How Should a Property Management Company Handle Property Inspections?

1. How Should a Property Management Company Handle Property Inspections? If you’re paying a property manager to manage your rental property it is very important that you know how they schedule regular inspections. Many owners don’t realize how much damage a bad tenant can cause in a short period of time. There is a tendency to assume that as long as the tenant pays their rent and there are no complaints that everything is going well. Don’t make too many assumptions or take anything for granted. Regularly scheduled inspections will allow you to catch small problems from turning into big problems quickly. It is also an effective way to confirm your tenant is following the rules described in the rental contract and deterring undesirable behavior. Ask any perspective property management company the following questions on how they inspect the properties that they manage. How are move in and move out inspections handled? The need for an inspection before move in and after move out is obvious. Of course, there is a right way to do things. You want to know that the company you choose will be thorough and will take full advantage of modern technology. Having a tenant complete a move in checklist in an apartment building is standard, but when it comes to a single-family home the manager needs to be more involved. A property manager should go through the entire home and take digital photos to document the state of the property. The property manager also needs to schedule a tenant walk through where they review the premises and sign the inspection report after it is completed. Upon move out, the manager needs to go back through the property again--preferably with the tenant--and take updated photos. These new photos can be compared with the old to determine if any damage beyond normal wear and tear was done. What notification do tenants need before an inspection? Tenants need to be notified of intended entry to the property. The official time of notification varies by state. It usually ranges between 24 and 48 hours. Property management companies should be well-aware of the legal requirements for notification times and should have no problem adhering to those times. How often should interior inspections be conducted? Some property management companies are content to conduct an interior inspection between tenants. However as a property owner, you should expect more. Your property manager should inspect the interior of the property at least once a year. Ideally, twice a year. It can seem like an unnecessary intrusion in the lives of the tenants, but it is an unfortunate reality that some tenants can be destructive--and you won't know it unless you go inside the home. The interior inspection should be based on a checklist, one that includes inspection of the HVAC filters, water heater, electrical system, appliances, smoke detectors and plumbing. The inspection should also include notes of any violations of the lease. How often should exterior inspections be conducted? Exterior inspections can be as basic as a drive-by or as involved as walking the entire exterior of the property. Since drive-by inspections can be conducted with minimal effort, and no Page 1 of 2

2. notification to the tenant, it makes sense to conduct them regularly--as often as once a month. Exterior inspections should be conducted at least once every three months. Even if drive-by inspections are conducted regularly, a more thorough exterior inspection should be conducted at least two to three times a year. What should an inspection report contain? Your property manager should write up an inspection report and send it to you after each inspection. Most property managers will have a form that is premade for this purpose, one that they fill in during each inspection. If you want other things inspected besides what is on the standard form, you can request that the item is added to the list. A thorough inspection report will include all the items inspected during each trip to the home. Photos of damage may also be included. Property Management in San Jose Valley Management Group has been providing trustworthy and affordable property management services in San Jose and Santa Clara County for over 35 years. Their high ratings and online reviews are a testament to their commitment to quality. If you need a San Jose property Management company to manage your rental in Santa Clara County contact them at at 408 286- 4200. Visit their site www.valleymanagementgroupinc.com and ask for a free property management quote and get one free month of property management services. Page 2 of 2