Guide

How to manage property inspections

Inspections are the record you'll wish you had during a deposit dispute or an insurance claim.

The short answer

Run four kinds of inspection — move-in, periodic, move-out and turn readiness — off the same checklist, always with dated photos, and always with the resident's acknowledgement where they were present.

Overview

Inspections are the record you'll wish you had during a deposit dispute or an insurance claim.

Why it works this way

Inspections are the evidence layer of the whole operation. Deposits, insurance claims, deferred-maintenance planning and owner reporting all draw on them.

Using one checklist across all four types is what makes them comparable. A move-out photographed from the same angles as move-in ends the condition argument before it starts.

Do it in this order

1. Schedule at move-in, mid-lease, and move-out. 2. Use a room-by-room checklist. 3. Photograph every room and note conditions. 4. Sign digitally with the resident when present. 5. Store on the property record.

Checklist

  • Schedule at move-in, mid-lease, and move-out.
  • Use a room-by-room checklist.
  • Photograph every room and note conditions.
  • Sign digitally with the resident when present.
  • Store on the property record.
FAQ

Frequently asked

How much notice do I have to give for a periodic inspection?

Notice requirements are set by state and local law, commonly 24 to 48 hours in writing for non-emergency entry. Check yours and put it in the lease.

Related resources

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