Rental property inspection checklist

Did you sign a lease? So, don’t forget to make your Rental Property Inspection Checklist. This document is very important to certify the condition of the property in the act of handing over the keys to the tenant.

Thus, it is possible to provide greater security for both the lessee and the lessor. Both must check all the details so that the property is delivered in the same conditions when the contract ends.

And, to make a good report, there are some factors that cannot be left out. Therefore, we have prepared this Rental Property Inspection checklist so that nothing goes wrong!

Below, we show why you should make an Inspection Report, what items need to be taken into account and what errors need to be avoided. Check out!

Chapter 1: After all, why is rental property inspection so important?

The inspection report serves as a guarantee, both for the lessor and for the lessee, in relation to the conditions of the property. Generally, after signing the contract, the tenant is given a certain period to check it and check if there is any disagreement.

It is worth emphasizing that the document is important for both parties. For the tenant, it is essential that all defects, wear and other problems are listed in the report so that he is not responsible for this when the property is delivered.

In the case of the owner, if there was any damage during the tenant’s address, except for the damages resulting from wear and tear due to natural use, he can request the repair of the damage before the lessee leaves the property.

It is worth mentioning that, although the inspection report is not mandatory, it is essential. Taking into account the Tenancy Law, which regulates property leasing relationships, there is no legal determination that requires the inspection report of the rented property to be carried out.

However, according to article 22, item V, the landlord is obliged to “provide the lessee, if requested, with a detailed description of the state of the property, upon delivery, with express reference to any existing defects”.

On the other hand, Article 23, item III, determines that the lessee is obliged to “return the property, after the lease ends, in the state in which he received it, except for the deteriorations resulting from its normal use”.

Therefore, the inspection report is an important legal resource. When the rental agreement is finalized and the tenant leaves the property, just check everything that was informed in the report so that no party is injured.

Chapter 2: Make the rental property inspection checklist

Now, you already know that you must make the inspection report. But what items need to be checked in the property? What information to insert in the document?

To help you with this task, we’ve separated the essential items that account owners should take into account. Check out the rental property inspection checklist below!

Structure

All items related to the structure of the property must be specified in the inspection report, including the facade. Note the state of conservation of entry doors, gates and window grilles, for example. If there are electric gates, also describe whether they are functioning properly.

Also register the total area of ​​the property and specify the private area, including the size of each room. If there are important details, such as a lowered ceiling, it is important to specify, as they are more susceptible to problems.

Another item that cannot be missed is the garage. The number of vacancies described in the contract must be in accordance with the inspection report. Test the electronic control, if any, and list the number of copies delivered. If there is a problem in the place, such as irregular space, write it down as well.

Painting

It is very important to specify the state of the painting on the property, especially if it is new. When the tenant returns the property, he must deliver in the same conditions received. To do this, specify all the details, such as the specific color and type of ink.

It is also necessary to discriminate the painted parts of the property, such as walls, ceilings, doors, windows and skirting. And, in the case of imperfection or defect in a specific part, do not omit.

Doors and windows

In relation to doors and windows, describe their state of conservation and functioning. Check that the latches, locks and handles are working well, that the doors are not jamming, that the rails are running, that the windows are opening and closing normally, etc.

It is also recommended to specify the number of keys for each door of the property. And as for the windows, check the condition of the windows. Flag if they are broken or cracked.

It is worth mentioning that, if there is a more serious problem, such as a window without closing or a worn door, the owner must carry out the repair before the tenant moves.

Hydraulic part

On the hydraulic side, check all the taps and check that the water flow is smooth. See if there are any leaks, clogs, loose parts or other problems. Also test sanitary flushes and records to make sure everything is running smoothly.

Also check the parts related to the hydraulic part, such as the drains and the siphon under the sink and the tank. A leak, accumulation of water in the place or humidity beyond normal can indicate the need for repairs.

It is also important to specify if the property already has an electric shower in the bathroom, if there is an entry point in the service area, if the kitchen has a water filter, if the bathroom has a box and is well sealed, among other details.

Electrical part

As in the hydraulic part, evaluate the items of the electrical part and specify in the report the state of conservation and functioning of each one. Turn on all the lights to see if they are working, if they have bad contact, if they are flashing or hissing when lit, among other problems.

Also test the power board. Check that the circuit breakers are correct according to their identification. See also the operation of all the sockets and the voltage of each one.

Check the wiring of the property, detecting if there are loose or exposed wires. If the property is delivered with new and already installed lamps, this must also be specified. Don’t forget to test the intercoms and the bell, as well as the buttons to open the gate.

Coatings

The coatings are an important point in the inspection report, since they usually suffer natural wear and tear due to use. Therefore, it is important to keep the state of conservation well documented, as well as the type of floor, tile and covering.

Describe the details, such as the type of ceramic used in the property, the size and the color. Also check the seating of the floors, as if they are incorrectly placed, they can cause cracks over time.

Indicate if there are cracked or loose floors, broken or missing tiles, permanent stains and dirt, differences in shade and other deterioration aspects of these items, such as holes and molds.

Furniture

Regarding the furniture, identify everything that the property has, such as built-in wardrobes, cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom, bookcases etc. Check that the doors are opening and closing, that the drawers are sliding well, and that the handles and hinges are adequate. Any damage, stains or broken parts should be noted.

If the property is furnished, note the conditions of the furniture. Detail the number of tables and chairs, for example. Assess the condition of beds, mattresses and sofas, noting information such as model, color, size, fabric, etc. And, if there are appliances, list them. Describe in the inspection report the state of conservation and functioning of these same elements.

Accessories

Finally, do not forget about the other accessories of the property, specifying details about the state of conservation, operation, quantity and other information. Here all kinds of accessories are worth, such as chandeliers, carpets, mirrors, glass, blinds and curtains, etc.

Note, for example, if the property was delivered with washed carpet, if the chandeliers are in good condition, if there are supports in the bathroom stall, if there is a clothesline in the service area and if the mirrors are in good condition.

Chapter 3: Avoid the most common mistakes when renting a property

When making the inspection report of the property, many owners end up making mistakes. One of the most common is to be generalist in terms used, such as “in good condition” in the case of doors and windows that close and open, but require some effort. This condition must be clearly specified.

Another example are sockets and switches that turn yellow over time. Even if this does not hinder its functioning, it is important to specify the condition of the parts that are aging.

In the delivery of the property, if it is not clear what the exact condition of the items is, this may give rise to different interpretations, generating conflicts between the lessor and the lessee.

As with the generic terms, you should pay attention to details, such as small broken parts, small leaks or badly contacted lamps.

Something that does not seem so relevant, at the time of the survey, can make a big difference in the daily lives of residents. In the future, this could create major problems. Therefore, try to do a very detailed inspection.

A clogged drain or a dusty tap are examples of what should not be ignored, as the damage can later be worse. In addition to bringing dissatisfaction to the tenant, this can result in greater losses even for the owner.

Another mistake that you should not make is requiring the tenant to sign your survey without allowing them to make their own considerations. In case of any discrepancies, it is necessary to check the observation and enter into an agreement with the tenant. Also, remember that it is the customer’s right to inspect – and charging fees for this is illegal.

It is also necessary to take into account that not everything is noticeable on the day of the survey. Some details, such as an infiltration that only appears on rainy days or a structural problem, can be noticed only over time.

In such cases, it is important that the owner is responsible for proper repairs. Depending on the agreement, the repair fee can be paid directly by the lessor or deducted from the monthly rent.

Conclusion

As you have seen, the inspection report must be prepared with great attention to detail. The more precise the document is, the more faithful to the reality of the property it will be; thus being able to provide greater legal certainty for both parts of the lease.

It is worth remembering that, even after the inspection report has been prepared and signed, it is possible that the tenant will encounter a problem that has been noticed previously.

Clogging or infiltration, for example, is usually identified only afterwards. In such cases, the repairer is generally responsible for the repair, which must bear the cost of the repair.

Therefore, it is necessary to make clear in the lease agreement everything that is or is not the tenant’s obligation, so that there are no conflicts in the future. An essential tip to have these details recorded with photos, in addition to written descriptions.

Owners can also count on a specialized property rental solution, which facilitates rental management and ensures that the entire process is done safely and effectively.

With tools like these, you can manage the rental of your property with independence and autonomy, without the need for real estate agents or other intermediaries. From the listing of your property to the rental management, everything is simpler, more practical and more agile.