As a property owner, make sure to let your tenant be on board with keeping your Locust Grove rental property clean. This is critical because the value of your property may rise or fall depending on its overall condition. But some tenants do not do their share of cleaning and property maintenance. Failing to check up on your tenants may result in finding cleanliness is an issue once it becomes a much bigger problem.
Regular property inspections should always be performed, as they are an important part of the property management process. But just like in the many aspects of owning rental properties, there are different ways to carry out 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.
Regular property inspections are needed 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. Some tenants may have different ideas about cleanliness. A dirty house or a yard may not be a concern to some. In fact, these same people may believe that when it comes to home cleanliness, this is none of your business. Not true indeed. If you don’t clean your dirty house or yard, serious problems can come about like structural damage, bad odors, pest infestations, and more. If these issues are not addressed early, you could end up with expensive repairs and drain the security deposit.
Because property inspections are important, it is also important that these are done in an organized way. 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. A set number of inspections per year is not prescribed. Some property owners inspect their units annually, while others check their rental house every three or six months. Annual inspections are common and are the most effective. Property owners can get the right assessment of the property’s condition while tenants do not need to endure undue hardship.
Do not inspect your property too often because these constant intrusions can frustrate your tenant. However, if you have encountered cleanliness problems from your previous inspections, more frequent visits may be necessary 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. Every time you inspect, document your findings in photos and writing.
Talking to tenants about cleanliness inspections may seem difficult but it doesn’t need to be. The best way to do this is to manage the tenant’s expectations about property inspections by adding an inspection schedule in the lease. You must give proper notice before entering the property and that the tenant must have knowledge 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.
Should there be a need for a tenant to clean the property, the request should be done in writing. By giving a detailed list of tasks for your tenant, it would be very clear what exactly you expect from them. You may also include photographs since this will create a strong paper trail in case the need arises.
When done routinely and appropriately, regular property inspections can help you make sure that your tenants are keeping your rental property clean. And, when your tenants know that this is one of your main priorities, this gives them a strong incentive to keep 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 Anchor and talk to one of our property managers at 770-506-1237 or contact us online.
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