Around 38% of Vancouver households live in rental accommodation, meaning landlords must regularly inspect their properties.
Understanding what to look for during an inspection is essential for protecting your investment and keeping tenants happy. If this is your first time conducting a property inspection, you may miss glaring red flags that put your rental at risk.
If this sounds familiar, you've come to the right place. Here are three tips for performing rental property inspections.
1. Give Advanced Notice
Before conducting rental inspections, landlords must notify tenants in advance. In Vancouver, legally landlords must provide a written notice at least 24 hours before entry which details the date, time of entry, and reason. Also, landlords can inspect the rental property once a month during the tenancy.
Often, landlords require inspections before a tenant moves in or out. Property managers should do this because they know what to look for and can complete the paperwork in a timely fashion. Landlords may also want routine inspections to ensure it is in great condition.
Although it's not required, many landlords prefer having tenants present during the inspection. This lets both parties discuss the property and highlights any maintenance issues in the rental property.
But be fair with the scheduling. Avoid inspecting the property early in the morning, late at night, or during the holidays because it could upset the occupants. Instead, ask responsible tenants what time works best for their busy schedules.
2. Know What to Look Out For
The only way to make the inspection worthwhile is to know what to look out for. A good idea is to create a checklist to keep track of everything you come across, so it's easier to create a report.
Ideally, a property management company should either help you with this or do it on your behalf because they know what to inspect. Essential items include walls, ceilings, floors, and appliances. You should also inspect entryways as it's a surefire way to protect your property.
While you inspect every room, take photos of your findings. This serves as hard evidence for your inspection and works with a written description. In a worst-case scenario, tenants may claim that they didn't damage the property while moving out, so this protects you from false claims.
3. Create a Report
Once you've completed the inspection, create a detailed report. Your property manager, who would've likely completed it for you, will share the document with both you and the tenant. This should include the inspection's outcome and whether there are any issues.
How to Conduct Rental Property Inspections
Now that you understand why rental property inspections, it's time to hire a property management company to help you. These professionals will create a checklist and document everything for evidence.
At Invest West Management, we have 40 years of experience working with landlords in the Vancouver area, so both landlords and tenants are happy. If you need help with your property, we'd love to hear from you. Contact us today to chat with a member of our team.
