Landlords, get rental inspections done (and protect your asset)

As a landlord, you have a long list of responsibilities. And one critical aspect often overlooked is the importance of rental inspections. When you hand over the keys to your rental property, your investment is now someone else's home. It's easy to assume all is well, but the truth is, rental inspections can save you from a massive future headache. They ensure your property is not only treated with love and care but also create a positive landlord-tenant relationship. Get to know each type of rental inspection and why they should be on your agenda. 

Entry inspections

Also called a move-in or ingoing inspection, this is done before a tenant takes occupation of the property. You or your property manager will conduct a walk-through of the property in the presence of the tenant and document the condition of the property, including pre-existing defects. The entry inspection will help you:

• Fulfil a legal requirement: According to the Rental Housing Act (No 50 of 1999), this is a non-negotiable obligation that must be done jointly by both the landlord or their representative and the tenant. 
   
• Avoid the blame game: During the entry inspection, an inspection report should be completed that highlights the condition of the property before the tenant takes occupation. This detailed report in writing must be signed by both the landlord/property manager and the tenant. The benefit is that it establishes the condition of the property so there's no ambiguity when repairs need to be made. 
   
• Be able to claim damages: If you fail to conduct a property inspection, you will not be able to claim any damages caused by your tenant if they decide to vacate the property. 
   
• Define the rules: During the entry inspection, you can lay out the rules and expectations that your tenant must follow when residing in the property. This is helpful if the property requires special care or is a sectional title unit that must abide by body corporate regulations. 
   
• Make a to-do list: The entry inspection can also give you insight into any defects that you need to fix before the tenant takes occupation. Although you are not expected to attend to every tenant request, this can help you lay the foundation for a good relationship. 

Interim inspections

While not a compulsory requirement, landlords or their property managers can conduct interim or mid-term inspections during a tenancy. According to the Rental Housing Act (No 50 of 1999), you can exercise your right to this provided you do it in a reasonable manner after giving reasonable notice. The interim inspection will empower you to:

• See if rental terms are followed: As rental agreements can span years, interim inspections can help you ensure your tenants are meeting their obligations. It can be as simple as keeping the property clean or using fixtures responsibility to more serious things like not subletting or keeping a pet if these are not permitted by the rental contract. These can add extra wear and tear and may not be possible to pick up during the initial reference check.
   
• Check if any maintenance is needed: By ensuring everything is in working order, an interim inspection can help prevent a small issue from becoming a more costly or even a potentially dangerous concern. You can pinpoint areas to correct and can keep your property in tip-top shape to preserve its value as a rental asset. 
   
• Build a relationship with your tenant: This inspection creates a dialogue between you and your tenant (even if facilitated by a property manager). Whether it's doing some requested maintenance work or providing their feedback to the body corporate, this can help nurture a positive relationship that will ensure they stick around. 
   
• Cut back on exit disputes: Disputes often arise around wear and tear when tenants decide to leave. Interim inspections can give both parties clarity on whether the damage was done negligently or was just a part of the usual routine. As a landlord, you will also get insight into the quality of your tenants and be able to evict them before the property is damaged.

Exit inspections

Also known as a move-out or outgoing inspection, this is done three days before the lease expires. You or your property manager will conduct a walk-through of the property in the presence of the tenant to check if any damage was caused to the property during their occupation. This inspection is a must to:

• Abide by the law: Like an entry inspection, the Rental Housing Act (No 50 of 1999) stipulates that this is a non-negotiable obligation. 
   
• See if repairs are needed: When the tenant is liable for any damage that extends beyond wear and tear, you will be able to decide on the path forward. The tenant can make repairs or these costs can be deducted from their deposit. If you fail to have an exit inspection done, you will waive the right to claim damages, so don't miss this vital step.

Place your trust in rental experts

As a landlord, you can't afford to overlook rental inspections - each one clearly plays an important role in protecting your rental property and ensuring your buy-to-let business is successful. The good news is that you don't have to do it yourself; Kellaprince Properties has a dedicated rental team that can conduct professional inspections on your behalf. By signing up for our services, you can sit back, relax, and watch your rental thrive.