Tenants Need to Know About Apartment Inspections

by Mary Anne Ragragio


Posted on 2019-08-19 20:17:01


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Renting an apartment is an exciting thing to do especially to those first-time renters. But there is an important thing that you need to be aware of regarding apartment inspections. So, here are some significant ideas that a renter needs to know about apartment inspections.

What is a routine inspection in an apartment? Are normally performed to ensure that the apartment unit is in good condition, and to check if there are any maintenance, any damage to the property, health or safety issues.

How much notice before apartment inspection? Generally, a landlord must provide a tenant for at least 24 hours. Normally it is between 24 to 48 hours’ notice before the apartment inspections. Some landlords even provide very advance notice, like weeks before the inspections.

Can I refuse to show my landlord my apartment? Every tenant has their right for privacy but tenants cannot just unreasonably refuse a landlord to enter into their apartment. You may contact your landlord to request to change the inspection time or moved to a different date if the landlord’s entry time doesn’t work for you. In the Landlord-Tenant Act, it does not allow tenants to require that they will be present during the inspection, but tenants definitely have the right to ask to be present to all inspections by the landlord.

Do I have to allow my landlord to enter my unit?  Yes, tenants must make the unit available for inspection when the apartment is necessary for inspection or repairs.  During emergencies, landlords can enter your apartment without any notice like fire, severe water leaks or if the apartment has been abandoned. A landlord has their right too to maintain their property to provide tenants with a safe, in good condition and health issue free home.

List issues to discuss. Whether a renter is about to move in or about to end the lease, it is important that you document inspections in the apartment unit you are about to start or leave. Many landlords will give you an apartment inspection checklist to give you a guide of the inspection process.  

Reasons a landlord can enter an apartment. In general, landlords are allowed to enter a tenant rented unit if there are issues directly related to the property. Here are some examples:

  • If there is an emergency that the landlord requires to enter the tenant’s rented unit.
  • If there are concerns about health and safety.
  • Many states require landlords to do a move out inspections when a tenant is about to move out to check the unit and to see if there is any damage to the property.
  • To make repairs or assess the needs for repairs.
  • Landlords can enter the unit if the court granted the landlords access.
  • Each state may have different laws in considering a unit to be abandoned. And so if tenant abandoned the unit, the landlords have the right to enter the apartment to remove of possession left behind and to show to prospective tenants.

How to prepare for a rental inspection

  1. Start preparing early
  2. List issues to discuss

 


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