How Often Should a Landlord Inspect a Rental Property in Regina?

A rental property is a long-term investment. The same way you ensure all your investments are operating optimally, your rental property should not be left out lest it will not measure up to its lifetime.

Routine inspections of the rental property during an active lease helps to ensure it is maintained. During those random inspections, you have the opportunity to discover and rectify minor maintenance and repairs problems before they can escalate.

As a result, your tenants will be satisfied and renew their leases when they are due. Although regular inspections are beneficial, they disrupt a tenant’s life. So, how frequently should they be conducted?

We at Leenan Property Management would like to offer our advice on the matter.

When to Inspect a Rental Property

Every landlord has the right to access and inspect their rental property and its a vital part of being rent ready. But signing a lease agreement grants the tenant certain rights. These include the right to privacy, freedom from disturbance, and the right to quiet enjoyment of the rented premises.

Frequent inspections go against the tenant’s right to enjoy the residence quietly. Violation of this right could result in the tenant discontinuing the payment of their monthly rent and terminating the lease at their will.

There are some crucial periods between a tenancy where a landlord can schedule a property inspection without violating the tenants’ rights.

At Move-in or Move-Out

Before a tenant moves into your property and after screening, it should be inspected. During this time, you can confirm the property’s original condition.

When the tenants are moving-in, prepare a checklist with all the property's fixtures, fittings, and amenities. Note each item on your checklists condition before moving in and file the form until they move out.

Use this same checklist to confirm any damages attributable to tenant abuse or neglect during the term of the lease. The tenant’s security deposit should cover the costs incurred in fixing the damages. However, beware of normal wear and tear as you inspect the property during move-out.

It’s a good idea to inform your tenants up front when you will carry out the inspections so that they know when to expect you and when to resolve any issues by.

When Checking for Illegal Tenants

Examples of illegal tenants could be when a tenant hosts a boyfriend, girlfriend, friend, or family member longer than the allowable period without your authorization. Then, unfortunately, they convert to a roommate and breach the lease agreement.

You can overcome this issue with a clause in the lease agreement that outlines roommates' rules. Some of the information a landlord should include is:

• Before a roommate stays at your property, you should inform the landlord ahead to get their authorization so that you can schedule a tenant screening.
• If their tenancy application becomes successful, they must sign the new lease agreement. This acts as a means of ensuring that the new tenant will honor their portion of the rent.
• Add a "joint and several liability" clause in the new lease to cushion your rental investment.
• Outline the repercussions of hosting unauthorized tenants.

If there are rumors of tenants housing unauthorized tenants, you use this as a reason to conduct a quick inspection.

Checking on the Property’s Maintenance Needs

A rental property is prone to minor issues like leaky faucets. While it is common for tenants to inform you when they occur, some may go unnoticed, or the tenant fails to tell you.

So, you should check for minor maintenance and repair issues with your investment regularly. In addition, keeping an eye on small maintenance needs guarantees your tenants' satisfaction and avoids frequent or expensive repairs.

Seasonal inspections can be an excellent way to go. Before winter, prepare a property safety checklist and ensure every element checks for optimum condition. Then, repeat the process before the onset of spring, summer, and fall.

You can take advantage of these seasonal inspections and ensure your tenants adhere to their obligations. But first, confirm if they are keeping up with their responsibilities as stated in the lease.

Bottom Line

It is equally your job, and your right as a landlord in Regina, to inspect your rental property. Regular rental property inspections ensure that the other party to the lease agreement fulfills their role.

Are they honoring the rent due date? Are they caring for your rental property?

At Leenan Property Management, we believe that it is your right to enjoy the fruits of your investment. So, if you are shopping around for a partner to fulfill all your property management needs today, connect with our experienced property managers in Regina.

Our primary purpose is to assist you in achieving and exceeding your investing objectives. With our skilled staff by your side, you can ease your workload and reduce stress.

Our property management services include regular property inspections. As a result, we'll design lease agreements that spell out the inspection procedure and each party's responsibilities.