Inspecting your Albuquerque rental home is an important part of your leasing and management process. You need to be sure that everything is clean, functioning, and performing the way you expect. When you inspect before and after a tenancy, you’re documenting the condition of your property. When you inspect while the home is occupied, you’re ensuring that the tenants are following the terms of their lease agreement.
There are always different reasons for your property inspections. Some things should always be checked, however, and we want to share 6 things that you always want to look for when you’re inspecting your Albuquerque rental home.
1. Safety and Habitability Issues in Albuquerque Homes
You’ll always want to make sure the rental property is safe and habitable when you inspect. Whether you’re renting out a property for the first time or turning it over between tenants, you need to make sure there aren’t any issues with security or safety.
Test the smoke detectors and the carbon monoxide detectors. Check the doors and windows to make sure they open and close easily and lock properly. You don’t want to see carpet or flooring pulling up and causing a trip hazard. Repair loose handrails and check the dryer vent for an abundance of lint.
2. Look for Deferred or Unreported Maintenance
Deferred maintenance will always cost more than it should. You don’t want to continue putting things off. Unreported maintenance issues are also a problem. If your tenants have stalled in reporting a repair need, your property is in danger of additional damage and deterioration.
Make the necessary repairs as soon as you can. Reinforce with your tenants the importance of reporting maintenance issues as soon as they’re noticed.
3. Check for Evidence of Leaks or Water Damage
One of the most expensive problems you’ll encounter is a plumbing problem. For that reason, you always want to look for evidence of leaks or water damage when you’re inspecting. Check under sinks and behind toilets and tubs. If faucets are dripping or toilets are flushing funny, have a plumber take a look.
4. Inspect the HVAC
The heating and cooling system in your rental property is perhaps the most expensive function in the property. Keeping it well-maintained is essential, especially if you want to maximize its lifespan and efficiency.
5. Look at your Landscaping
Curb appeal counts when you’re renting out a property.
Whether you are responsible for the lawn care or the tenants are, include an exterior inspection when you’re at the property looking around. Most lawns in Albuquerque are fairly low-maintenance and appropriate for the climate. You want to make sure it’s attractive, safe, and clean. While you’re outside, inspect the roof and the windows as well as the lighting and the driveway, garage, or parking area.
6. Test the Appliances
Another part of your property that needs a consistent inspection is your appliances. As a landlord in Albuquerque, you’re responsible for maintaining and replacing any of the appliances that you provide. So, if you have a washer and dryer in place when tenants move in, you need to continue providing a washer and dryer that works. Check the refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, and oven as well. Test the garbage disposal and the microwave if you have them.
These are six quick inspection points that you’ll want to include on any rental inspection checklist. If you’d like to hear more about how to effectively inspect your rental home, please contact us at Bruni Karr Agency. We provide professional property management services in Albuquerque and the surrounding areas.
