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Are you a landlord in New York City? If so, you're likely familiar with rental property inspections, as they are absolutely crucial to your success.
After all, when it comes to renting properties, ensuring that your units are in top shape can make all the difference between a thriving business and one that flounders.
By conducting regular rental property inspections, you can identify issues early on, address them before they become bigger problems, and ensure that your tenants are happy. However, many landlords don't seem to know how or when to perform routine inspections.
That's why we're here with three tips for conducting rental property inspections in New York City. Follow these to ensure your rentals are profitable, well-maintained, and up to code.
Tip #1: Give Notice of Rental Property Inspections
Before scheduling an inspection, communicate with your tenants about the best date and time for them. Give them enough notice so they can make the necessary arrangements.
In New York City (and many other cities), landlords must provide a notice of at least 24 hours before inspecting a rental unit. Give your tenants enough notice to avoid any misunderstandings or conflicts.
During all rental property inspections, explain the purpose of the inspection and what you're looking for. This will give your tenants an idea of what to expect and help them prepare accordingly. Be open and honest with your tenants, answer any questions they may have, and be courteous throughout the process.
Tip #2: Know What to Inspect
Make a checklist of the areas and items that need to be inspected, including doors, windows, floors, walls, and ceilings. Check for any:
- Cracks
- Damages
- Scratches
- Stains
Inspect the plumbing, electrical, and heating systems, and ensure no leaks, malfunctions, or safety hazards. Check the appliances, such as the stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher, to ensure they work properly.
And finally, if applicable to your rental properties, don't forget to inspect the outdoor areas, such as the yard, garden, or balcony. If there are issues, provide maintenance services quickly.
Tip #3: Document Everything
The final and most important tip is to document everything.
If you're conducting a move-in inspection, taking photos or videos of the rental property before the new tenant moves in is important. This documentation will serve as evidence of the property's condition before the tenant's occupancy, and it can help prevent disputes or misunderstandings in the future.
Ensure you document any damages, defects, or issues during the inspection. Use a checklist or a rental property inspection form to record your findings. Don't forget to have the new tenant sign the inspection report to acknowledge that they have seen and agreed to the property's condition.
If you're conducting a random inspection for a tenant who already lives in the unit, document damages or issues as well. In the event that damages are their financial responsibility, you'll want to have photos and written records of those damages.
Get New York Property Management Services
Rental property inspections are one small part of managing properties. If you feel overwhelmed by all the tasks you have to handle, reach out to learn more about our services for property management in New York. We can help you manage everything from tenant screening and rent collection to marketing and more.
Ready to get started? Click here to learn more about our services, or call us with questions about how we can help.
