As a property owner, you want to know that your tenant is keeping your Rexburg rental property clean. Since after all, the value of your property depends, in part, on the overall condition. Sadly, some tenants may not be keeping up with their cleaning and property maintenance. However, if you never check up on them, you may not even know that cleanliness is an actual issue until it turns into a much bigger problem.
Regular property inspections are an important part of your overall property management process. But definitely like multiple other aspects of owning rental properties, some approaches to property inspections are just more efficient than others. 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 an effective and successful property owner needs to understand.
Carrying out regular property inspections are important for multiple solid reasons. It can provide valuable insight into how well your tenant is upholding the terms of the lease and help you catch developing problems early on. Several tenants may have different ideas about what cleanliness is or may not see the dirty house or yard as a cause of headache and worry. They may even feel that the cleanliness of the home is none of your business. But, that is just completely wrong. A dirty house or yard can quickly result in more serious problems, including structural damage, bad odors, pest infestations, and more. Unless these troubles are addressed early on, you could find yourself faced with expensive repairs beyond what the security deposit will cover.
Due to the fact that property inspections are important, it’s important to have an organized approach to getting them fulfilled. As a property owner, you indeed have 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, which will allow you to drive by your rental property and check for visible issues with the property’s exterior.
The most important inspections, however, are regular inspections for safety and cleanliness in the property’s interior. There isn’t a mandated number of inspections you need to fulfill each and every year. Some property owners prefer to inspect the property once a year, while others may plan to check the rental house every three or six months. Annual inspections are the most typical considering that they easily enable property owners to get a clear sense of the property’s condition without causing a lot of unnecessary difficulties for their tenants.
It’s crucial not to inspect the property too often, because your constant intrusions may displease your tenant. Still, if you have uncovered cleanliness problems in your previous inspections, more frequent visits may be necessary up until you are confident that your tenant is keeping the property clean. The same can be said if you discover your tenant has an unauthorized pet or that unauthorized people are living in the house. It doesn’t matter what you find along the whole length of your inspection, you have to document each visit carefully in photos and writing.
Talking to tenants about cleanliness inspections can also be a bit harder, but actually, it doesn’t have to be at all. One good approach to manage your tenant’s expectations about property inspections is to include an inspection schedule in the lease. It’s likewise necessary to give proper notice before entering the property and ensure that your tenant knows the purpose of your visit. Establishing and encouraging good communication with your tenant can make your property inspections much easier for everyone, and help you check the property as needed.
If you do wish to ask that your tenant clean up the property, it’s best to do so in writing. By adding clear requests and a detailed list of tasks for your tenant, you leave no doubt with regards to what you hope from them. You can equally include the photographs you take to be even more persuasive and to create a strong paper trail, should it be necessary.
When used routinely and appropriately, regular property inspections can help you make sure that your tenants are keeping your rental property clean. And, for certain, once your tenants are aware you will be monitoring on things, you present a stronger incentive to your tenant to keep the 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 Southeast Idaho and talk to one of our property managers at 208-522-2400 or contact us online.
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