As a landlord, one great way to ensure your rental is in top shape is to schedule regular inspections. This helps you catch issues early and avoid pricey repairs.
The big question is: how can you ensure that your home inspection is thorough? One key factor here is the type of inspection. Each rental inspection type has its purpose, and several of them should be performed at specific times.
Need some help with inspecting your Memphis property? This landlord inspection guide will shed light on which inspections you need to perform, when to schedule them, and how to do them justice!
What Are the Four Types of Inspection?
The four main types of rental property inspections are:
- Move-in inspections
- Move-out inspections
- Routine inspections
- Drive-by inspections
Each of these inspections has its place and purpose in the property management industry. Here’s the breakdown of what they should entail.
Move-in Inspections
As the name implies, this is an inspection a landlord should perform every time a new tenant moves in. It involves a detailed walkthrough of the property, noting any existing damage. Both parties should pay attention to the condition of:
- Walls
- Floors
- Ceilings
- Fixtures
- Appliances
Move-Out Inspections
The move-out inspection occurs at the end of a tenant’s lease agreement. This is where you document the condition of the property to identify damage beyond wear and tear. This forms the basis for potential security deposit deductions.
Routine Inspections
You’ll conduct a routine (or mid-lease) inspection during the tenant’s stay. The goal of this inspection is to ensure the tenant is complying with the lease agreement.
You’ll check the condition of the property and look for lease violations.
Drive-by Inspections
A drive-by inspection involves visually assessing your rental from the outside, without entering it. It allows you to quickly check for obvious signs of damage or neglect.
This type of inspection usually focuses on:
- Condition of the building
- Landscaping
- Curb appeal
When Should You Schedule Routine Inspections?
In the Memphis rental market, there’s no clear rule on when to schedule routine inspections. Still, they’re generally recommended every 3-6 months.
Some landlords choose to perform inspections annually, but this may not be enough to catch issues early. Of course, if the property is in poor condition or you suspect lease violations, you should perform inspections more frequently.
No matter when you decide to inspect your property, you must provide proper notice. The Tennessee law states that you must let the tenant know about the inspection at least 24 hours before entering the property.
What’s Included in the Home Inspection Process?
In general, your home inspection checklist will depend on the type of inspection. That said, some things you’ll usually want to check out include:
- Overall property condition
- Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems
- Doors, windows, flooring, blinds
- Safety and security features
- Appliances and their efficiency
- Tenant compliance
The Key Steps to Performing an Inspection
Beyond providing notice, the inspection process involves a few other potential legal issues. Here are some rental property inspection tips to keep you in compliance.
Respect Tenant Privacy
Many property management strategies emphasize the importance of tenant privacy. The same applies to rental inspections.
If you’re unsure when (and how) you can enter the property, consult your lease agreement for details.
Document Everything
Always take photos, videos, and detailed notes during your inspections. Without these, it’s just your word against theirs. Proper documentation makes conflict resolution much easier while protecting all parties involved.
Follow Up in Writing
If you identify an issue during the inspection, let your tenant know about it in writing. The same applies to issues that may involve other parties.
This is also where photos and videos can come in very handy as evidence.
Home Inspections Made Easy
The home inspection is a key part of managing a property. Inspections help you maintain the value of your investment and adhere to all relevant laws. If you don’t have the time to perform them regularly, consider hiring a property manager.
At Reedy & Company, we’ve been assisting landlords like you since 2002. We’re a BBB A+-rated property management firm managing over 3,500 properties. Our goal: balance the needs of the tenants with the interests of the owners!
Beyond regular inspections, we offer a full suite of property management solutions in the Memphis area. Schedule a consultation now to see what we can do for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Should You Outsource Rental Inspections?
Hiring a property manager to handle inspections for you can save you a lot of time and effort while giving you access to specialized expertise. If these factors are valuable to you, outsourcing is usually the right choice.
Are There Any Special Inspections?
Beyond the standard inspections outlined above, there are a few special cases as well. For example, the fire department may randomly schedule a mandatory fire inspection of all multi-family rental units in your area.
If you hire a pest control company for your pest control needs, they’ll likely also schedule mandatory annual inspections. This involves a thorough inspection of the interior and, oftentimes, some sort of preventative treatment.
Can the Tenant Refuse an Inspection?
No, Tennessee tenants don’t have a right to refuse a reasonable rental inspection. That said, in most cases, they can request to reschedule it.
If the request is reasonable, it’s usually a good idea to work with their schedule.
Should the Tenants Be Present for Inspections?
In Memphis, tenants don’t have a legal obligation to be present for inspections. However, they’re allowed to do so.
Their presence is usually beneficial for both parties, as it makes it easier to address concerns and clarify issues.
The tenant’s presence also helps ensure that your inspection report is accurate and thorough. If you’re inspecting the property alone, it’s much easier to miss some issues regarding the property’s condition.
What Time Should You Schedule Inspections?
It’s best to schedule rental inspections during reasonable business hours. This is typically between 8 AM and 6 PM on a weekday. Following this rule helps preserve the tenant’s privacy and prevents most scheduling issues.
