Why Routine Inspections are Important for Your Fort Worth, Texas Rental Property

As a rental property owner, you want to protect the condition of your Fort Worth investment home. For most owners, this means paying attention to maintenance and conducting routine property inspections before a tenant moves in and after a tenant moves out. It’s the best way to know your home is being well-maintained. It also gives you an idea of when repairs and replacements may be necessary in the future.  

Having a consistent routine will keep you organized and protected. It will also document the attention you’re paying to your property.

Move-In Inspections Document Fort Worth Rental Property Condition

You need a well-documented record of your property’s condition, and it starts with the move-in inspection. Before a tenant moves into the home, conduct a thorough inspection, and pay attention to the following things:

• Check for any last-minute repairs or cleaning that needs to be done before a tenant moves in. When you deliver a clean and well-maintained home, you can expect to get one back. Look for leaks, appliances that aren’t working, and lights that won’t turn on. Make a list and have the repairs done immediately.
• Document the condition of the property before you hand over the keys to your tenants. Take pictures and videos of every detail, including paint condition, floors, doors, walls, ceilings, and closets. All of this documentation will serve you well at the end of the lease.  

Conduct Move-Out Inspections When Your Property is Vacant

After the tenancy is over and the tenant is moving out, you’ll do another inspection using the initial report. You’ll be able to see where things have been damaged or neglected. 

While normal wear and tear is expected and allowed, the pictures you took and the notes you made will help you determine whether anything should be deducted from the security deposit. Tenant damage might include broken drawers and cupboards, large holes in walls, scratches in the flooring, torn or stained carpet, and appliances that were broken and misused. 

Inspecting While the Property is Occupied

The tenants we place are reliable and trustworthy, so scheduling a mid-lease inspection is not necessary. It is likely your home is being cared for, following the terms of the lease, and reporting maintenance as soon as it’s needed. 

When you’re at the property to respond to any repair requests, however, you should take this opportunity to talk with your residents and make sure everything is as expected. This will help you create a positive and respectful relationship, which will likely contribute to higher retention rates. It’s important to remember that routine inspections and proactive maintenance are meant to serve your tenants as well as protect the condition of your investment property. 

Many owners find it’s better to leave the inspections in the experienced hands of a Fort Worth property manager. We know what to look for and how to hold your tenants accountable. If you’d like some help, please contact us at Trend Property & Management.