Rental Property Inspection Frequency

Fort Worth Property Management Blog

How Often A Landlord CAN And SHOULD Inspect A Rental Property?

Property investors have big money at stake when it comes to their rental property. Accordingly, it is understandable that they will want to make sure that the rented property is well-looked after and receives proper maintenance throughout. This is why it is necessary to include rent inspections into the regular management routine for the property.

That said, it is important to know how often a landlord CAN inspect a rental property, and also how often it SHOULD be inspected.

Rental Property Inspection Frequency: Things you should be aware of

First of all, in most states, there are no set limits as to how many inspections a landlord can perform annually. Multiple inspections are permitted as long as they are not performed in a random manner (without prior written notice or written notice that does not specify the time and date for the inspection, etc.). Also, it is the job of a landlord (or the property manager) to make sure that rental inspections in no way interfere with the tenants’ fair use of the property and their rights to privacy.

General rent inspection guideline

Move-in and move-out inspection plus at least one mid-term inspection (for yearly tenants). The former is something that all landlords or property managers must do, in order to ensure that the property is left in proper conditions when vacated. As for mid-term inspection, it is necessary to ensure that the renters are taking good care of the property (and sticking to their responsibilities as stipulated in the lease agreement).

When it comes to new yearly tenants, it is recommended to arrange an inspection 3 to 4 months after the move-in date. Beyond that, it is up to the landlord to set up an inspection routine upfront. For instance, annually, quarterly, every six months, and so on.

In addition, if you have certain issues with your property, such as a pest problem, you can arrange more frequent safety inspections.

At any rate, whatever you decide with regard to your property maintenance routine, we strongly recommend that you include the information clearly enough in the lease agreement. This will help prevent any confusion or unpleasantries down the line.

Finally, one ought to pay special attention to outdoor property maintenance including lawn mowing, tree trimming, fertilization, dethatching, overseeding, debris removal, gutter cleaning, and more. So, when a property includes a big and specious lawn/yard with trees, etc., it is recommended that the landlord or the property manager in care of the rental requests a more frequent outdoor inspection routine, especially when the landlord is responsible for most of the outdoor maintenance tasks as mentioned above.

This last is important since a neglected or poorly-maintained lawn can incur hefty fines and penalties from one’s homeowner association or the local municipality.