These are the 5 types of inspections you may need to perform at your rental property.

1. Inspection prior to change in property management

If you've decided to hire a property manager for your property, or you're changing management companies, you should go over your property from top to bottom and document the condition. When the management company comes in, they’ll most likely require a pre-agreement inspection or even do one themselves.

This type of inspection is much more detailed than a walk-through and should give both you and the management company an idea of any work that needs to be done. Make sure that you receive a copy of each and every rental home inspection report provided to your management company.

2. Move-in inspection

Before your new resident moves in, you need to complete a walk-through inspection with them and jot down any existing damages to the property. This is to protect you and the tenant from any legal disputes concerning the condition of the property or wrongfully shouldering the cost or responsibility for damages.

While it’s common to give residents a rental inspection checklist and a 24-hour window to complete it, it’s recommended that you or an inspection company accompany the new resident during the walk-through since renters may not know what to look for.

3. Move-out inspection

When a tenant decides to move out, you need to schedule a move-out inspection with them before they vacate your home. Performing a move-out inspection allows you to see if there is any damage to the property beyond  normal wear and tear.

Compare your findings to the move-in inspection report to fairly assess whether the property is being returned in the same condition. If repairs will be needed, it’s important to document the cost of any repairs and then deduct the amount from the renter’s security deposit later on.

4. Seasonal inspections

Once your new resident moves in, don’t just leave everything in their hands for the duration of the lease. You should complete periodic inspections of the property to make sure everything is in good working order and up to code: plumbing, fire detectors, furnace filters, gutters and anything else that could cause costly damage if left without maintenance.

Inspection and maintenance on your rental property should be done every few months. Additionally, use this as a chance to identify any violations of the lease or illegal activity occurring on your property. Just be sure to give the tenant proper notice before entering the property.

5. Drive-by inspections

Inspecting your rental home doesn’t always require notifying your renter — as long as you don’t plan on setting foot on the premises. One way to see if your property management company or renters are performing proper upkeep is to do periodic drive-by inspections.

Looking at the property from across the street, can you see any need for maintenance or repair? Are there hazardous items left outside, such as garbage or cans of paint, or an unkempt yard? Take your camera and make sure any photos are date- and time-stamped for your records.

Inspections are one of the most important tasks of a landlord or property manager. They help ensure that the home is being maintained, that problems are resolved before they escalate, and that your rental investment remains profitable for years to come.