You're a landlord in Wichita, KS, enjoying a sunny Saturday morning at your favorite local coffee shop. Your phone buzzes with a notification-an unexpected maintenance request from one of your tenants.
Your mind races: How could this have happened? Wasn't the property in perfect condition just a few months ago? You start to wonder if a more regular inspection schedule could have prevented this little hiccup. But how often is too often? And how little is too little?
We can help. Let's go through how often you need to do rental property inspections in Wichita.
Move-In and Move-Out
Conducting a thorough move-in inspection allows landlords and tenants to document the state of the property accurately.
It should be done with the tenant present, providing an opportunity for both parties to agree on any pre-existing damages or rental property maintenance issues.
A move-out inspection is crucial when a tenant vacates the property. You should do this inspection after the tenant has removed all personal belongings but before any repairs or cleaning by the landlord.
Comparing the move-out condition with the move-in documentation allows landlords to determine if there are any damages beyond normal wear and tear.
Seasonal Inspections
One of the top property upkeep tips is to perform seasonal inspections. Doing an inspection in late fall helps ensure that the property is well-equipped to handle winter conditions, reducing the risk of cold-related damage.
A spring inspection allows landlords to catch and address issues early, before they become major problems. Key areas to focus on include checking for water damage from ice and snow, ensuring that the air conditioning system is functioning properly, and examining the exterior for signs of wear and tear.
This is also a good time to inspect the landscaping and address any winter-related damage to outdoor spaces. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning gutters, checking for pest infestations, and inspecting the foundation, can help keep the property in top condition.
If you have trouble managing it all yourself, you can always hire Wichita property management experts.
Emergency Inspections
Emergency inspections are sometimes necessary when tenants report urgent issues that require immediate attention. Common scenarios include plumbing leaks, electrical malfunctions, or heating and cooling system failures.
When a tenant notifies the landlord of such issues, a prompt inspection is necessary to assess the situation and arrange for timely repairs. Responding quickly not only prevents further damage but also demonstrates the landlord's commitment to maintaining a safe and habitable property.
Another situation that may warrant an emergency inspection is the suspicion of lease violations. Typically, landlords are required to provide reasonable notice before entering the property, even in suspected emergency situations.
Rental Property Inspections: Now You Know
Timing is super important when it comes to Wichita rental property inspections. Now that you have these inspection schedule guidelines, you can get yourself on the right path.
Are you ready to hire property management help in Wichita? PMI Air Capital is here for you. Our franchise manages over 30,000 residential properties nationwide, so you know we know what we're doing.
Contact us today.
