Having your property inspected once a year is recommended. If your property is less than 10 years old, you can have it checked once every three years.
While it may not be the most glamorous part of owning real estate, rental property inspections are crucial. There's a balance between keeping a well-maintained property and respecting your tenant's privacy.
In this guide, we'll explore the factors that influence the frequency of property inspections in Charlottesville. By the end, you'll have all the information you need for the rental property inspection.
Rental Property Inspection Laws
Many cities, such as Charlottesville, have specific regulations governing landlords and tenants. You must be well-versed in these laws to avoid legal complications.
Before entering a tenant's premises, you must adhere to local ordinances and guidelines. It's also important that you talk to your insurance company.
Some policies require regular property inspections. The last thing you want is your insurance policy to be void because you forgot your rental property inspection checklist.
Property Condition
The condition and age of your rental property also play a significant role in your inspection timeline. As you may have expected, older properties typically require more frequent inspections.
This is also true if you've had a lot of rental property maintenance issues. A well-maintained property will likely need fewer inspections, as there won't be as many issues.
Rental Property Inspection Timeline
One of the benefits of frequent inspections is fewer costly repairs. They allow you to identify maintenance issues before they become costly problems and replacements.
Depending on the lease terms, you may be able to wait until your renters move out to inspect your property. However, if they extend their lease or have a long-term contract, you may need to schedule inspections while they are living there.
How often you have your property inspected is ultimately up to you. Some landlords choose to do it every three months, while others wait until the six-month or year mark.
Excessive and intrusive inspections can strain your relationship with your tenants. To ensure this doesn't happen, communicate openly. Explain the purpose of the inspections and give notice as it's required by the law.
Technology and Remote Monitoring
Advancements and technology can help you monitor your property without physically entering. However, if you choose this route, you'll need to be sensitive to tenant privacy concerns.
Before implementing this strategy, be sure to communicate with your tenants thoroughly. They may prefer on-site rental property inspections.
Charlottesville, VA Rental Property Inspections
It can be hard to determine when and how often you need to inspect your rental property. The information above should help you navigate this process.
It's important to remember that regular communication with your tenants regarding rental property inspections will help create a good landlord-tenant relationship. Be sure to stay up-to-date on local regulations and don't be afraid to ask for help.
Here at PIM Commonwealth, we know how hard it can be to manage property alone. That's why we use the latest technology to support our investors. Get in touch with us today!
