Property owners should make it a point to track the condition of their rental property with regular property inspections. Conduct move-in and move-out inspections, as well as periodic inspections to find maintenance issues, if any, and resolve them at the earliest for better habitability.
Based on our experience, there are a lot of things to consider while inspecting your Arlington property, such as structural issues, fixtures, functioning of appliances, electricity, plumbing, and many more.
So, here is a list of 6 places to always review in your Arlington property inspections.
Living Room: Check Walls, Carpet, Ceiling, Fixtures
The living room will be the first place your tenants are going to step in while visiting the property. Therefore, it is necessary to inspect carefully and look for potential damage.
It is normal to see signs of regular wear and tear, such as scuffed hardwood floors or faded paint. However, if there is significant damage, like broken windows, a leaking roof, carpets stained with pet urine, or doors missing doorknobs, then you need to make a note of it during the inspection.
Look for cracks on the walls, evidence of water leaks around windows and vents. Do the same with the ceiling. Closely examine the drips all along the walls and in the corners. Document all the potential damages you find in the living room. It will help you identify the damage caused by tenants.
Kitchen: Check Appliances, Sinks, Faucets, Garbage Disposals
The kitchen includes moving parts that need to be kept functional for your tenants’ convenience. Make sure you inspect the kitchen thoroughly to ensure the longevity of your appliances and other tools.
Begin with the appliances such as refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, oven, and stove to ensure that they are functioning properly. Look for electrical wiring of the appliances, to check if it is exposed. Check for the leakage in kitchen sinks and if they drain properly.
Use a sprayer and faucets to control water flow and the leakage around it. Examine other essentials, including cabinets, counters, and drawers.
Bathroom: Check Sinks, Cabinet, Shower
The bathroom is another place in any property that your tenants use daily. Mold infestation, peeling off of paint, and cracks in walls are some common problems in the bathroom due to wetness and humidity. Make sure you examine all the damages that may occur due to wetness. Check the faucets, sinks, sprays, flush, water heater, and toilet seats.
Check the health of the plumbing system and drainage, if it is clogged. There may be nothing wrong with the bathrooms at first glance, but concealed systems such as plumbing, drainage, sinks, and cabinets need to be inspected to know if they are functioning properly.
Bedroom: Check Bedding, Cupboards, Flooring
Make sure you check every part of the bed for loose bolts, evidence of bed bugs, and cracks. Run your hand along the edge of the window for poor insulation or space. Also, check the handles and locks of the windows to see if any air is getting in.
Check the flooring and carpet in the bedroom. Look for damage from the previous bed or dents on the carpet. Pets often sleep in the bedroom hence it is good to check if the carpet smells bad.
Turn on the ceiling fan to try all speeds, check if it holds tight and is not wobbling. Dark spaces like closets need to be regularly checked for pests, insect droppings, and loose doors.
Utility Closet: Check the HVAC system, Fuse Box
Utility closets are often closed or locked. If anything goes wrong here, it may cause major issues in your home. To avoid this, check the air pressure and temperature in the HVAC system and water heater of your property. Inspect the washer and dryer in your laundry unit. Check all the hoses and exhausts attached to it. Watch for odors, mold, or water stains.
Also, check the fuse box, air conditioning, water supply, gas line, electrical wirings, and other important things to protect yourself from potential hazards. Make sure the utility closet is cleaned and safe.
Some Unlikely Places: Check the Garage, Attic, Basement
