Why Your Home Inspection Checklist is Vital for a Smooth Tenancy

A home inspection checklist is highly important during tenants are moving but some landlords do a sloppy job or even skip on it. Completing this step will help you avoid any potential conflicts with your tenants on the condition of the property. Here's what you should know about completing your tenant move-in / out checklist:

Get Your Hands on a Copy of the Inspection Checklist

First you will need to buy or download a checklist. There are a number of free resources online for downloading this type of form. You can also pick one up from your local office supply store. There is no need to consult with a lawyer or real estate professional since this is simply a list of the major fixtures, features and appliances of your property.

You should take the time to edit and tidy up the checklist for your rental property. Besides the item type, it's equally important to write down its current condition. Make sure to note any fixtures and appliances that are in brand new condition or are exceptionally high quality. Likewise take note of anything that is already in poor condition.

Carry Out Your Home Inspection with Your Tenants

Walk through the entire home with your new tenant room by room. It's important to keep the whole process transparent. It helps if you provide the tenant with his or her own copy of the home inspection checklist. This way your tenant will have the chance to raise any questions or make note of any damage that you may have missed out.

You might also consider taking photographs, especially if your rental property is brand new. Do this in the presence of the tenant, and include the photographs as part of your home inspection and rental property report.

Crucial Things to Watch Out During Your Home Inspection

In addition to reviewing the appearance of the fixtures, you'll also want to make sure everything is in good working condition. Make sure sinks and tubs drain properly, all appliances work, and note any damages even if it seems minor. Pay attention to the condition of your paint, floors, carpeting, woodwork, light fixtures and appliances.

Don't be surprised if the tenant comes back a few days after moving in to report other minor flaws that were overlooked during the initial walk through.

If they are truly minor, it's best to take the tenant's word for it; chances are the tenant didn't cause the damage in the first couple of days. Investigate further if the report seems shady or seems too serious to have been overlooked during the first walk through.

The bottom line is that your home inspection checklist is a key ingredient for making sure that you and your tenant have a clear picture of the rental property's condition upon move-in. Use the home inspection checklist as a tool to make sure the property is returned to you in an acceptable condition as when the tenant first moved in.

However you do have to accept that fact that there will naturally be minor wears and tears due to normal daily use by your tenants. by Teo Zhenjie