Between October of 2022 and November of 2023, Oregon saw over 2,000 eviction filings per month.
If you're a Gresham landlord, you never set out to evict one of your tenants. That said, when they pose a risk to your property or other tenants, you must take action. The issue is, however, that the eviction process can take a major toll on any landlord.
You can avoid having to evict a tenant by performing regular rental property inspections. In today's post, we'll look at the inspection process and tell you how often you should be performing these inspections. Keep reading and protect your property by keeping a close eye on it.
Your Landlord Duties
When it comes to rental property inspections, there are two types. The first is the move-in/move-out inspection that you perform at the start and end of every tenancy. During these, you walk around the rental unit with a rental property inspection checklist, making note of existing damage.
These inspections protect both parties in a rental agreement. For the tenant, it prevents them from having to pay for damage they didn't cause. If new damage is found during the move-out inspection, however, it'll come out of the tenant's damage deposit.
The other type of rental property inspection is anything you do during a tenancy. They help you keep an eye on your investment, especially if you suspect that your tenant might be breaking your lease agreement.
Rental Property Inspection Timeline
So, how often should you be performing inspections?
The most important thing is that you're obeying Oregon's rental property inspection laws. Firstly, it's your right to enter your property as much as you choose to. That being said, you do need to give at least 24 hours of notice before entering.
It's also important to note that your tenant has the right to privacy and quiet enjoyment of your property in exchange for rent. If you show up too frequently to inspect the property, you could drive them away from your rental, or worse, cause them to report you to the housing authority.
Importance of Rental Property Maintenance
Rental property inspections aren't only for catching your tenant doing something wrong. They're also important for the long-term stability of your investment property, as well as tenant happiness.
For instance, if a tenant requests some form of maintenance, you should be performing an inspection to try and improve the property. The more work you put into rental property maintenance, the more you can show your best tenants that you're going to be a great landlord.
Get Help With Rental Property Inspections
Now that you know a bit more about rental property inspections, you can better look after your rental property. Looking after a rental property can feel like a full-time job, so if you're overwhelmed, it might be time to hire a property manager.
At Kerr Properties Inc., we're one of Gresham and Portland's top property management companies. We offer comprehensive services, including property inspections, tenant selection, and maintenance. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.
