Regular property inspections are one of the most important tools a property manager has — and one of the most commonly skipped by self-managing landlords. Here's why inspections matter and what Tru Diligence looks for.
Why inspections matter
Tenants don't always report problems. Sometimes they don't notice them. Sometimes they cause them and hope you won't find out. Regular inspections catch issues before they become expensive — a small roof leak before it becomes structural damage, an HVAC filter that hasn't been changed in a year, a pet that wasn't disclosed on the application.
How often we inspect
Our standard management agreement includes up to four inspections per year. We typically conduct a move-in inspection, a mid-tenancy inspection, and a move-out inspection at minimum. Additional inspections can be requested by the owner at any time.
What we look for
During an inspection we assess the overall condition of the property, check for maintenance issues the tenant may not have reported, verify lease compliance (unauthorized pets, occupants, or alterations), and document the current condition with photos.
What happens after an inspection
We provide the owner with a written report including photos. If we identify issues that require attention, we coordinate repairs with owner approval. If we identify lease violations, we address them with the tenant directly.
The result
Owners who have regular inspections catch problems earlier, maintain better properties, and experience lower turnover. Tenants who know inspections are coming maintain properties better.