Baton Rouge Property Management Inspections 101: Why Inspections Should Be Conducted on a Regular Basis
It’s no secret that Baton Rouge property management can be overwhelming for some, especially if you are doing it on your own. When Baton Rouge investment property owners are starting out, often the first management task to be overlooked is regular inspections of the property. By placing this on the back burner, you are doing a disservice to yourself and your tenants. One reason we have become the leading Baton Rouge property management company is because we conduct regular inspections of both the inside and outside of our managed properties, a task that often ends up saving time and money.
Baton Rouge Property Managers Ask: What to Inspect When You’re Inspecting?
When our expert Baton Rouge property management team performs inspections, we take photos and video and compile them with a written report to get the job done right. While at the home, we ensure your investment property is in great shape by inspecting and verifying the following items:
- Plumbing- check for any noticeable leaks, and ensure the water heater is working appropriately
- Appliances- verify furnace, air conditioner (filters are changed) and any other major appliances are in good working order
- Proactive Maintenance- attend to any repairs needed before they become worse and cost more
- Ensure Lease Compliance- verify number of occupants, number and types of pets on the property, smoking (if not allowed)
- Detector batteries are fresh
- Any issues with lease compliance can be addressed in writing after the inspection has been completed.
Inspection Tips from the Leading Baton Rouge Property Management Company
When Baton Rouge property managers conduct regular property inspections, it demonstrates to their tenants that management cares about the property and likewise, the tenants are likely to follow suit. An inspection schedule can be communicated to new tenants when the lease is signed. When advance notice is provided, many tenants will be happy to go through an inspection as a way to keep their home in good working order.
The first inspection takes place during move in. Our Baton Rouge property management company prefers to walk through the home with the new tenant, documenting any existing damage and taking pictures to put on file. Any pictures taken during our property inspections are uploaded to the owner and tenant portals as a way of keeping communication transparent.
During regularly scheduled inspections, our expert Baton Rouge property managers verify lease compliance, check for any new damage to the property, and look for maintenance issues that need attention. This type of inspection should be scheduled regularly and can take place at least semi-annually. Always notify the tenant before you enter the home.
Finally, when a tenant is ready to move out, a final walk through is performed. This is the Baton Rouge property managers final opportunity to walk through the property with the tenant and note the condition it is being left in. Supporting photographs and notes are again taken and recorded in the home owner and tenants online portal.
By approaching Baton Rouge property management with regular inspections as part of the lease agreement, investment property owners are protecting their investment from damage by being proactive and keeping their tenants happy. If conducting regular inspections is not your forte, contact the leading Baton Rouge property management company for help with this important aspect of property management in Baton Rouge.