Under California law, tenants have the right to quiet enjoyment of their rental property. Landlords also have the right to conduct rental property inspections to protect the value of their property.
This begs the question, 'Where is the line between being intrusive and showing that you care about your tenants and your property?"
Read on to discover how often you should pop in to check on your Redwood City investment property.
Purpose of Rental Property Inspections
There are two reasons why a landlord would inspect their rental property. These are:
Customary Inspections
These inspections aim to protect the investment from harm by checking whether tenants are meeting their lease obligations. Common types of customary inspections are move-in inspections and move-out inspections.
Some landlords choose to conduct pre-move-out inspections, too.
Maintenance and Safety Inspections
By law, landlords must keep occupied rental units safe and well-maintained. This involves performing routine maintenance and property repairs to ensure the residents' health and safety.
These inspections may occur yearly, quarterly, or seasonally and include:
- Safety inspections of smoke alarms and fire-safety equipment
- Pest control inspections
Other times, landlords may need to enter a tenanted property to perform snow removal, for emergency repairs, or when a tenant has been absent for an extended time.
As a rule of thumb, you should inspect your rental property at least twice during the lease period. Showing an interest in your tenants' welfare is key to encouraging lease renewals.
Notice Periods for Property Inspections
Landlords can stipulate in their lease that they can enter the property for inspections as necessary, provided they give the proper notice.
In California, a landlord must provide at least 48 hours of advance written notice of their intention to inspect a rental unit. This notice should include the date and time of the inspection.
Key Things to Check During a Property Inspection
Property inspections are imperative for ensuring your property stays in good condition and avoiding unnecessary repairs. They're also a good opportunity to improve tenant relations.
Working from a checklist during an inspection is vital for ensuring you don't miss any important aspects. These are some things to include on your list:
- Overall condition of the home's interior and exterior
- Smoke detector batteries
- HVAC filters
- Fire extinguishers
- Signs of pest infestations
- Water leaks and water damage
- Appliances
- Window and door seals
Take time to test your safety equipment, like smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. You can also talk to tenants about any desired upgrades or improvements that could increase their convenience.
At the same time, you should pay attention to evidence of lease infringements, like keeping pets or allowing extra people to occupy the unit.
Stay Up-To-Date with Property Inspections
Rental property inspections and maintenance are two of the most time-consuming aspects of being a landlord.
PMI Redwood Realty offers a full range of property management services to help simplify your responsibilities as a landlord and maximize your rental income. These include lease origination and property inspections.
Browse our blog for more landlord advice, or reach out for assistance with managing your Redwood City rental units.
