Are you having difficulty attracting or getting tenants in your Lafayette, IN, properties? Or perhaps your tenants keep messaging you about fixing one thing and then another? In either scenario, you likely need to conduct more frequent rental property inspections.
Ideally, you should schedule once or twice yearly and pre-move-in and move-out inspections. This may seem like a lot, but it can prevent the above issues from happening in the first place.
Here's why inspections are vital and how they can help you as a landlord.
Ensure You Have Livable Rentals
If not for rental property inspections, you won't know if your property is safe and livable. If it has fallen into disrepair, you won't be able to attract tenants or expect lease renewals. Worse, existing renters can file legal complaints about you and your property!
Think about it: you wouldn't want to live in an unsafe and unsanitary place, would you? The same goes for everyone else; your tenants have the right to live in a healthy home. They also deserve it, as they pay hundreds, maybe even over a thousand dollars monthly.
Comply With Housing Codes
The Lafayette Housing Authority conducts biennial housing quality standards (HQS) inspections. However, you don't have to wait for these. Even the city's government doesn't recommend relying on them alone.
Instead, the city's officials encourage landlords to conduct more regular inspections. This way, you can stay up-to-date on your property's condition. It allows you to take the necessary steps to ensure it remains code-compliant.
Uphold Rental Property Value
To see great returns on your property in Lafayette, IN, you must regularly inspect and maintain it. This helps prevent costly repairs and damage to your and your tenants' properties. Ensuring everything is working can keep your rental property's value high.
An example of an incident that can lead to significant property damage is a burst pipe. This can result in your property and your tenants' belongings suffering water damage.
Water damage can also promote more problems, such as mold infestation. You should avoid this at all costs, as molds are potential health hazards.
Encourage Tenant Upkeep
While tenants have the right to live in a healthy, safe home, they must also help with its upkeep. These include:
- Keeping the property clean
- Following all your reasonable landlord rules
- Using electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems reasonably
- Ensuring proper use of facilities and appliances
- Being responsible for tenant damages
Even if renters passed background checks, that doesn't mean they'll always act responsibly. They may become lax if you rarely visit your property. So, encourage them to be excellent tenants by performing regular inspections.
Ready to Simplify Rental Property Inspections?
As vital as rental property inspections are, they are time-consuming. Scheduling them can also be challenging, as you must coordinate with your tenants.
Our team of property management professionals here at PMI Lafayette can help. You can rely on our high-quality services, including property inspections, maintenance, and repairs. You can even trust us to assist you in finding and retaining tenants.
So, if you're ready to simplify your life as a landlord in Lafayette, IN, contact us today. We'll gladly discuss what we can do for you and your rental properties!
