Routine Property Inspection

Routine Property Inspection

Routine inspection is normally done by either a landlord, property manager or by a maintenance worker to ensure that the property is well taken care of and to identify if there are any maintenance and health issues that may require action. Conducting a thorough routine inspection is a vital part of property management. This does not only keep the cost of maintenance low but also keeps the value of your investment in good shape. A regular maintenance inspection means thorough inspection and evaluation of the fixtures and furniture and also checking the most used part of the rental property.

A routine inspection of the property is more than a quick chat on the doorstep of the property, it is an extensive walk through all the area of the property, detailing how the property is being maintained by the tenant and reporting the items that need maintenance.

Doing a regular inspection of the property ensures that the tenant is maintaining it as well as how it was transferred to them during move-in. By doing a quarterly maintenance check of the property, tenants are encouraged to have a general tidying up of the property on a quarterly basis as well.

How often does the landlord inspect a rental property?

Some landlords conduct the routine inspection once a year, semi-annual or quarterly basis, but must provide advance 48 hours written notice to the tenant before entering the property. 24 hours notice if the landlord is showing the property to a prospective tenant. The law states that landlords cannot abuse their right to access or use it to harass a tenant.

Does a tenant required to be present during the inspection?

According to the Landlord-tenant Act, it does not allow a tenant to require their presence during the landlord's entry. But tenant definitely has the right to ask to be present in any and all inspections by the landlord to her rented unit.

What landlord needs to look for during a routine inspection? 

• To check any possible problems. 
• Overloaded circuit.
• Unauthorized pet.
• To ensure appliances are serviced and up-to-date.
• Landlords check their rental property to ensure that their investment is well cared for.
• Lease violation.

Can a renter refuse the entry of landlord?

Tenants may refuse the landlord to enter the unit if the landlord did not provide legal notice to entry. But it requires tenants to make the unit available for entry when it's required for inspection or repairs.

Keen eyes to details are key to successful routine maintenance check as this will notice all small maintenance item that when fixed will prevent a potentially larger maintenance cost. Noticing a leaking faucet will prevent a larger cost of repairing the wood parts beneath it. Also, a physical inspection of the property can help visually examine the condition of furniture and fixtures if they need to be fixed or replaced, and make an informed decision on where the maintenance money should be spent.

Property owners and property managers who fail to conduct a routine inspection and who fail to maintain the property in good condition will have a hard time to get a tenant to rent their property or will have to rent the property at a lower price. This could also lead to a decrease in the resale or market value of the property if the owner eyes to reselling it.

If you're a private landlord, you should consider getting a service from a professional property inspector who can conduct a regular maintenance inspection. If you want to preserve your property at the highest value possible, you've got to spend to maintain it in tip-top shape.