Rental inspections benefit both the landlord and renter. It helps to maintain a positive relationship that will improve both parties’ living and investment experiences. Below we have outlined three reasons why these regular inspections are essential to prioritise in rental agreements.
For more tips like these, check out our Common First Time Landlord Mistakes to save you from unnecessary trouble.
Relationship Management
Regular visits create an opportunity to connect with tenants on any maintenance concerns. It is vital that tenants feel supported and heard when renting. This will result in a relationship with more mutual respect in the long run.
Not only do regular visits hold you and the tenant accountable for upkeep, but it helps to maintain a consistent line of communication to reduce issues from compiling. Landlords are also legally obligated to approve any minor changes the tenant wants to make. These include changing curtains or hanging things on the wall. Regular inspections allow the opportunity to talk these changes through in person and set reasonable conditions.
Fast Fact: An inspection notice must be given to the tenant at least 48 hours before the inspection and up to 14 days in advance. If reinspection is required, another 48-hour notice period must be applied.
Insurance Policies
Insurance companies require inspection reports when claiming landlord-specific cover, including loss of rent and property damage. The frequency of these inspection reports can vary, so checking your specific plan to determine your responsibility is essential. If you do not have evidence of recent routine inspections, you will not have grounds for an insurance claim.
Property management companies like Rotorua Rentals conduct initial property inspections before tenants move in to document the condition and any pre-existing damage. We recommend that independent landlords do the same because filing the report will help mediate disputes during and after the tenancy agreement.
Fast Fact: Tenancy Services NZ recommends taking photos during the visit to document the condition of the property and any maintenance concerns. Always respect any tenant belongings in the photograph.
Proactive Maintenance
Routine inspections are a structured time for tenants to share and landlords to observe. We understand that life gets busy, and you can’t always rely on a tenant to reach out.
Regular inspections hold you and your tenant accountable for addressing potential issues. These might include fixing leaks that might turn into structural damage, or following through on organising a contractor.
Fast Fact: If a repair becomes urgent, a tenant can have work done and then ask the landlord to pay for it. The landlord must pay the tenant back if there is a clear record of them trying to contact the manager unsuccessfully about the repair. For more information on repairs, visit Tenancy Services NZ.
Trust The Experts
All in all, regular inspections help to avoid unwanted tensions and neglect of rental properties. We understand the time commitment involved, but we assure you it is worth it. Regular inspections mean your return on investment is more likely to be higher, and you’re less susceptible to costly repairs or legal disputes.
Rotorua Rentals works to make your landlord responsibilities easier by carrying out regular inspections, as well as a range of other services, on your behalf. To learn more about how our property management service can give you a stress-free landlord experience and maximise your rental property investment, contact our team.