How to Complete Move-In Inspections for a Rental Property

As a landlord, completing move-in inspections is an important part of maintaining your rental property and ensuring a positive tenant experience.

Move-in inspections play a big role when a new tenant moves into your rental unit as they lay a foundation of trust between both parties.

In this blog post, we will discuss why move-in inspections are important, the purpose of move-in inspections, and best practices for landlords.

Let's begin by highlighting why these inspections are important.

Why move-in inspections are important

Move-in inspections are important for several reasons.

First, they allow landlords to document the condition of the property at the start of the tenancy. This documentation can be used as evidence in case of disputes over damages or repairs that may occur during the tenancy or move-out inspection.

Second, move-in inspections help landlords identify any issues such as normal wear and tear of the property or damages that may need to be addressed before they become more serious.

Finally, move-in inspections can also help landlords ensure that their tenants understand their responsibilities for maintaining the property.

The purpose of move-in inspections

The purpose of move-in inspections is to document the condition of the property at the start of the tenancy.

This includes identifying any damages or issues that need to be addressed, and discussing these with the tenant as it directly affects the tenant's security deposit.

Additionally, move-in inspections can help landlords ensure that tenants understand their responsibilities for maintaining the property, and that any issues are addressed in a timely and effective manner.

Preparing for the inspection

Move-in inspections play a huge role in any move-in checklist, let's discuss how landlords can prepare bellow.

1. Creating a checklist

Before conducting a move-in inspection, landlords should create a comprehensive checklist of items to review.

This may include things like the condition of the walls (like the use of lead paint) and floors, the functionality of appliances and light fixtures, and the overall cleanliness of the property.

This checklist can serve as a guide during the inspection and will help to ensure that nothing is missed or calculate repair costs in advanced.

2. Scheduling with the tenant

It is also important to schedule the inspection with the new tenants in advance.

This will give the tenant time to prepare for the inspection and will help to ensure that the inspection goes smoothly.

3. Gathering tools and equipment

As a landlord or property manager, you should also gather any necessary tools or equipment that may be needed, such as a camera or flashlight.

Having the right tools and equipment on hand can make the inspection process more efficient.

Conducting the inspection

While conducting an inspection can be time consuming and overwhelming, here are some things to keep in mind.

1. Reviewing the property's condition

During the inspection, landlords should review the condition of the property thoroughly and document any damages or issues that are found such as broken windows or broken appliances.

Documenting these damages, will help you determine the reimbursement of the tenant's security deposit. This can be done by:

• Taking photos
• Taking videos
• Making notes
• Creating a written report

2. Documenting damages and issues

It is important to document any damages or issues that are found during the inspection.

This documentation can be used as evidence in case of disputes over damages or repairs that may occur during the tenancy.

3. Communicating with the Tenant

It is also important to discuss any concerns with the tenant durning the move-in process, as this can help to ensure that any issues are addressed in a timely and effective manner.

Follow-up and next steps

Now that you know the importance of move-in inspections and how to conduct them, let's discuss the next steps and tenant follow-up.

1. Providing a report to the tenant

After the inspection is complete, landlords should provide a copy of the inspection report to the tenant.

This report should include any damages or issues that were found during the inspection and the steps that will be taken to address them.

2. Making repairs and addressing issues

Landlords should also make any necessary repairs or address any issues that were found during the inspection such as fixing closet doors or updating items.

This will help to ensure that the property is in good condition for the tenant.

3. Scheduling follow-up inspections

It is also a good idea to schedule follow-up inspections to ensure that the property remains in good condition and that any issues are being properly addressed.

The importance of regular move-in inspections

Regular move-in inspections are an important aspect of being a landlord.

By conducting thorough inspections and communicating effectively with tenants, landlords can help to protect their property and ensure a positive tenant experience.

Regular inspections also ensure that any issues are identified and addressed in a timely manner, which can prevent them from becoming more serious and costly in the future.

Move-In Inspections: Some Final Best Practices for Landlords

Now that we've covered the full process for completing move-in inspections, let's talk about a few best practices.

First, landlords should create a comprehensive checklist of items to review during the inspection.

This checklist should include the condition of the walls and floors, the functionality of appliances and fixtures, and the overall cleanliness of the property.

Second, landlords should schedule the inspection with the tenant in advance, and gather any necessary tools or equipment that may be needed.

Third, landlords should communicate effectively with the tenant during the inspection, discussing any concerns and addressing any issues that are found.

And, finally, landlords should provide a written report of the inspection to the tenant and make any necessary repairs or address any issues that were found.

By following the steps we outlined earlier as well as the best practices above, you should be well run effective and timely move-in inspections.

Ready to move on to the next section?

Next, let's talk about helping your new tenants feel welcomed.

‍