As a property owner, you want to make sure that your tenant is keeping your Farmers Branch rental property clean. After all the value of your property would depend on its overall condition. Unfortunately, some tenants do not prioritize cleaning and property maintenance. What’s more, if you do not check up on them, you may not know that cleanliness is an issue until 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 among the many aspects of owning rental properties, some methods regarding property inspections may be more effective 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 a successful property owner needs to know.
Regular property inspections are needed for the following reasons: Valuable insight is gathered by checking if the tenants are honoring the terms of the lease and we can also catch developing problems early on. Tenants have different ideas when it comes to cleanliness. As the saying goes, different strokes for different folks. A dirty house or yard may be a concern for some but not for others. Some tenants would feel that cleanliness in the home is none of your business. Not true indeed. If you have a “let them be” attitude, a dirty house or yard can lead to serious problems like structural damage, bad odors, pest infestations, and more. It’s best to catch these issues early so you could do away with expensive repairs that the security deposit cannot cover.
Since property inspections are important, it is vital that it should also be done in an organized manner. 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 the drive-by inspections that allow you to drive pass your rental property to see if there are visible issues with the property’s exterior.
But the most important inspections of all are the regular inspections for safety and cleanliness in a property’s interior. A set number of inspections per year is not prescribed. Some property owners prefer inspecting their units once a year while some inspect their rental house every three or six months. Annual inspections are the most common and are the win-win solution for both parties. Property owners can rightly assess the property’s condition and tenants are spared the undue hardship.
Remember not to inspect the property too often as your 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 is also true when you discover your tenant with an unauthorized pet or unauthorized people living in the house. Every time you inspect, document your findings in photos and writing.
Discussing cleanliness inspections with tenants need not be a difficult process. One way to manage the tenant’s expectations about property inspections is to add 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.
It is best to do a written request if you want your tenant to clean up the property. By giving clear requests and a detailed list of tasks, you and your tenant would have clear expectations. Include the photographs you have taken. This will create a strong paper trail for you when the need arises.
Regular property inspections, when done appropriately and routinely, help build a pattern for tenants to make 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 Legend and talk to one of our property managers at 214-227-2404 or contact us online.
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