When you’re renting, you are at the mercy of your landlord to an extent. That makes renting a room, apartment, condo or home difficult. However, you should know that as a tenant, you have your own set of rights. Understanding what a property manager can and can’t do is a part of this.
However, landlords should also know the ins and outs of rental inspections. This will allow them to understand their tenants’ rights and conduct these inspections courteously. What can a landlord look at during an inspection? Let BrokerLink guide you through this process.
What you should know about rental inspections
When you rent a property, you are not the owner. That means the owner has the right to perform regular rental inspections. The main reason for a rental property inspection is to see what the property looks like throughout the rental period. The most crucial times are upon move-in, move-out, and mid-lease. By inspecting their properties, landlords can ensure the property is not damaged and that tenants treat the rental unit carefully.
The purpose of a landlord inspection
As mentioned earlier, the main reason property owners conduct inspections is to check the unit’s condition. This is usually done to determine whether the lease agreement should be renewed and whether the security deposit should be returned to the tenant. In addition, landlords will inspect their properties from time to time to ensure they are maintained.
If a property manager does not perform these inspections on a regular basis, damage can occur without them knowing. A routine inspection will give your property manager a clear picture of what the property looks like and prevent damage from worsening.
A rental inspection is designed to give everyone peace of mind and allow the tenant to show they are taking care of the property. If a tenant enjoys living in the rental unit, they will keep the property looking its best and receive a lease extension.
What a landlord can observe during a rental inspection
An important part of rental inspections is seeing if there is any visible damage to the rental unit. Catching these issues early on makes them easier to fix. However, if problems are found after the tenant moves out, the landlord has the right to keep the security deposit to pay for repair costs.
However, knowing that these inspections aren’t only about finding damage is essential. They are also about making the living space better for current and future tenants. For example, property managers can set aside money if appliances or paintwork need to be repaired or replaced. Here is a rental inspection checklist landlords will use when inspecting their units:
Building condition
The first step is checking the overall condition of the rental property. This includes looking for signs of wear and tear, damage, or deterioration. Your landlord will check inside and outside the building, including common areas such as lobbies and on-site facilities such as pools and fitness centres, if applicable.
Safety and security features
When you own a rental property, you must ensure it is safe for potential renters. This process includes searching for safety hazards like loose handrails, faulty locks, and obstacles to trip over. Additionally, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors should function properly.
Plumbing fixtures and electrical systems
Watch out for leaks, drips, and water damage. Remember to test all plumbing fixtures, including faucets, toilets, and showers, to ensure they are in working order. It is also important to check electrical outlets, switches, and lighting fixtures for problems. Exposed wires and malfunctioning components can be a safety issue.
Heaters and air conditioners
The summers are hot, and the winters are cold. That’s why landlords should check whether heating systems and air conditioning units are working properly. After all, they keep tenants comfortable while staying in rental units. Air filters should be replaced, ducts should be cleaned regularly, and thermostats should also be tested.
Various appliances
Appliances are integral to any rental unit. That’s why landlords will inspect all the appliances provided, including the stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, washer, and dryer. Everything has to be clean and ready for use at all times.
Structural soundness
Part of ensuring the rental property is safe is checking its structural integrity. This part of the inspection involves looking at the walls, ceilings, and floors for cracks, water damage, or other types of structural problems. Pests, like termites and rodents, can cause serious damage if ignored for too long.
Paint and flooring finishes
A good paint job is part of keeping a rental property looking its best. That’s why landlords check to see if there is any chipped paint or other damage on the walls and ceilings. Flooring is another part of the presentation, which is why a property manager checks the condition of the flooring, whether it be carpet, hardwood, or tile.
Outdoor maintenance
Property managers inspect the inside and outside of their rental property, including the roof, siding, gutters, and landscaping. The outside of a building is the first thing potential tenants will see, so it should be in top condition at all times.
Following the rules
Tenants must follow the rules in the lease agreement. These terms sometimes include restrictions on pets, smoking, or other conditions. The number of occupants should also match the ones listed in the lease agreement.
During rental inspections, landlords may take written notes and photographs. These will be used in the event of a dispute or when maintenance problems come up. Next, we will review the things landlords have to do before performing an inspection.
Things a landlord cannot do when inspecting a rental property
Landlords have the right to perform rental inspections. However, during these property inspections, there are certain things that they cannot do. It should be about checking the property’s condition and determining if there are any lease violations happening on the property. Here are some things that should be happening during a rental inspection:
Going through personal belongings
Your landlord should not inspect your personal belongings during property inspections. Rental tenants have the right to privacy, and violating this can cause legal issues. This includes not entering locked areas on the property without permission, including locked storage units that are not part of the rental space.
Looking at private communications
Property managers are not allowed to go through the tenant’s private communication or documentation. This includes the mail or papers, even if they are sitting in plain sight. The rule also extends to personal electronic devices, even when unlocked.
Changing the lease after an inspection
Landlords are not able to change the lease agreement or personal treatment based on a rental inspection. The rule includes anything you have learned about the tenant’s personal lifestyle, employment status or family. Doing this when you own rental properties will lead to legal repercussions.
Additionally, problems can be brought up during the rental inspection. However, anything a property manager needs to follow up with should be in writing. Asking for behavioural changes to limit damages, asking for money to pay for repairs, scheduling maintenance services and additional rental inspections all fall into this category.
What a landlord has to do when inspecting a rental unit
In addition to their rental inspection checklist, landlords should follow certain rules when inspecting their rental properties. Although landlords own the rental property, tenants have their own set of rights when it comes to privacy. Here’s how a landlord can make a rental inspection go smoothly:
Giving notice
Landlords should give their tenants proper notice before performing a rental inspection. Verbal or written notice 24-48 hours before the rental inspection is recommended. In addition to this notice, the landlord should also let tenants know what to expect during the rental inspection based on what’s outlined in the lease agreement. Tenants agree to rental inspections when they sign the lease. However, it is the responsibility of the property managers to ensure they and their tenants agree on a time for the rental inspection.
Taking notes
Another thing to add to the rental inspection checklist is documentation. Records should be kept up to date. Property managers should record why they are visiting and what they find. This documentation should also include repair costs if there are any damages.
Not violating the right to quiet enjoyment
Tenants have the right to quiet enjoyment when living on a rental property. What does that mean? Basically, tenants are entitled to undisturbed use of the property for paying rent. This law does not stop a landlord from entering the property, but it does allow the things listed below:
- Consistent visits without proper notice
- Investigating private property
- In-person or over-the-phone harassment
These rights should not be violated during a rental inspection. Even if you think illegal activity is going on or the property isn’t being properly maintained, renters need privacy during the rental cycle. They are given this when they sign the rental agreement. It’s also important for everyone to have insurance, which we will get into next.
Insurance policies for property owners and tenants
Owning a rental property is a lot of responsibility, as is living one. That’s why we’re going to explain the difference between renter and landlord insurance. Having insurance is a helpful way to determine who is responsible between a landlord and a tenant. Let’s get into it below:
Renters insurance
What is tenant insurance? Renters insurance, best known as tenant insurance, is helpful for anyone who is renting an apartment or house. Buying tenant insurance is worth it because it will provide coverage for things that landlord insurance does not. The reason having a tenant insurance policy is important is because of its ability to protect everything that you own inside the rental unit. Having tenant insurance is crucial because it will cover the costs of your clothing, furniture and other belongings if an incident occurs.
Landlord insurance
As a landlord, you have the responsibility of screening prospective tenants and keeping your property in top shape even after a tenant moves in. That’s where landlord insurance can help you out. Basically, this policy will cover the costs of damages to your property while it is being rented. Liability insurance is also something to consider because it will cover expenses if an incident like a trip, slip, or fall happens on your property. Many landlords do not know what they are responsible for, so it’s essential to have insurance in addition to performing landlord inspections.
As a tenant, you are responsible for maintaining the property while you are living there. However, lease violations can lead to losing your security deposit. In contrast, a landlord has to ensure their rental properties are in top shape all the time. This includes performing regular rental inspections and giving tenants prior notice to let them maintain their privacy.
Reach out to BrokerLink for all your insurance needs!
Do you need a home inspection, or are you a student renter looking for coverage in your first place? Regardless, BrokerLink is here to help you with the basics of tenant insurance and to bust any tenant insurance myths you might think exist. When you speak with one of our experienced brokers, you can find out the average home insurance cost and better understand your rights as a tenant.
However, we’re also here to help landlords. If you own a rental property, we offer landlord insurance to cover the costs of any damage. We want everyone to be on the same page, which is why we encourage landlords to perform rental inspections on a regular basis between the move-in and move-out dates.
Did you know that bundling your home insurance with mandatory policies like third party liability car insurance can save you money? However, you should know the average cost of home insurance before purchasing it. For all your insurance needs, contact a BrokerLink broker today.
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