection, you are checking to be sure the property is ready for occupancy. There should not be any lingering repairs or maintenance issues. Run the water, flush the toilets, and check each appliance. Make sure all the outlets are working and see if the doors and windows lock and open easily. The idea is to provide a habitable and safe home that your tenants will find functional and well-maintained.

Your inspection checklist will document the condition of the property and protect you against disputes later. Give your tenants the opportunity to make notes on the checklist after they’ve moved in. You’ll want a record that both parties agree to the condition of the home.

Move-Out Rental Property Inspection Checklist

Your rental inspection checklist for the move-out inspection will be exactly the same as the checklist you used during the move-in inspection. 

After a tenant has moved out, you’re inspecting to see if the home has been damaged at all. There is going to be wear and tear; it’s expected and also the responsibility of the property owner. Small nail holes in the wall from where pictures were hung cannot be considered damage. Scuffed walls from furniture are not the tenant’s responsibility. However, you can charge the security deposit if you find broken appliances, large holes in the walls, or floors that are deeply scratched or stained.  

Conducting a Mid-Lease Rental Inspection Checklist

With enough written notice, you can inspect during the lease period without disrupting your tenants. Let them know you’ll be conducting this inspection during the lease signing, before they even move in. There won’t be any surprises when you’re ready to inspect. 

Your checklist for this inspection is pretty simple. You’re looking for deferred and unreported maintenance items that may need attention. You’re also ensuring that the lease agreement is being followed and that the house is clean and cared for.

If your tenants are present for the inspection, have a chat about how things are going. This will help improve your relationship and increase the likelihood that your tenants will renew their lease. When you’re responsive and communicative, tenants appreciate where they live

If you need help putting together your rental inspection checklist or you’d like to learn more about professional Stockbridge property management, please contact us at Fickling & Company Property Management.