You're familiar with a move-in Inspection and move-out inspection. These inspections happen right before you sign the lease and right after you turn in your keys to get your security deposit back.

But, did you know that your landlord can do a Rental inspection while you're living in the apartment, as well?

It's not uncommon for the owner to do a routine inspection a few months after the move-in inspection. Regular inspections can help the tenant, too, as they help remind the building owner that there are issues within the rental property.

However, there are some steps they need to follow now that a tenant occupies the rental unit to complete the inspection.

What's a rental property inspection?

Let's start with what a Rental Inspection is. The property manager most commonly inspects the rental properties at move-in and move-out and annual inspections throughout your time living in the apartment.

Your landlord will ask you for a time when they can come by for a rental inspection with a note with a date. They'll go into your unit and walk around acting as an inspector.

They may confirm that they completed previous repairs, address any new issues and check that you're in compliance with the rental terms.

Inspections often help the landlords handle major needed repairs to avoid any violation within the properties. The walk-through of the property doesn't take long. However, a tenant should be present to go over the rental inspection checklist.

The property manager will also inspect the building and make sure you're in compliance with pet rules, inspect paint colors and anything else listed on the lease.

It's important to note that you're not exempt from this inspection. Per the lease, the landlord must give you a heads up about the inspection and why the inspection is happening, and you can reschedule. However, you're not exempt and can't skip it.

The landlord can charge you a penalty fee or evict you from the rental for not following the lease terms.

What kind of rental inspections should you expect?

Most states require at least 24 hours notice for a property owner to enter a rented apartment and conduct property inspections. Some places will say "reasonable notice," so be sure to read your local tenant laws to protect yourself.

The initial inspection, the move-in inspection, occurs before the tenant moves in. The tenant decides to rent an apartment after the initial inspection based on the property's condition.

On an annual or semi-annual basis, the property owner will give notice that they'd like to do regular inspections.

While there's occupancy on the rental property, owners need to do rental inspections routinely.

It helps make sure that their rental properties are in good condition and that the tenants are living in habitable rental properties.

How often will the landlord do inspections?

Throughout the calendar year and frequency, the schedule is often shared on your lease. While in the apartment, note any normal wear and make sure the property owner inspects potential repairs.

You'll most likely see your landlord do inspections at the following times:

• Right before move-in
• While the tenants are on the property
• If the tenants alert them about a repair or issue
• Right after the tenant moves out to determine the security deposit

It's important to repair things promptly to avoid further damage and maintain the property in good condition. So, a rental inspection is mutually beneficial if you're not breaking the rules.

Can a landlord let themselves into your rental unit?

Property managers need to submit a written notice at least 24 hours before the inspection date. Some states will say "reasonable notice" but read the lease to see what the rules of the building are.

A good landlord-tenant relationship builds on trust (it's a business transaction, after all). Either party can take advantage of the situation, so make sure you read your tenant rights.

The landlords must let the tenant know the reason for the visit before stopping by for the rental inspection.

All involved parties must be present, both the tenant and the landlord, to go over the rental inspection checklist together and discuss any issues or address any pending issues.

A landlord can let themselves in during an emergency, like a fire or severe flood.

During this time, register all potential repairs, confirm dates for completion, if something needs updating to code in the building by the owners and any other associated costs.

The mid-lease inspection is an excellent way to become aware of what your rental unit may need and if you'd like to stay there, as it's usually the halfway point of the lease.

Your landlord may do a drive-by inspection. However, this doesn't need advance notice. They may drive by the rental units to inspect the outside, but this often doesn't count as a rental inspection.

What happens during your rental inspection?

So, your landlord comes inside your unit to go over his rental inspection checklist. This rental inspection will determine if the landlord takes any deductions off your deposit. Or, if the landlord needs to repair anything for you as a current tenant while your lease is still active.

During the rental inspection, landlords will look at the following:

• Any signs of pets if your building does not allow pets
• Water damage inspection around sinks, toilets and laundry room. It's essential to confirm that there are no leaks or mold damage to avoid future damage to the unit.
• Smoke and carbon dioxide detectors and other security systems need inspection and brought up to code in the building
• Safety around the unit is essential. Alert your landlords about any exterior lights that are out, trip hazards or if walkways need repair.
• Know that unreported issues may cost you a fee. You can fail the inspection and face eviction for damage to the rental unit. Make sure to submit all code or damage issues to the owners in a timely manner.
• Check HVAC filters routinely and make sure you landlord inspects the air conditioning unit
• Pest control inspections
• Broken appliances
• Any other lease violations like smoking inside, illegal activity or subleasing your rental unit without approval

For landlords, their properties are their investment. They will bring documentation to sign after you pass inspection and confirm the property's condition.

Following the inspections, you'll also agree that the owner handles any needed repairs or the tenant will due to damages.

What if my landlord won't follow the rules?

If your landlord drives by the property to check on the building so much that it's becoming intrusive, recognize it as an issue.

A landlord's constant calling and disruption of your right as tenants to a quiet and peaceful rental unit can quickly turn into harassment.

Other means of disruption include:

• Shutting off utilities at the property
• Refusing to pay and making property repairs in the building
• Illegally entering the rental

First, check your rental agreement to confirm the clause around inspections. Only do this if the harassment is ongoing, not just a one-time deal. Register all occurrences of harassment and file a complaint with your local city government. Certain states have specific laws to protect tenants.

Regular rental inspections are common

Rental inspections are extremely annoying but a necessary step in paying rent. A rental inspection goes both ways. It helps the property owner stay in compliance and inspect and maintain the unit to make sure it's up to code.

But inspections also help the landlords protect themselves against a person that might be a bad tenant and conduct a rental inspection of the repairs so far on the property. It's an important process to complete for both involved parties.

You have to keep the apartment in tip-top shape as a tenant and pass inspection to avoid not keeping your security deposit fee.

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