As a landlord, do you want to ensure that your apartment is kept in immaculate shape for the duration of the tenancy? A vital first step in accomplishing this is to perform a walk-through examination of the tenant space.

From planning to carrying out the walkthrough, this guide will take you through all the necessary steps. Gaining expertise in property management can help you avoid conflicts, save money, and avoid wasting time, regardless of your experience level as a landlord.

Let’s examine how you can carry out a walk-through that preserves the caliber and worth of your rental property while being advantageous to you and your tenant.

Importance Of A Tenant Walk Through Inspection

Landlords should do tenant walk-through inspections because they serve several functions, such as:

• It gives you a chance to record the state of the property when the tenant moves in.
• It is helpful in determining the condition of the property at move-out and makes it easier to fairly and openly evaluate any damages or modifications made during the tenancy. 
• It is essential for settling conflicts with security deposits deductions
• Landlords can defend deductions for repairs or excessive wear and tear by comparing the property’s documented states at move-in and move-out. 

• Tenant expectations for upkeep and repair of the property are clearly defined by a walk-through inspection.
• It encourages honest dialogue and mutual understanding between the landlord and tenant, which may result in a more responsible and considerate usage of the space.

In the long run, this preventive strategy can save major damages and preserve the property’s value, which is beneficial to the landlord.

Walk Through Steps

This comprehensive guide will show you how to establish the groundwork for a successful and seamless tenancy by doing an initial walkthrough in an efficient manner.

Prepare a Form

First, we draft an all-inclusive inspection form. It should include a full inventory of every room and all of the furnishings, enabling thorough recording of the property’s present condition. Every room should have its own category, with sections for things like appliances, doors, windows, floors, and walls.

It is recommended to allow room for any other notes that could come up when going through the walkthrough. The form need to enable the entry of the property’s condition upon move-in and move-out, as well as an estimate of the expenditures for any necessary cleaning or repairs.

Include signature sections at the conclusion of the form, making sure you and the tenant sign it when the tour is finished, and give the tenant a copy for their records.

Conduct a Walk Through Together

A walkthrough should be arranged with the tenant prior to their move in. By working together, both parties are able to recognize each room’s condition and record it on the inspection form. It also lays out what you expect in terms of property maintenance and makes a distinction between typical wear and tear and real damages.

When it comes to addressing any outstanding property issues, legal experts advise against having tenants present during the final move-out walkthrough since their attention may be diverted towards obtaining the whole security deposit.

Keep It Simple

The walkthrough must be simple and easy to understand. If you go into too much information about small flaws, the prospective tenant might reconsider their choice to rent your apartment. Similar to checking out a rental car, the procedure should focus on major problems rather than minor dings and scratches.

A walkthrough typically lasts 20 minutes and gives the tenant enough information without being overwhelming.

Document Everything

The state of the property should be documented on camera or with a video recording. Take wide-angle and up-close pictures of every room with your smartphone, paying particular attention to any prior damage. Keep these pictures safe, either on the cloud or on a hard drive.

Videos work especially well since they provide a dynamic record of the state of the property. This will especially help when the tenancy is coming to a close as it can provide clarity on what the property looked like in its original condition.

Initial Inspection

Make sure you give the place a thorough inspection before the tenant arrives. This entails examining all fixtures, appliances, and structural components.

Making sure everything functions properly prior to the tenant walkthrough not only shows your dedication to upkeep of the property but also helps avoid any disagreements regarding previous problems.

During the tenant walkthrough, repeat this inspection procedure to make sure they understand the state of the property.

Provide Wiggle Room

Allow your tenant a few days to settle in after move-in so they may find any forgotten issues. If they raise valid concerns, make sure you write down and take pictures of them.

When evaluating any damages at the conclusion of the tenancy, this method aids in compiling an extensive record of the property’s state at the time of move-in.

Landlord-Tenant Law

Learn about the state’s legislation pertaining to landlord-tenant laws. Everything from security deposit caps to who is responsible for repairs is governed by these laws. Maintaining legal compliance is essential because infractions might result in legal issues.

Working with a property management company like B&R Property Management usually means that these things are taken care of. We also have years of experience in doing walkthroughs.

Bottom Line

Ensuring your rental property remains in top condition requires a meticulous walk-through inspection, serving to establish its state at the lease’s start and aiding in fair evaluations during move-out. 

Proper communication with tenants fosters a positive landlord and tenant environment and clarifies maintenance expectations, safeguarding the property’s long-term value. 

B&R Property Management offers expert assistance in conducting walkthroughs and navigating landlord-tenant laws. With our guidance, landlords can efficiently manage their properties, ensuring seamless operations and asset preservation. Contact us today to learn more!