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Just about half of Kansas City residents are renters, making the area a great place for property investment. Thanks to the abundance of universities, job opportunities, and attractions, there is a growing demand for rental properties within the city.
However, property investment doesn't become profitable without effort. Rentals can undergo a lot of wear and tear, especially if you have a high turnover rate.
If you want to own appealing and competitive rentals, you'll need to stay on top of property maintenance. Rental property inspections are a must.
How often should you conduct inspections of your rental property? Read on to find out.
Move-In Inspections
Before a tenant moves in, thoroughly document the current state of the property. This includes all permanent and semi-permanent structures and elements, including:
- Carpets and flooring
- Walls
- Windows
- Doors
- Appliances belonging to the landlord
- Patios and porches, if relevant
There are two reasons to conduct a move-in inspection. The first is to take the opportunity to address any property issues before they get out of hand. The second is to establish the property's condition before the tenant moves in so that you can track the wear and tear they cause during their tenancy.
Move-Out Inspections
You can choose to involve your tenant in your rental property inspections by asking them to document any key maintenance issues when they move in and when they move out. By inspecting the property together, you can become more transparent about when and why you withhold a tenant's security deposit.
Keep in mind that if a tenant is still in the process of moving out, their belongings may obscure maintenance issues. Make sure to inspect the property again once they have vacated the premises. Take photos and written documentation of any major issues you encounter that will come out of the tenant's security deposit, such as misused appliances or significantly stained carpets.
Mid-Lease Inspections
Some property owners also prefer to conduct a mid-lease rental property inspection. In the state of Missouri, landlord-tenant laws are limited. No law prohibits a Kansas City property owner from entering one of their properties at any time.
That said, it's good practice to provide your tenant with at least 24 hours notice before coming in to inspect the property. This will allow them to clean up their own belongings and prepare for your arrival if they so choose. Providing notice is a common courtesy that can help to maintain positive tenant relations.
Need Help With Rental Property Inspections? PMI Can Help
Rental property inspections are a must if you want to stay on top of maintenance issues. By inspecting your property on a regular basis, you can ensure that you're taking appropriate measures to provide tenants with a clean, safe, and appealing place to live.
Not all property investors want to take on the role of landlord. If you need help with day-to-day tasks like inspections and maintenance, contact us today. PMI is proud to provide customizable property management services to property owners in and around Kansas City.
