While property inspections are more often associated with home buyers, building inspections for landlords can also be important They are also useful to help you with rental property maintenance
As a landlord, you are responsible for ensuring that your property is safe for tenants and a liveable building. While your tenants can carry out some minor repairs such as replacing lightbulbs, you are responsible for any other maintenance.
As a landlord you should be keeping on top of these areas for rental property maintenance
- exterior wear and tear – the state of decking, cladding and the roof
- interior wear and tear – paintwork, flooring and woodwork
- smoke alarms – these are a requirement in rental properties
- damp and mould – non invasive moisture testing can be used to look for leaks in hidden areas and explained damp patches.
- insulation – from 2019, rental properties will need ceiling and underfloor insulation. A property inspection now will make you well informed
A building inspection gives you a better understanding of the state of your property and can highlight any potential issues.
Don’t forget that if people live in your property, you will need to arrange access with the tenants. It is a landlord’s responsibility to give notice of inspections and maintenance visits. More information about inspections, notice and maintenance can be found on the Tenancy Services website.
A professional building inspector checks things thoroughly
As a landlord you should be carrying out regular inspections yourself, or getting your property manager to. However, getting a professional building inspector to carry out a regular inspection can alert you to issues sooner. An experienced building inspector is more likely to spot hidden problems that your inspection might not pick up. You can do repairs sooner, saving you money. Building inspectors also have a better set of tools to help with inspections.
InnoHome Inspections offer building inspections throughout Auckland
We can carry out building inspections when you are first buying a rental property, before and between tenants or whenever you need one. Kevin is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Building Inspectors so you can have peace of mind that all our inspections are carried out to high standards. We can offer a same day service if you need an inspection done urgently.
If you want to arrange a property inspection, give us a call today.
- Why get a professional building inspection
- Landlord responsibilities for insulation in a rental property
- What you get from a pre-purchase building report
- Tips for choosing a building inspector