When you rent a property, it will be subject to regular inspections. These visits have the purpose of protecting you as well as the property owner.
Why have rental property inspections?
Rent inspections are a necessary part of leasing a home or apartment.
Landlords/rental property owners have the right to make sure you are keeping their property in good condition and inspections will give them peace of mind. Having inspections is also a way to help you as the renter because they can be used to identify safety or maintenance issues with the home.
Your rights during property inspections
There are some rules around inspections that should protect your privacy as a tenant/renter.
• No surprises: To begin with, property managers and landlords aren’t allowed to conduct surprise inspections. They must give you adequate, written notice that they intend to perform the inspection. In most states, at least 7 days notice is required, although most decent agencies will give you more.
• Not too often: Rules vary between states, but in most cases, there is a limit to how many times a year an agency can carry out a property inspection. If you are required to participate in inspections more than once every three months, check your local guidelines.
• No consent, no entry: Your landlord or property manager isn’t usually allowed to enter your premises without your consent. However, if they have notified you officially of an upcoming inspection, they are entitled to come in. Part of your lease agreement should cover consent to allow entry for inspections after notification. Even still, the agency representative is only supposed to enter during business hours and they can’t stay longer than deemed necessary.
• COVID-19 safe: In 2021 and most likely into 2022, whoever is carrying out the inspection is required to wear a mask and carry out the proper health and safety precautions. They also must abide by any social distancing rules that are in effect at the time of the inspection. You aren’t required to be at home during the inspection so if you want to avoid contact with your agent you can leave the premises while they inspect.
If you are renting with someone who understands current legislation, there should be a clear clause about rental inspections in your contract.
What happens at an inspection
Usually, your landlord, property manager or inspection agent will take a look around the home to make sure it is in good condition and that you’re not in breach of your rental agreement.
They will probably have a checklist and take photos as they go. For example, if there is damage to a carpet they can take a snap and compare it to the original condition report to determine who is responsible for fixing it.
If you have any concerns about issues with the property, point them out before or during the inspection. You can also share photos of your own.
Why property managers matter
If you want to be treated fairly during inspections, it makes sense to rent through a reputable agency with an experienced property manager and inspection team.
Quality property managers respect your rights and will do what they can to accommodate your preferences during inspections. They are also on top of all the rules and are less likely to break them by interrupting you in an unfair way.
If you have a good property manager and you communicate openly with them, there is no reason you should have any trouble when inspections roll around. Be friendly and let your agent know what suits you and most times they will do their best to work with you.
