Property Inspection Checklists for Every Season

Introduction

Regular inspections may not seem important, but there are many benefits to checking in on your properties periodically. Inspections help you notice lease violations quickly— if, for example, a tenant is breaking your no smoking policy, you will be able to remedy this violation before smoke damage worsens. Inspections also help you ensure your building meets health, safety, and building codes and provide a good opportunity to prepare the property for weather changes as the seasons turn.

It’s up to you how in-depth you’d like to be in your inspections. Consider checking these aspects of your property, as they could need attention occasionally:

• Windows and doors
• Signs of pest infestation
• HVAC systems
• Electrical wiring
• Security systems
• Plumbing, water damage
• Infrastructure
• Overall property condition

If you have additional amenities on your property, inspect them as frequently as you see fit. Pools may need additional maintenance, as could cement driveways or washers and dryers. Edit the following lists depending on what kinds of properties you own and what aspects you may need to add to your checklist inspections throughout the year.

Fall Inspection

Fall is the time to prepare your property for the colder winter, with its potentially frigid temperatures and snowfall (depending on where your properties are). If your properties are in more temperate climates, you may need to prepare for heavy rainfall and water damage. Depending on where you live, you should think about conducting these tasks in the fall.

• Clean debris from gutters
• Verify that there is proper ventilation in the unit
• Check framing supports for damage
• Assess basements for drainage problems or mold/mildew
• Remove trees that could fall during harsh storms

Winter Inspection

Winters tend to put stress on your property due to its harsh temperatures and precipitation. Conduct a winter inspection by doing these tasks:

• Seal doors/windows
• Cover exposed pipes
• Give your tenants information about how to prevent damage during the winter from frozen pipes, how to conserve energy, and what to do when leaving for long periods during the holidays

Spring Inspection

Springtime tends to bring increased rainfall and higher temperatures that melt snow, increasing the potential for water damage.

Be sure to check the following:

• Your roof and siding for winter ice damage
• Landscaping needs
• Wood fences, balconies, and porches for rot
• AC units to ensure they’re working
• HVAC filters
• Hardwood flooring and treat for salt/water damage

Summer Inspection

Your largest concern when preparing your tenants for the summer is ensuring you can keep them cool during the hot months coming up.

• Service your AC units
• Install screen doors
• Start any large renovation or maintenance projects if needed

Condo Inspection Checklist

Whether or not you rent out your condo, you’ll need to perform regular inspections of the unit. Be sure to check the following:

• Plumbing: Make sure there are proper connections between pipes, no evidence of water damage, and that all sinks and faucets are functioning
• Infrastructure: Look for weaknesses in the ceiling or siding, and see if there are moisture issues
• Electrical: Inspect outlets, fireplaces, and breaker boxes
• HVAC: Change your filters as needed

Periodic Inspections

If you’d rather do an annual apartment inspection or one every six months, you should still be looking out for lease violations, pests, environmental hazards, and needed repairs. Ensure that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working and test your appliances to make sure they’re working as they should. Look for evidence of mold and water damage, smoking, or pests as well.

Drive-by inspections are another convenient option to make sure everything looks as it should with the property from the outside. Look to see if your tenants are adhering to parking rules and ensure there aren’t any landscaping violations.

Conclusion

When you conduct regular property inspections, you can ensure that small problems don’t escalate into larger ones. By checking off the tasks on each of these lists, you can also be sure that each major aspect of your property is working as it should, reducing strain on your maintenance team with each turn of the season. A rental checklist walkthrough is a great time to ask tenants questions about their experience living in your property, receive feedback, and learn ways to improve.