Regular and comprehensive inspections are a vital part of property ownership and leasing. It’s the basis for repairs and property maintenance and also ensures that the property remains in tip-top condition.
This post will help advise landlords on why inspections are necessary, the frequency at which they must be conducted, how they help avoid maintenance emergencies, and their benefits.
The Need for Inspections
You have likely places substantial resources to acquire your New Jersey property. And similar to any other investment, it’s important that you guard and protect it. This applies whether the property is occupied or not. It’s through routine inspections that you can confirm the condition of your property and identify any defects.
The primary objective of routine inspections is to assess the condition of the property. But it also serves another purpose, to check on the use and maintenance of the rented premises. The terms of renting the property should be clearly stated in the lease agreement. The tenant also must reasonably maintain the space.
It’s through routine inspections that the landlord will be able to confirm that the tenant is using the space as expected.
Things to Keep an Eye On
During the inspection, there are certain issues that you should be on the lookout for. For the interior spaces, you should look for:
- Broken window panes and doors
- Damaged or scratched flooring
- Holes in the walls
- Fittings and fixtures that need updating
- Any evidence of pest or rodent infestation
External inspections of the property are a component that most property owners forget. It’s recommended that landlords check on the condition of the foundation, the roofing, and the gutters. Landlords should also look into the appearance of the lawn and the curb. Finally, you should keep an eye out for any indicators of issues with the water line or sewer system.
To conduct these kinds of inspections one can require a certain level of industry maintenance knowledge and experience. Without said experience, one is putting their property investment at risk. It would be prudent to call upon an experienced and reputable property management company.
The Frequency of Rental Property Inspections
As a landlord, you should be aware of the local, state, and federal laws that govern property leasing. This will help you stay on the right side of the law and protect your real estate investment.
According to New Jersey law, it’s unlawful for a landlord to enter a tenant's unit or rented premises without their consent. This is governed by the state's landlord-tenant laws and specifically.
To obtain the right of entry, a landlord must give the tenant reasonable notice. This is stated as at least 24 hours prior and the time of the visit/ entry must be explicitly stated. The entry must be done at a reasonable time of day. And once served, the tenant must provide consent to the notice.
It’s common to inspect the property on the move-in date and also conduct a move-out inspection. This is a standard procedure that will advise you on the state of the rental and allows you to track the normal wear and tear. It also allows you to ensure the tenant has not left any belongings.
These inspections will also make clear whether deductions from security deposits are necessary.
It’s recommended that you conduct routine checks two to three times during the lease period. This does however depends on the type of property, the number of tenants on the premises, the age of the property, and its amenities.
To create a better understanding between you and the tenant, as the landlord you should discuss the issue of routine inspections with them before signing the lease agreement. This might ease things in the future.
Can You Over-Inspect a Property?
Yes, if you ask for entry too many times without due cause, this can be interpreted as excessive inspections.
Tenants have a right to quiet enjoyment of property. This provision of law affords tenants the right to be free from undue distractions or disturbances while renting the property. You should consult an experienced property manager to provide sound, professional advice on this topic
But what if you suspect a violation of the lease agreement? Perhaps you suspect that the tenant is keeping a pet despite having a no-pet policy in place. Or maybe you suspect substantial damage to the property. Given the value of your New Jersey property, it’s understandable that you would want to protect your investment.
However, the law is the law and you must abide by it. You must follow landlord-tenant laws and stick to the terms of the lease agreement. If you think the tenant is violating the terms of the lease you must follow property legal procedure or seek the advice of a property management expert.
Conclusion
While it may look like a pretty straightforward course of action, there is a certain intricacy when it comes to performing property inspections. It must be handled while always abiding by the law. Furthermore, the tenant's rights and needs must also be a point of consideration when carrying out an inspection.
It’s understandable if the task of inspecting a property seems overwhelming. There are many other responsibilities that landlords have to tend to. Therefore consider hiring a property management company to lessen the load.
Trust the leading residential and commercial property management company in New Jersey, Lone Eagle Management. Our mission is to provide our clients with customized service, guaranteed to meet their property and tenants’ needs.
For a comprehensive service for your property, reach out to us today!