In Virginia, landlords can legally inspect the rental property as often as they please, which protects their investment.
Regular inspections are essential for maintaining the property and keeping tenants happy. But because laws vary between states, you may not know your rights as a landlord.
Sounds like your situation? Don't fret, we'll break it down for you. Here are three tips for conducting rental property inspections.
1. Review Local Laws and the Lease Agreement
According to Virginia laws, tenants cannot deny entry, including inspections. Landlords, however, must let the occupant know 24 hours beforehand. In fact, the lease agreement should state that landlords will inspect the property after providing a written notice, so both parties are on the same page.
If you're unfamiliar with local laws, meet with property managers in Hampton Roads to guide you throughout the process.
2. Know What to Look For
If you own Hampton Roads real estate, you want to protect your property at all costs.
After a walk around, check the overall condition of the rental. Look for signs of damage and security breaches, such as faulty locks. You should also test the smoke and carbon dioxide detectors for peace of mind.
Although the tenant doesn't need to be there, it is useful to ask them questions. For instance, find out if there are any problems with the HVAC system or plumbing issues. This means you can take action before they develop into a bigger complication.
Landlords should also check that the tenant is complying with the lease agreement. If there are restrictions on pets, for example, check that there are none. It's important to also note that the number of occupants aligns with the contract.
During your inspection of Hampton Roads VA property, keep detailed notes of your findings. If you notice any issues, such as damage, take photos so you can use them as evidence.
Note, that the duration of the inspection will depend on the time. For instance, landlords or property managers will take longer on moving out inspections because they want to fix issues before the new occupant arrives.
3. Hire a Property Manager
There's an art to rental inspections, so seek professional help. Ideally, search for property managers in Virginia and see which one will benefit you the most.
Property management companies know what to look for and create a report based on their findings. The document will include a detailed account of the inspection and include photographs, if necessary.
To find a credible company, check out local services and schedule an interview to see if they're the right fit.
Conduct Rental Property Inspections Today
There are various steps to take, such as reviewing Virginia laws and preparing a checklist. Landlords should also hire a property management company as they have the relevant expertise.
At Renters Warehouse, we have worked with landlords since '07 to manage their properties. Thanks to this experience, we can handle everything, from screening tenants to rental property inspections.
Interested? Reach out to us and chat with a member of our team.
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