Periodic inspections by the Landlord or Property Manager are beneficial to both tenant and Management. If not done, and done property, it’s a disservice to the owner, the tenant, and the property. I used to never do them for my own properties but found that for the properties I had visited often (for other reasons) both the tenant and property became less of a problem source. What I learned is basically this: What gets measured gets improved. This can be expanded as follows: Privacy vs. Attention Tenants like their privacy but they also want to know someone hears them. Regular inspections address both those needs. Inspections at least every six months are necessary to maintain an appreciation of how the property is being treated. Inspections more often than quarterly, become invasive. The inspection process allows the inspector to see first-hand what might need attention but also allows the tenant to point out things that aren’t necessarily visible, like a light switch not working properly. Preventative vs Emergency Maintenance The inspection report gives the management company or owner an opportunity to plan maintenance and not be caught off guard by a large emergency expense. For example, noting water spots on the ceiling of the top floor will avoid that ceiling from caving in under a heavy rain, because the owner can have the roof inspected/repaired when the weather is nice. Guidelines for inspection Notify the tenant at least a week in advance to arrange a day/time for the inspection. This gives the tenant an opportunity to clean up and make the house as presentable as they are comfortable. This also gives the inspector an idea of how good the housekeeping is vs their regard for the importance of being inspected. On the day of inspection have a checklist of things to look for, i.e. Normal wear and tear, excessive damage, maintenance issues. Inspect every room and rate it. In my inspections anything less than average gets a comment. Be respectful to the tenant and do not judge. The written report should speak for itself and issues can later be addressed in a professional manner. The Inspector Owners or whomever interacts most often with the tenant often dislike performing the inspection. It is somewhat awkward as the tenant knows they are being judged even if nothing is said. The owner wants to maintain a good relationship with the tenant and may feel that if they make a comment it may jeopardize that relationship. The easiest way around this is to have a third party do the inspection. It takes a little work up-front to get the inspection form and process together and educate the inspector. The tenant, however, will see the inspector as a disinterested third-party. The owner sees the inspection report without emotion and can grill the inspector for details and impressions. As a property manager you owe it to the client to inspect the property. As an owner/landlord, you owe it to yourself to protect your investment. As a tenant, you should welcome the inspection as an opportunity to notify management of their obligation to maintain the property in accordance with the lease. 77th Meridian, LLC is full service residential property management company. We serve Anne Arundel and surrounding counties, and parts of Baltimore City for a monthly fee of 7.7%. Why pay the 10% others charge? We save you TIME and WORRY. . . .
0 Comments
|
Archives
August 2017
Categories
All
Subscriptions |