Routine property inspections are essential for keeping your property in top condition and ensuring tenant satisfaction. While we’re not building inspectors, there are some key areas we need to focus on to prevent minor issues from becoming major headaches. Here are five crucial things to check during our routine inspections:

General Cleanliness and Maintenance:
A tidy, well-maintained property keeps everyone happy and protects your investment. During inspections, we make sure the property is being well looked after and any issues are addressed. We assess the overall cleanliness of the property and any potential damage, like stains on carpets or walls.  We also check the garden areas, ensuring lawns and gardens are maintained as agreed in the lease.

Plumbing Fixtures and Appliances:
We don’t need to do a deep dive into the plumbing, but it’s smart to check the basics to catch any small leaks or issues before they become bigger problems. Most tenants will report an issue like a leaking tap however this is something we look for during inspections.

Tenant Compliance with Lease Terms:
Inspections provide a valuable opportunity to ensure tenants are adhering to their lease agreements.  For example:

  • Confirming the property is being used as intended and that tenants aren’t violating any rules. For instance, verifying that the number of occupants aligns with the lease agreement is crucial, especially since some tenants may attempt to rent out rooms due to the current rental crisis and high rents—a practice known as subletting, which is not permitted.
  • Ensuring any pets are approved and that tenants are following pet policies.
  • Have any unauthorized modifications been made to the property, like painting or added fixtures.

Exterior Condition:
We don’t need to go into structural details, but it’s important to note the overall condition of the property’s exterior to identify areas that might need professional attention, such as:

  • Ensuring the windows and doors are in good condition and functioning properly.
  • Checking that exterior lights are working, which is key for tenant safety.
  • Inspecting the condition of gutters and downpipes.
  • Ensure landscaping is being maintained as agreed and that there are no hazards like overgrown trees or shrubs.

Proactive Management for Long-Term Success:
Routine inspections are a big part of effective property management. By staying on top of cleanliness, plumbing, safety, tenant compliance, and the exterior condition, we can nip potential issues in the bud. This proactive approach not only preserves the property’s value but also keeps tenants happy and ensures smooth management operations.