According to Data USA, just under 50% of Merced properties are renter-occupied. Local landlords can expect to see high demand for their properties, but that doesn't mean that your job is a breeze.
When you invest in rental properties, you accept responsibility for the condition of the property. While tenants may report some signs of damage, they may not have the sharp eye to spot all early signs of trouble.
Rental property inspections are a crucial tool for keeping up to date and planning preventative maintenance. Read on to learn how often you should conduct a landlord inspection.
California Laws and Rental Property Inspections
First, we need to talk about what's legal in the state of California. NOLO provides a useful overview of basic landlord-tenant laws, including information about inspections.
Unless there is an emergency, you can't enter a tenant-occupied property without reasonable notice. For a routine inspection, 24 hours is considered reasonable. For a move-out inspection, you'll need to provide 48 hours' notice.
Best Times of Year to Inspect Rental Properties
We recommend inspecting properties no more than twice during a year-long lease. Spacing them out allows you to assess wear and tear, so allow at least six months to pass between inspections.
Consider scheduling your inspections for late spring and late fall. That way, you can inspect HVAC units to make sure they're optimized for a long season of use.
Areas to Focus on During Rental Inspections
Always come equipped with a rental inspection checklist and send tenants a copy when you provide notice. The purpose of the checklist is primarily to keep your inspection on track. Sending it to tenants in advance will also allow them to prepare for inspections by moving personal items as needed.
Key areas to focus on include:
- Bathrooms and plumbing
- Landlord-owned appliances
- Built-in cabinetry
- Structural elements like walls, floors, and ceilings
- Outdoor areas (if relevant)
An experienced property manager will know what to look for during rental property inspections so you don't have to worry about it.
How to Balance Tenant and Landlord Needs
A well-conducted landlord inspection should serve both landlords and tenants. The goal is to check for signs of property damage that need repairs. While it also gives you a chance to ensure that your tenants are complying with your lease, you don't want to make them feel antagonized.
Offer flexibility when scheduling and don't push for inconvenient times, like early mornings or late evenings. Listen to any concerns your tenant may have about problem areas in the unit. Use property inspections as an opportunity to strengthen tenant relations and increase your chances of securing lease renewals.
Inspect Your Properties and Improve Maintenance
Merced may have a great rental market, but that doesn't mean landlords don't have an important job to do. Rental property inspections can help you create a more proactive maintenance plan that serves both you and your tenants.
Rental Zebra has been in the property management business since 2010, and we've built a team that can best serve our community. With team members who speak Spanish, Tagalog, and Hmong, we're able to connect with diverse tenants and landlords. Contact us to get help with everything from leasing to inspections and beyond.
