In Teaneck, NJ, 27% of housing units are rentals. Most landlords don't perform rental property inspections more than once a year. They reserve this right for when tenants are moving in or moving out.
While this is by far the most important time to check your units, regular inspections inside and out can help prevent major problems, identify maintenance issues, and keep your property in good shape.
Regular inspections are the best way to prevent long-term problems. You should perform regular inspections throughout the year. Depending on the length of the lease and how long the tenant has lived there should determine the frequency.
Are you wondering how often a landlord should conduct rental property inspections in New Jersey? Keep reading for our tips on how to inspect a rental property.
What Are Rental Property Inspections?
New Jersey rental property inspections are a big part of managing a property. As a landlord or property manager, you must do them regularly to ensure the property is in good shape.
Inspections can also help determine if a tenant breaks the lease terms, like damage your property, making unauthorized changes, or violating pet policies. Inspections make it easier to fix a problem when it's in the early stages.
A rental property inspection looks at the property's general state and ensures it remains in good condition. Regular inspections reduce the time needed to prepare the property when a tenant moves out.
You should do a general property check throughout the tenancy to ensure everything is in good shape and keep your tenants happy. Apart from that, landlords must ensure their tenants have a good experience.
Rental Property Inspection Checklist
Property owners have an implied warranty of habitability. Ensuring your rental property is in good shape before, during, and after you rent it out is crucial. Following a rental property inspection checklist is important to ensure you don't miss anything.
A typical checklist includes the following items:
- HVAC systems
- Walls, ceilings, flooring
- Kitchen Appliances
- Plumbing
- Light fixtures
- Smoke detectors, alarms, etc.
- Other safety features
This checklist doesn't include items unique to each property. You should also have a checklist for outdoor features like pools, spas, fencing, pathways, decks, balconies, and yard maintenance.
How to Conduct a Rental Property Inspection?
Common courtesy is expected outside of providing tenants advance notice of a New Jersey rental property inspection. Avoid doing inspections on weekends, holidays, or inconvenient hours without prior consent. Do not touch, move, or create visual images of the tenant's personal property.
The tenant doesn't need to be present, but you can't force them to leave the premises during the inspection.
Inform the tenant in writing of any uncovered issues and who's responsible for repairs if the tenant caused the damage.
Do You Need Professional Property Inspection Services?
Property investors shouldn't have to make time for rental property inspections. Keeping your home and investment safe and sound is our number one priority.
Let Hackensack Property Management, Inc., conduct your New Jersey rental property inspections. Schedule a consultation to learn more.
