Rental Inspections

 One of the services I provide for rental property owners and managers, particularly those that are remote, is inspections of those rental properties.   Inspections are often conducted in  four different circumstances; 

1. Move in

2. Annually

3. Incidental (accidents storm damage, etc...)

4. Move out

I use a general checklist with lots of room for notes when I conduct these inspections.   They include use notations or shorthand codes to indicate if and the nature of issues or concerns at various locations on/in the property. 

But an inspection isn't just following a checklist.  It's also making judgment on issues and conditions as they are observed to make sure the responsibility is noted for the appropriate party.  That being the renter or the property owner. 

It's unfortunate to have to say that sometimes,  one party or the other, or even both, will try to blame or lay responsibility for an issue incorrectly on the other party.  A good handyman has the experience and knowledge to be able to determine if the issue is a general wear and tear issue apart from being caused, whether intentionally or not, by one of the parties, or a result of a lack of noticing and addressing an issue in appropriate manner and time.

These inspections are done while taking photos and even short videos to show exactly what the issue is and to what degree it exists. 

Personally,  I do my best to be as non-confrontational as possible.   The whole point isn't to lay immediate "blame" on people.  My job is just to observe and document conditions of the property and the details necessary to the situation.  These types of inspections usually happen during stressful and inconvenient circumstances.  Keeping everyone involved 'maintaining their mellow' is beneficial to all involved. 


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