If you're fortunate enough to own an Atlanta rental, you can expect a very respectable median rent of $1,626. However, to keep your tenants happy and your property in great condition, it's a wise move to inspect it regularly.
Rental property inspections have numerous benefits and don't need to take a lot of time. But if you neglect them, you may miss your chance to spot small issues before they turn into big ones. Plus, it can help to ensure your tenants are adhering to the terms of your lease.
Let's review a few investment property tips on how often to schedule Atlanta rental inspections to keep both sides happy.
Twice a Year, Or More Frequently?
Lots of property experts advise carrying out rental property inspections twice a year, generally in spring and fall. There are a lot of advantages to this, and it's worth including the following on your inspection checklist:
- Check for pests
- Flush out the water heater
- Check for leaky pipes
- Check tenants have replaced HVAC filters
- Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
- Mold check
Leaving six months between visits is usually a comfortable schedule for your tenants, yet enough time to spot emerging problems. However, some landlords feel the key to effective rental property upkeep is three-monthly inspections.
The Advantages of More Frequent Inspections
Quarterly inspections allow you to assess your property more frequently and ensure that your tenants are maintaining high standards. Some points to check include:
- Are there any pets on the property that you don't know about?
- How many people are living there?
- How are the lawns/sinks/appliances?
It may also make sense to check apartments more frequently than single-family homes. If something goes wrong in an apartment, such as a water leak, it can have serious consequences for neighboring units. Apartments also have their own regulations and it's your responsibility to check that your tenant is abiding by them.
In Georgia, there is no law stating how much notice landlords must give before inspecting a property. However, at least 24 hours' notice is recommended to maintain good relations with tenants.
Making a Success of Rental Property Inspections
To get Atlanta rental inspections right, try the following:
- Include an inspection clause in your lease, letting your tenants know the inspection schedule from the start of the tenancy
- Explain your rationale behind inspecting the property regularly
- Share your inspection checklist with them so there are no surprises
If this seems like a lot of work, consider hiring an Atlanta property management service to handle all of this and more on your behalf.
Choose Rent Appeal for Atlanta Rental Inspections
Regular rental property inspections are essential, but they can quickly become a headache. This is especially true if you have a lot of investment properties or rent properties as a side hustle. That's why working with Rent Appeal is the smart choice.
We treat owners' homes as though they were our own. That includes scheduling regular inspections and carrying out prompt repairs. You can relax, safe in the knowledge your rental and tenants are in good hands.
Learn more about our services for owners and call us at 404.901.1170 to discuss what we can do for you.
