Part 5-Rental Property Inspections
From signing of the lease to check in to vacating, professional property management includes the following steps to ensure best practices throughout the process. Property inspections are an on-gong process and should be maintained throughout the life of the lease. First Coast Realty takes these and additional step to ensure the ultimate in rental management relationships between tenant, management, and property owners. Effective and consistent communications are keys to overall success.
Checking In to Vacating
The following should be established from the beginning to ensure a successful leasing term:
Regularly scheduled property inspections are part of best practices of property management
Continued maintenance and upkeep are necessary to avoid costly repairs of the property
Exterior appearance of a property is to be regularly inspected and maintained
A full accounting of the property’s condition is to be documented upon occupancy and when vacating
First Coast Realty provides written and video documentation for all their rental properties
Regularly Scheduled Inspections Follow Best Practices
Tenants & property managers agree to dates and times for property inspections
It should be established at time of signing the lease what are the tenant responsibilities
Documentation of any discrepancies or lack of tenant maintenance should be documented
A full financial accounting of any repairs needs to be documented for accountability to owners
Ongoing communications is the key to good landlord-tenant relationship & care for property
Avoiding Costly Repairs
Continued maintenance and upkeep are necessary to avoid costly repairs to the property and should include but not limited to the following:
Replace all AC filters monthly
Report any malfunctioning appliances to property manager
Leaking toilets or other facets need to be reported & repaired ASAP
All exhaust fans & smoke detectors should be in working order
Top 5 Maintenance Tips for Outside a Property
The property’s exterior is to be maintained and inspected regularly, and should include but not limited to the following:
Tenants are expected to maintain the exterior appearance of a rental property including lawn & debris
All HOA rules and regulations are to be followed regarding exterior appearance
Leaking and full gutters should be reported to property manager ASAP
Any overgrown or dangerous trees should be reported to property manager ASAP
Documentation, Discussion, Videotaping, and Communications
A full accounting of the property’s conditions is to be documented upon occupancy and when vacating.
Discuss all tenant expectations at the time of the signing of the lease
Videotape the property prior to move in and again upon move out
Keep communications between property managers, tenants and property owners open and continuous to avoid any misunderstandings
Property managers should account for all repairs and expenses to property owner
Professional property management requires knowledge, experience, and a commitment to best practices. This 8-part series is an outline of what to expect and require from a property manager, whether you are a property owner or perspective tenant. The responsibilities to both tenant and property owner require exceptional communication skills, professional marketing and technology tools, accounting abilities, knowledge of the landlord laws, and public relation proficiencies. The First Coast Realty Property Management Division offers all of this and more. Reach out to us on Facebook or Twitter and we would be happy to walk you through our two great programs or speak to our property manager by calling/texting today 904-494-8408 or email info@firstcoastrealtyinc.com
About the Authors: The video "Property Management-An 8 Part Series" was provided by Broker and Broker-Associate Gene and Libby Johnson with First Coast Realty Inc. We have built a top notch Rental Division, sure to meet everyone's need. We service St Augustine, Palm Coast, Palatka, and Jacksonville areas.
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