Are you an owner of an investment property? If you answered yes, when last did you inspect it?
Rental property inspections are vital for landlords to know how tenants treat your rental unit. After all, if you're not inspecting the property regularly, you may only find out too late that damage or something illegal has been done.
However, you can't drop in unannounced even though you own the property. There are rules and regulations you should follow. So, to ensure your property is in good hands, keep reading to learn more about inspecting a rental property in Dunedin, FL.
Types of Rental Property Inspections
As a landlord of one or more investment properties, there are several types of rental property inspections you can carry out. They are:
Pre-Move-in Inspection
You conduct this inspection before your tenant moves in. It documents the property's condition and identifies any pre-existing property damage.
This information is then used to create a move-in checklist, which both the landlord and tenant sign. You'll use this move-in checklist as a reference during the move-out inspection.
Move-Out Inspection
Landlords conduct move-out inspections after the tenant moves out. They document the property's condition and identify any damage that may have occurred during the tenancy. This information is then used to determine whether the tenant is responsible for any repairs or damages.
Regular Inspections
These inspections are conducted periodically throughout the tenancy, even if you have great tenants. They ensure your Dunedin property is maintained in a safe and habitable condition. Regular inspections can also help identify potential problems early on, which can help prevent costly repairs or evictions.
Emergency Inspections
Landlords can conduct emergency inspections when a sudden or unexpected problem with the property occurs, and the tenant reaches out. For example, if a pipe bursts or a fire happens, the landlord must conduct an emergency inspection to assess the damage and make necessary repairs.
Frequency of Rental Property Inspections
In Florida, landlords may only enter the rental property with reasonable notice. As per Florida Statute 83.53(2), landlords must give at least 12 hours if repair work is necessary. This notice helps you keep a good relationship with tenants.
While no rule exists regarding how often you should inspect your Dunedin property, conducting them every four months (quarterly) is a good rule of thumb. This way, you can keep abreast on:
- How the tenant treats property
- If the tenant is doing anything illegal on the property
- If anything has gone faulty and needs repairs or replacing
Conduct Regular Property Inspections For Peace of Mind
Regular rental property inspections are essential for landlords to ensure their investment properties are well-maintained. You can conduct several types of property inspections, but you should schedule regular inspections at least once every four months. This way, you can have peace of mind knowing your investment property is well cared for.
Schedule a consultation today if you need a full-service property management company in Dunedin, Florida. At PMI Palms, we provide professional property management and real estate brokerage services. Our team is dedicated to providing you with excellent customer service.
