RENTAL CONDITION INSPECTION REPORT SERVICES
New landlords often underestimate the importance of doing a regular Condition Inspection Report, but experienced landlords will tell you just how helpful they can be to boost your profit margins.
EBI prides itself in providing best-in-class Condition Inspection Report Services throughout British Columbia, Canada. Our inspectors are seasoned professionals. EBI focuses on asset protection through regular rental inspections to identify issues, deter criminal activity and guarantee lease compliance.
Your rental base and demographics are constantly changing. Lease applications and screening service companies can outline a tenant’s ability to pay but fail to capture a history of dangerous behaviour or property negligence.
Rental satisfaction is vital to you as the landlord and to the tenant also. EBI Condition Inspection Report Services understands the importance of communication between landlord and tenant. Our inspectors work diligently to ensure your property and tenants are safe, secure and in accordance with their monthly rental or lease.
If and when required, our understanding of city, municipal and provincial residential tenancy by-laws will equip you with the necessary tools and knowledge required to take swift appropriate action.
Have any questions about EBI Condition Inspection Report Services, or any aspect of renting property in British Columbia, Canada, please contact EBI by email or call today 250-261-5664.
Why are Condition Inspection Reports so necessary, and why should you make sure that you work these into your regular management routine?
Without regular inspections, you have no way of monitoring the condition of your rental property and holding the appropriate tenants responsible for excessive damages, which can account for huge losses of time and money.
Why Should You Do a Condition Inspection Report?
The primary purpose of a condition inspection report is to confirm the condition of a rental unit at a particular point during the rental process, usually at the start of the rental/lease, however inspections may also take place any time during the rental or lease. A landlord may choose to inspect before extending a lease, or releasing a security deposit to tenants who are moving out.
Without regular inspection, progressive or extreme damage may occur in the unit without the landlord having any idea. The longer damage goes unnoticed and unchecked, the worse things will get.
Regular inspections give you peace of mind that the tenant is following through on their end of the deal, and it also gives them a solid reason to extend a lease or otherwise provide some extended service to their tenant.
What To Look For During A Condition Inspection Report
The number one priority for doing an inspection is to check for damages. However, a hasty inspection can mean landlords will miss needed repairs. This is why EBI Inspectors take at least 30 minutes to do a basic inspection, and will check for leaks, broken fixtures or appliances, structural damage, etc. Inspectors also make sure all safety features work. Examples include but at not limited to:
Window and door locks, railings, outdoor lighting, smoke/carbon monoxide alarms, etc.
If EBI inspectors can find problems early on, it is much easier and less expensive to fix them. If our inspectors discover damages after the tenant has moved out, the landlord has the option to deduct from the security deposit to cover the cost of repairs.
What Happens During A Condition Inspection Report?
EBI Inspector will have a condition inspection report checklist that can be used to quickly and efficiently work through each area of the rental unit. The property checklist will include many things, including but not limited to:
- Checking walls, windows, and floors for excessive wear or damages
- Ensuring all plumbing, electricity, and appliances are working properly
- Confirming that the property is being maintained according to the lease terms
- Verifying that nothing included with the apartment is missing or damaged
Rental inspections can be done with or without the tenant at home, as long as at least 24 hours notice is given. Often, the tenant will go around the rental unit with the inspector. During or after the inspection, the inspector will let the tenant know if there are any issues or concerning factors they need to be aware of or repair.
Without regular inspection, progressive or extreme damage may occur in the unit without the landlord having any idea. The longer damage goes unnoticed and unchecked, the worse things will get.
Regular inspections give you peace of mind that the tenant is following through on their end of the deal, and it also gives them a solid reason to extend a lease or otherwise provide some extended service to their tenant.
How Often Can A Landlord Inspect A Rental Property?
BC landlord access law states that a landlord can access a rental unit once a month for inspections. Landlords are permitted to do multiple inspections per year as long as they are not done randomly and these inspections are not interfering with the tenant’s fair use of the property.
EBI recommends:
- Do at least one mid-term inspection
- For new yearly tenants, try to do an inspection three to four months after move-in
- Do necessary safety inspections as frequently as needed (i.e., if you have a pest problem in one unit, doing pest inspections in them all is a good idea)
Beyond that, it is up to you to decide if you want to do inspections just once per year or at a higher frequency. Regardless of what you choose to do, be sure that you clearly communicate that choice to tenants, and let them know about the scheduled inspection time in advance.
Most landlords do move-in and move-out inspections as well as one mid-term inspection. Some landlords may do seasonal or quarterly inspections, and specific inspections such as fire safety or pest safety inspections may be done in addition to these property inspections.
Here are some general guidelines and resources to review:
BC Landlord Access Law
Condition Inspection Report TRAC’s website
TENANT RESOURCE
If you are new to renting, you might be surprised to hear that your home or rental is going to have a condition inspection report every six months or as necessary as needed. In fact, property inspections are a standard procedure listed in the tenancy agreement. They are a great way of keeping communication open between landlords, tenants and estate agents. Inspections protect the interests of landlords and tenants alike, as well as helping any difficulties to be quickly resolved.
Why are rental properties inspected?
EBI Condition Inspection Report Services is an important part of enabling both tenant and landlord to stick to the tenancy agreement.
If you are a tenant, the key reason for the inspection is to provide you the opportunity to ask the estate agent or property manager questions and raise any concerns. Most property managers (including our team!) can advise on minor maintenance issues, such as getting rid of bathroom mildew, or fixing cracked windows. It is a good opportunity to show the inspector any problem areas like doors that do not shut properly, or loose paving on the patio. It can be easier to show someone than try and describe it in an email.
Window and door locks, railings, outdoor lighting, smoke/carbon monoxide alarms, etc.
If EBI inspectors can find problems early on, it’s much easier and less expensive to fix them. If our inspectors discover damages after the tenant has moved out, the landlord has the option to deduct from the security deposit to cover the cost of repairs.
Will you notify me about the condition inspection report?
Yes, EBI will advise when the inspection will take place, which may give the tenant time to tidy up.
EBI wants you to know that inspectors are coming so that you can have time to think about any issues that may need to be addressed.
It is great if you can be present for the inspection, but if you are not available please let us know beforehand if there is anything our inspectors should be looking out for.
What happens during a condition inspection report?
EBI inspection usually takes about 30 minutes for most inspections. EBI Inspectors will take notes, and may take photographs of anything that needs to be repaired. Our inspectors are all very experienced and may spot issues that you have not noticed.
The advantage of having your property visited by an expert is that small problems can be dealt with before they become major issues.
EBI Inspectors may discuss the inspection with the tenant and answer any questions, or relay them to the landlord.
What happens after the condition inspection report?
EBI Inspectors will write up their notes and produce a report, which will include any photos they took. Copies will be sent to both tenant and landlord. This is so you know that issues have been reported and the landlord has accurate information to deal with repairs, as per the landlord’s agreement with the tenant.
A condition inspection report is nothing to worry about – it is usually a positive experience and a chance to resolve issues.
If you have any questions about EBI Condition Inspection Report Services, or any aspect of renting property in British Columbia Canada, please contact EBI by email or call today 250 261 5664.