![]() Upon move-out, property managers should be especially vigilant in looking out for impromptu renovations tenants might have made during their stay - they may have installed wallpaper or moved furniture to hide property damage. However, holes in the wall, broken light fixtures, and faulty outlets aren’t always obvious from a quick glance.Įnter each room and verify that everything is functioning properly for peace of mind. If you’ve already conducted several property walkthroughs, you may feel tempted to skip a few rooms. Check for water damage and leaks during your property walkthrough, paying close attention to sinks, toilets, and anything connected to a water source. ![]() The sooner you can identify plumbing issues in your unit, the better. Not only are plumbing issues a major inconvenience to tenants, but they're often expensive for owners to repair. Test plumbingĪnother maintenance issue you want to get ahead of is faulty plumbing. Signs of damage may require repair or replacement. They don’t need to be brand new, but they do need to be in good condition and be free of electrical issues. Home appliances, such as refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves, washers, and dryers, should be functioning properly. Any safety issues should be addressed before the tenant moves in. Nothing should be wobbly or struggle to remain closed. Property owners and tenants should check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, as well as all locks on doors and windows. The safety of a rental unit is one of the most important aspects of a walkthrough. Ideally, both parties will have a copy of their own checklist so that they can do all of the following: Verify safety Tips for conducting a rental walkthroughįor personal protection and liability purposes, both the tenant and the owner should take pictures and videos of as much as they can during a rental walkthrough, especially questionable areas. Once a landlord walkthrough checklist is created and a time for the inspection is scheduled, the property owner and prospective tenant are ready to conduct a walkthrough of the property. Include a place for both the property owner’s and tenant’s signature on the physical copy of the checklist. When doing the first walkthrough, having a walk-through rental checklist in hand allows you to easily assess the state of the property. Tenants don’t want to be charged for maintenance issues they didn’t cause, while property owners don’t want to fight tenants on whether or not they have the right to keep their security deposit. The property owner and prospective tenant should conduct at least the first rental walkthrough together so that both parties can make sure they're on the same page on the property's condition from the start. It’s also important to compare your move-out checklist with your move-in checklist, as this provides you with a clear understanding of how well a tenant took care of your property. The closer you can schedule a walkthrough to these dates, the better. When to conduct a rental walkthroughĪ rental walkthrough should be conducted right before a new tenant moves in and immediately after they move out. As a result, renters should be just as invested in rental walkthroughs as property owners. If the property manager is unwilling or unable to make the requested home improvements before a tenant’s move-in date, the tenant may be able to negotiate a discounted rent. It also reduces the likelihood of disputes when returning a tenant's security deposit at the end of their stay.įrom a tenant’s perspective, a pre-move-in walkthrough allows them to evaluate the cleanliness and functionality of a unit in person, which provides the tenant with an opportunity to request certain improvements if needed. Why are rental walkthroughs necessary?Īlthough property owners tend to take the lead during rental walkthroughs, they’re just as beneficial to prospective tenants.ĭocumenting an apartment’s existing condition allows rental owners to hold future tenants accountable for damage that may take place during their tenancy. We’ll also include tips to keep in mind when conducting rental walkthroughs, as well as specific red flags to look for in certain areas of the home. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about rental walkthroughs, including why they're important, when to conduct one, and how to prepare. ![]() To ensure the property owner and prospective tenant are entering into a fair rental agreement, both parties should have a clear understanding of a rental unit’s condition. The purpose of a rental walkthrough is to check for property damage beyond normal wear and tear. Taking the time to create a rental walk-through checklist may seem like an unnecessary step in the rental process, but the truth is, it’s a pivotal part of the rental process for both the property owner and prospective tenant.
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