It's not just you - the rental market really is starting to get a lot busier in Fayetteville, NC. Demand has climbed as more people move to town, which is why you might be dealing with more new tenants across your portfolio. However, this is no time to get complacent.
Due to an ongoing construction boom, vacancy rates remain higher than average, making this a buyer's market for tenants. In order to keep your properties competitive in a tight market, it's time to start getting serious about your rental property inspections.
Getting inspections right as a landlord is essential for ensuring happy tenants, and happy neighbors, and for maintaining and extending the value of the property. Here are our local experts' tips for Fayetteville landlords.
Know the Law in NC
In Fayetteville, state law requires that landlords provide proper notice before entering a rental property. Typically, landlords must give at least 24 hours' written notice before entering, except in emergencies. This can be given via text, email, letter, or through your tenant portal.
Make sure to follow the local legal guidelines to avoid issues with tenants. Regular inspections are a great way to catch potential property damage early, but always respect tenant privacy and make sure you have a legitimate reason for the visit.
How Often Is Right?
It's important to strike the right balance with inspections. Too few inspections may allow property damage or neglect to go unnoticed, while too many could alienate tenants. A good rule of thumb is to conduct a full inspection once every 6-12 months.
In between, consider seasonal check-ins, especially if your property is exposed to harsh weather. For example, you might want to check for roof damage after a storm or inspect HVAC systems before the summer heat.
What To Look For During Rental Property Inspections
Each inspection should have a clear goal, whether it's maintenance or ensuring tenants are following the terms of the lease. Here's what to include in your property inspection checklist:
- Check for visible damage
- Inspect plumbing and appliances
- Evaluate the HVAC system
- Assess electrical safety
- Examine walls and floors
Regular property evaluations help you identify issues before they become expensive repairs. A thorough check can also uncover potential lease violations, such as unauthorized pets or smoking in the unit.
Don't Forget the Move-In and Move-Out Inspections
Before your tenant moves in, a move-in inspection is critical for documenting the property's condition. A move-in inspection protects both you and your tenant by establishing a baseline for the property's condition.
Similarly, when the tenant moves out, conducting a move-out inspection will help you identify any property damage or cleaning issues. Document everything thoroughly to ensure fair handling of security deposits.
We Handle Inspections, Maintenance, and More for Fayetteville Landlords
Rental property inspections are about so much more than box-ticking. It's about your compliance as a landlord.
It's about keeping current and future tenants happy. It's also about maintaining the value and returns of your portfolio. With a strategic, expert approach to inspections, this routine task can become a critical business strategy.
For this, we can help. PMI All American offers fully compliant, strategic inspections for Fayetteville landlords, as well as maintenance and tenant placement services. Reach out to our local team to find out exactly how we can help.
