It would be wise for a property owner to know that their tenant is keeping Logan rental property clean. This is because the value of your property increases if the overall condition also increases. However, some tenants do not value the discipline of cleaning and maintaining the property. If you don’t check up on your tenants, you may not know that cleanliness is an issue until it becomes a much bigger problem.
Regular property inspections are an integral part of the property management process. But just like in many aspects of owning rental properties, there are many approaches to property inspections. Knowing why inspections are important, how to create and carry out an inspection schedule, and how to talk with your tenant about cleanliness are all things that a successful property owner needs to know.
Performing regular property inspections is important for the following reasons: We can find valuable insights by finding out if the client follows the terms of the lease and catch developing problems early too. Tenants would naturally have different ideas about cleanliness. What some would regard as a dirty house or yard may not be a cause for concern for others. In fact, these same people may believe that when it comes to home cleanliness, this is none of your business. But this should definitely not be the case. A dirty house or yard can create serious problems such as structural damage, bad odors, pest infestations, and more. If you don’t catch these things early, you might end up with expensive repairs that are beyond the security deposit.
Since property inspections are important, they must be done in an organized way to get things done right. As a property owner, you have several different kinds of inspections in your property management toolbox. The move-in inspection can help you establish a baseline for your property’s condition, helpful if you need to assess wear and tear or property damage later on. Then there are drive-by inspections that allow you to pass and see your rental property for visible issues with the property’s exterior.
But the most important inspections are the regular inspections for safety and cleanliness in the property’s interior. You should set the number of inspections that you should be doing each year. Some property owners inspect their units annually, while others check their rental house every three or six months. Annual inspections are the most common and provide the best balance for property owners as they get a clear sense of the property’s condition while not creating undue hardship for tenants.
Remember that inspecting the property too often can be perceived as a constant intrusion and thus frustrates the tenants. But frequent visits may be necessary if, upon your previous inspection, you find cleanliness problems. Do this until you are reasonably sure that your tenant is keeping your property clean. This rule applies if you discover that your tenant has unauthorized pets or unauthorized people living in the house. With every inspection, document what you find in photos and writing.
Talking to tenants about cleanliness inspections may seem difficult but it doesn’t need to be. You can manage a tenant’s expectations on property inspections by adding an inspection schedule in the lease. Before you visit the property, the tenant must have been properly notified of the purpose of your visit. Establishing good communication with your tenant can make your property inspections much easier for everyone, and help you check the property as needed.
When you want a tenant to clean up the property properly, a request should be best done in writing. When a detailed list of tasks is given to your tenant, they would exactly know what you expect from them because the requests are clear. Also, take photographs as it makes any potential case stronger by creating a paper trail.
Regular property inspections, when done appropriately and routinely, create a system for the tenants to easily follow in keeping your rental property clean. When tenants are aware that you are hands-on on these things, you give them a stronger incentive in keeping your property tidy.
Need help coming up with a lease, or maybe you’d rather not deal with your tenants at all? Feel free to reach out to Real Property Management Cache Valley and talk to one of our property managers at 435-753-5200 or contact us online.
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