How to Safely Conduct Weston Rental Property Inspections During a Global Emergency

Florida PMServices • April 9, 2021

For many people, this is their first time renting out a property during a global emergency.

Hopefully, it’s also our last.

These have been difficult times for landlords and property managers who are trying to maintain their homes and serve their tenants. The COVID-19 pandemic is hopefully easing up, but it’s still important to be vigilant and safe.

Rental property inspections cannot be put on hold. They’re an important tool in detecting necessary maintenance and ensuring your residents are following the terms of the lease agreement. As a Weston property management company, we generally recommend inspecting your home before a tenant moves in, after a tenant moves out, and at least once during the lease period.

Things are a bit different now. With the entire world still recovering from the pandemic, conducting inspections requires extra care, several new precautions, and the use of technology. There are some things you can do to safely inspect your rental property during this ongoing global crisis.

Move-In and Move-Out Inspections Require Extra Sanitizing

Fortunately, your move-in and move-out inspections can be done without tenants or anyone else present. You can take care of these as you normally would, though we recommend that you have one person at a time conduct the inspection.

As you’re inspecting, try to be aware of the high-touch areas, and avoid making contact if you can. You’re likely going to put your hands on doorknobs, appliances, drawer handles, and countertops. Wear gloves and pay attention to cleaning when you’re done. Have the home deep cleaned and sanitized before a tenant moves in and after a tenant moves out. Proactive cleaning contractors will have extra protocols in place to ensure the property is safely cleaned.

Make all of your normal notes on your inspection reports, and take photos like you normally would. You should also consider creating a walk-through video. When you have a video that documents how the home looks, you can share that with tenants if there’s a dispute over security deposit returns. You can send it to maintenance contractors if you need work done. It’s a good way to utilize technology and continue managing your property with fewer people going in and out.

Inspecting Occupied Weston Rental Homes

When you’re inspecting a property with a tenant in place, extra care needs to be taken. Many tenants may not feel comfortable with having someone inside the home, and you’ll have to balance your need to see the property with your tenant’s safety and peace of mind.

If your tenants ask not to have anyone inside the home because of their potential exposure to this virus, you have to take that request seriously. You can still inspect the property. Conduct a video call with your tenant via Skype or Zoom or Facetime and have them walk through the property while you’re watching. This isn’t ideal, but it respects their request for a contact-free experience and it still gives you the ability to check on the property.

Most tenants, we have found, will not mind having you in the property. They might want to leave or wait outside while you’re inspecting. Wear a mask and gloves while you’re inside, and maintain a safe social distance if they’re at the property.

We understand rental property inspections can be a challenge right now, but don’t put them off. If you’d like any help with inspections or anything pertaining to Weston property management, please contact us at Florida Property Management Services.

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