How to Have Safe Property Inspections During a Pandemic

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How to Have Safe Property Inspections During a Pandemic

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During a pandemic, we have to take precautions with property inspections.  While tenants still need to move during these times, it’s business as usual.  Move-in/Move out inspections is a good practice for both parties.  When a tenant moves out, and there is not an existing Move-in/Move-out property inspection checklist with photos, there can be a debate of who caused the damage.  The question could be, is it the previous tenants have caused the damage, or is it the current lessee?

Because of the pandemic, we have to take precautions during a property inspection.  Here are some tips from the World Health Organization (WHO).

During a pandemic, we have to take precautions with property inspections.  While tenants still need to move during these times, it’s business as usual.  Move-in/Move out inspections is a good practice for both parties.  When a tenant moves out, and there is not an existing Move-in/Move-out property inspection checklist with photos, there can be a debate of who caused the damage.  The question could be, is it the previous tenants have caused the damage, or is it the current lessee?

Because of the pandemic, we have to take precautions during a property inspection.  Here are some tips from the World Health Organization (WHO).

        • If you are healthy, wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with a virus.
        • if you are coughing or sneezing, wear a mask.
        • Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
        • To remove the mask: remove it from behind (do not touch the front of the mask).  Be sure to dispose of the face mask properly.

But there are additional steps you might want to consider.  While an inspection is being performed, have all parties stand at least 6-feet apart or control how many people are allowed in the structure at one time.  Another measure to take is wiping down with a disinfectant door handles, cabinet knobs, etc. before and after an inspection.  The unit may need repairs before the tenant moves in, therefore, the unit would need to be disinfected after the repairs are performed.

safety chalkboard
  • If you are healthy, wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with a virus.
  • If you are coughing or sneezing, wear a mask.
  • Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
  • To remove the mask: remove it from behind (do not touch the front of the mask).  Be sure to dispose of the face mask properly.
    •  
safety chalkboard

But there are additional steps you might want to consider.  While an inspection is being performed, have all parties stand at least 6-feet apart or control how many people are allowed in the structure at one time.  Another measure to take is wiping down with a disinfectant door handles, cabinet knobs, etc. before and after an inspection.  The unit may need repairs before the tenant moves in, therefore, the unit would need to be disinfected after the repairs are performed.

Before the tenant moves in, you and the renter should do a property inspection.  The Move-in/Move-out Property Inspection Checklist takes care of the tenant and landlord to agree on existing damages at the beginning of the lease to the end of the lease.  All individuals on the lease agreement should examine all appliances, fixtures, walls, etc. to record any preexisting damages for repair.  When the lease has ended, the tenant and landlord will again inspect the property for new damages.  The landlord will determine whether it is normal wear and tear or if deductions have to be made to the security deposit.

Before the tenant moves in, you and the renter should do a property inspection.  The Move-in/Move-out Property Inspection Checklist takes care of the tenant and landlord to agree on existing damages at the beginning of the lease to the end of the lease.  All individuals on the lease agreement should examine all appliances, fixtures, walls, etc. to record any preexisting damages for repair.  When the lease has ended, the tenant and landlord will again inspect the property for new damages.  The landlord will determine whether it is normal wear and tear or if deductions have to be made to the security deposit.

When a tenant moves in, take photos of any damage inside and outside the structure.  Keep the photos along with a Move-in/Move-out form.

By code, some states require using an inspection checklist.  To reduce liability and/or arbitration, it is a good idea to have an inspection.  This can save time and misunderstandings.

The above guidelines apply to annual inspections as well.  Annual inspections need a notice to the renter to be scheduled.  Ask your tenants to disinfect their unit before an inspector enters, wear a mask, and practicing social distancing.  In regards to professional services such as electricians, plumbers, and tradespeople who can work on, and inside rental properties. Physical distancing and sanitation guidance should be followed when inside the home and records should be kept for contact tracing purposes. Surface cleaning on the area that is being worked on should also be tackled.

When a tenant moves in, take photos of any damage inside and outside the structure.  Keep the photos along with a Move-in/Move-out form.

By code, some states require using an inspection checklist.  To reduce liability and/or arbitration, it is a good idea to have an inspection.  This can save time and misunderstandings.

The above guidelines apply to annual inspections as well.  Annual inspections need a notice to the renter to be scheduled.  Ask your tenants to disinfect their unit before an inspector enters, wear a mask, and practicing social distancing.  In regards to professional services such as electricians, plumbers, and tradespeople who can work on, and inside rental properties. Physical distancing and sanitation guidance should be followed when inside the home and records should be kept for contact tracing purposes. Surface cleaning on the area that is being worked on should also be tackled.

Following these recommendations can make a safer situation for all parties involved!

Following these recommendations can make a safer situation for all parties involved!

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The nation’s most trusted tenant screening for real estate agents, landlords, and property managers. No cost background checks available 24/7.

©2018 ApplyConnect. All rights reserved

ApplyConnect marks used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of applyconnect.com. Other product and company names mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.