When you own a rental property keeping it in the best condition possible is important to you. We know this because your property is your investment. That’s why property inspections are so important. They can help ensure your property is cared for by your tenants and also help you spot minor issues before they become major issues with major price tags.
At Good Life Property Management, we know that managing the property inspection process can be overwhelming. So today, we’re going to walk you through the different types of property inspections as well as some important best practices for conducting effective inspections that protect you, your tenants, and your property.
Key Takeaways
- Property inspections help landlords maintain property value and stay compliant with all local, state, and federal habitability requirements while fostering tenant satisfaction.
- In California, landlords must provide at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering a property for an inspection.
- Regular inspections help prevent small issues from escalating, improve tenant retention, and ensure that the property remains compliant with safety standards.
- Landlords should document all findings during inspections with detailed reports, photos, and videos to avoid legal disputes and maintain transparency with tenants.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Property Inspections
- Rules and Regulations for Property Inspections in Orange County
- Scheduling and Conducting Property Inspections
- Download Your Free Property Inspections Checklist
- Property Inspection Best Practices
- Common Mistakes to Avoid During Property Inspections
- Property Inspection FAQs
Understanding Property Inspections
Property inspections play a critical role in rental property ownership and management that help to ensure the property is well-maintained, safe and meets legal—and tenant—expectations. Property inspections are formal evaluations of the condition of a rental property that assess the state of the property, ensure compliance with habitability laws, and identify any issues that need to be addressed.
Regular inspections give landlords the opportunity to spot minor repairs before they escalate, and show tenants that the property is being actively maintained, which can improve tenant retention. There are several types of inspections, each with a specific purpose:
- Routine Inspections: Typically done on an annual or semi-annual basis, routine inspections ensure that the property is being properly maintained. During these inspections, you’re looking for issues like wear and tear, and the condition of appliances, and fixtures.
- Move-In/Move-Out Inspections: These inspections are completed before a tenant moves in and after they move out. They help set the baseline condition of the property (move-in) and help determine if the tenant is responsible for any damage (move-out).
- Special Inspections: These inspections occur as needed and are often in response to a specific concern. Special inspections may happen in response to a tenant complaint for request for repairs.
While time consuming to conduct, inspections are beneficial for both the tenant and landlord. For landlords, regular inspections help maintain property value, protect their investment, and ensure they remain compliant with all safety standards. Tenants benefit because they know their landlord is actively managing the property which helps to create a healthier living environment.
Rules and Regulations for Property Inspections in Orange County
California property management is all about staying one step ahead with inspection requirements and having an understanding of what regulations govern how and when inspections can be conducted. If you need an Irvine property manager, Anaheim property manager, or Huntington Beach property manager, we can help you maintain your property in top notch condition and in strict compliance. We service the entire Orange County region and know how important it is for landlords to stay current with legal needs. Let’s begin with what you need to know.
The Legal Framework Supporting Inspections In California
In California, property inspections are required to follow several local, state, and federal laws that are put in place to protect both landlords and tenants.
California Civil Code §1950.5 is the main legislation that outlines the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants when it comes to inspections. It states that:
- Landlords must conduct a move-out inspection soon after a tenant moves out to see if there is any damage beyond regular wear and tear.
- Landlords must provide a 24-hour written notice to their tenants before they enter the property to complete an inspection.
- Landlords must only enter a property during “reasonable hours” which is typically defined as 8 am to 6 pm unless it is for an emergency.
- Tenants have the right to be present during the inspection.
- Landlords must respect their tenants’ privacy. This means they shouldn’t enter closets, or go through their drawers.
These regulations are in place to balance the landlord’s need to keep the property in good condition with the tenant’s right to privacy and a peaceful environment to live in.
Orange County-Specific Rules
Yes, California has state laws that govern property inspections, but some cities in Orange County have their own rules that landlords must follow. Many cities in Orange County have their own guidelines that impact the inspection process. While each city in Orange County may be different, look out for additional rules that govern how often you can conduct inspections, particularly for properties that fall under rent control or affordable housing programs. It’s important to stay informed about city-specific restrictions so that you don’t get hit with fines or other legal consequences.
Want to discover if these laws apply to your rental?
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Inspections and Habitability: What You Need to Know
In California, landlords are required to provide rental properties that are habitable and meet the basic standards of health and safety. This means a property has to be free of hazards and pests, have functioning heating, plumbing, and electrical systems, and not pose a threat to the health and safety of tenants.
During property inspections, you should be ensuring that you are still meeting all habitability standards as set out by the State of California. Not only are violations met with severe legal recourse, but you can also be putting your tenants and your property at risk. Be sure to check for mold, leaks, faulty plumbing, inadequate heating, and failure to meet safety code requirements like smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors.
If a tenant reports a problem related to habitability, the landlord should inspect the property and make the needed repairs as soon as possible. Habitability concerns are a risk to your tenant’s health and safety, and have the potential to lead to tenant complaints, rent withholding, or legal action.
Scheduling and Conducting Property Inspections
There are clear regulations that must be followed when it comes to scheduling and conducting property inspections. As a landlord, it’s important to follow the regulations and conduct a thorough inspection.
How Often Can a Landlord Inspect a Property in California?
Routine inspections are typically conducted every 6 months or annually, depending on the property’s condition and lease terms. More frequent inspections may be necessary for older homes or if you know your property has a history of maintenance issues. Inspections should be scheduled during regular business hours on weekdays to minimize tenant disruption. Scheduling inspections during daylight hours also allows for better visibility, especially when assessing the exterior or roof.
How to Prep for Inspections as a Landlord
Proper tenant communication will help ensure that inspections run smoothly. Landlords are required to provide at least 24 hours’ notice and explain the purpose of the inspection, what will be checked, and if there are any expectations for the tenants. Be sure to ask tenants to keep areas organized and accessible, especially any areas you need to check that may normally be blocked—think basements and attics.
What to do During an Inspection
There are five steps to follow during property inspection:
- Step 1: Inspect all structural components—like the roof, foundation, and windows—for major cracks, leaks, or safety hazards.
- Step 2: Check interior systems like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems to ensure they are functioning properly.
- Step 3: Test appliances and fixtures, including refrigerators, dishwashers, and lighting.
- Step 4: Inspect safety and security features, such as locks on doors and windows.
- Step 5: Ensure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order.
Property Inspections Checklist:
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Property Inspection Best Practices
While we’ve outlined all of the legal requirements that come with property inspections, there are also some best practices that we always recommend landlords follow. These best practices can help ensure a smooth inspection process and maintain a positive relationship with your tenants.
Document Everything
As property managers, we always recommend thorough and complete documentation in everything you do as a landlord. Documenting your inspections is no exception. Detailed inspection reports help track the property’s condition over time and can serve as evidence in case of disputes. Not only should you write down everything you find, you should also take photos and videos so you have a clear, visual record of the property’s state. Keeping accurate records allows property owners to monitor the maintenance history and ensures consistency during future inspections.
Clearly Communicate with Tenants
Effective communication with tenants is one of the most important elements of any successful rental relationship. And this applies to the inspection process as well. Giving your tenants clear instructions and plenty of notice about the inspection date, time, and purpose can keep the relationship positive and professional. Once you’ve completed the inspection, be sure to deliver a copy of the report to the tenants, highlight any findings, and ask them for any feedback they may have. If you discover issues that need to be addressed, share your next steps with your tenants so you’re both on the same page. This will help build trust with your tenants and avoid future misunderstandings.
Dealing with Issues Found During Inspections
If you find major issues during your inspection, like mold, water damage or structural concerns, they should be dealt with immediately. Use your lease agreement and the nature of the damage to determine whether you or the tenant are responsible for the repair. It’s important for you to act quickly, as leaving even a small concern for too long can lead to unhappy tenants, potential disputes, and even more damage to your property.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Property Inspections
Not Giving 24-Hour Notice
One of the most common mistakes landlords make is not giving their tenants enough notice before showing up for an inspection. In California, you’re required to give at least 24-hour written notice. Whenever possible, try to give your tenants even more notice. Giving your tenants ample notice goes a long way in showing that you respect them and their time.
Failing to Document Inspections
Another common mistake is not documenting your findings during an inspection. It can be hard to prove when or how damage happened without detailed and dated reports. Be sure to take pictures and videos during the inspection process. These photos and your documentation in general can help avoid misunderstanding and ensure you and your tenants are on the same page.
Rushing Your Inspections
It’s always best to take your time during an inspection. Of course, you don’t want to take too much time and inconvenience your tenants, but rushing and skipping important steps can result in you overlooking issues that could become costly problems down the line. Give yourself enough time to look at every area of the property, even the harder-to-access spots like attics and crawl spaces.
Ignoring Tenant Feedback
Ignoring tenants’ concerns of feedback during the inspection process is a surefire way to not only sour the landlord-tenant relationship but also miss important issues in the property. Keep an open mind and listen to your tenant’s feedback to make sure all issues are addressed and the property stays in excellent condition.
Streamline the Inspection Process with Good Life Property Management
Here at Good Life Property Management, we believe life should be enjoyed, not spent sweating the small—but important!— stuff like property inspections. That’s why we set out to make property management easy. We service all of Orange County, ensuring landlords in every city receive expert support. Whether you need a Fullerton property management expert, Costa Mesa rental property manager, or Newport Beach property management company, our team is here to help. From property inspections to middle-of-the-night emergencies, we take care of everything so you can focus on living the Good Life.
Schedule a call to speak with one of our Good Life experts.
Property Inspection FAQs
Can a tenant refuse a landlord inspection in California?
As long as a landlord provides the required 24 hour written notice and follows all legal guidelines, a tenant cannot refuse a landlord’s inspection in California.
What can a landlord do during an inspection in Orange County?
During an inspection in Orange County, a landlord can check the property’s condition, including structural components, systems, appliances, and safety features, while adhering to notice requirements and respecting tenant privacy.
How often can landlords do inspections in California?
Technically, landlords in California can conduct inspections as often as needed, but routine inspections typically occur every 6 to 12 months.
Can a landlord take photos during an inspection in California?
Landlords can take photos during inspections in California to document the property’s condition and it is now required for move-out inspections.
Steve Welty
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