You understand that in order to protect your property investments, it’s necessary to have routine home inspections. But engaging inspectors, scheduling, and communicating with renters, especially for multiple properties that are occupied, can be time-consuming and tedious. If you’re looking for tips for streamlining your process and simplifying how you manage those multi-tenant property inspections, keep reading. Today, we’ll highlight some valuable insights that will make things easier for you as a property owner.
Find a Reputable Multi-Tenant Property Inspector
Most property owners will suggest finding and developing strong relationships with reputable inspectors. Professional inspector organizations like InterNACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors) or ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) can be great starting resources for finding reputable professionals in the area. Instead of running through the Google list of available home inspectors, consider partnering with one company. Reach out to an inspector, before you need one, and discuss your needs and ongoing timeline. You can then schedule and plan for the long-term. You’ll also know what to expect from one inspector, who becomes accustomed to your properties and even tenants. As you make suggested repairs, those dedicated inspection partners will know precisely what to look for when they return. You can also get more long-term investment maintenance suggestions over time.
Set a Schedule & Predictable Routine
Inspections shouldn’t sneak up on you every year. Consider planning your inspection schedules well ahead of time. You can then create an ideal timeline, away from holidays and during seasons with the most conducive to weather. Multi-tenant property inspections can be especially tedious, depending on the number of properties you own. Carving out a routine, whether it be by quarter or annually, can help you stay organized. It also makes it easier to communicate with your tenants, who can then begin to expect an inspection season every year.
Communicating Inspection Notices to Renters
Part of the stress often associated with multi-tenant property inspections is the communication and scheduling process with renters. Having a routine schedule, when there is an expected time of year when you perform those inspections can help. The best practice advice is to discuss your inspection requirements and procedures with tenants at the time of lease signing. You can then instruct them about your policies with availability, access to the property, and why you inspect in the first place.
Follow Up with Remedies Efficiently
Probably the most important step within your inspection process is your follow up to the findings. Ideally, you’ll have a report that identifies each area of the property that needs attention, whether it be an HVAC system, plumbing repairs, or gutter maintenance. Line up your professional contractors immediately to make repairs or replacements. Your tenants will already be expecting the inspection and will be appreciative of you, making a quick turnaround of remedies accordingly. Scheduling yet another convenient time for follow-up contractors to arrive can be a hassle. But it demonstrates your attention to the condition and value of the property. It can also send a message to your tenants that you care about maintaining the home in which they live.
It’s Time for a Property Management Partner
Back when you only owned one or two rental properties, you found managing the inspection tasks was doable. But now that you have more investments, and along with them, more tenants, the load can be too much for one property owner to manage efficiently. It may be time to partner with a property management professional. Having a tenant-facing professional, to help you with scheduling inspections and managing the timeline of schedules, can offer the most stress relief of all.
The key to reducing stress when managing your multi-tenant property inspections lies within your ability to remain proactive instead of reactive. Get ahead of the scheduling. Set the expectations ahead of time with all of your renters. And schedule any repairs or maintenance issues immediately before they become major costly projects. Or better yet give our property management experts a call to discuss how our PMI professionals can handle all of those efforts for you.
