Property Inspection Checklist for Landlords

Sticking to a regular inspection and maintenance routine not only helps you keep your property in good condition but also alerts you to areas of wear and tear or damage that need attention. To make this critical responsibility a little easier for you, The Andover Companies collaborated with a local property management company to put together a property maintenance checklist. This list includes general inspection items that can be done any time of year as well as a few key things you may want to add to your to-dos before a change in seasons.

11 Inspection Items That Should Be on Every Landlord’s Checklist:

• Roof: Check for damage to shingles, flashing, roof vents, and other components.
• Siding: Look for problems like warping, discoloration, mold, holes, or dents.
• Gutters and Downspouts: Confirm all pieces are securely connected and the drainage system is clear of leaves and debris.
• Windows and Doors: Check for holes in screens, bent or misaligned frames, and any gaps or cracks that could lead to air or water leaks.
• Foundation: Examine for gaps, cracks, and other damage that could lead to instability, an interior leak, or an entry for rodents.
• Sidewalks and Driveways: Look for roots, buckling, cracks, potholes, and other issues that could be a trip and fall hazard.
• Landscaping: Remove lawn debris as well as dead-looking branches that are likely to fall, and make sure trees and shrubs are trimmed back from your property.
• Sump pump: Make sure your pump is operating properly, the sump basin and filter are not blocked with debris, and the pump has no corrosion or mold.
• Plumbing: Check that all faucets work and don’t drip, that grout and caulk in showers and bathtubs are not moldy or mildewed, and that pipes are not leaking.
• Smoke and CO2 Detectors: Test all detectors in common areas and within units, and note the detectors’ useful life dates so you can set up a replacement schedule.
• Dryer Vents: Check all dryers to ensure that their vents, lint screens, and lint cavities are clear, as buildup can pose a fire hazard.