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What is the Purpose of an Apartment Inspection?

The purpose of an apartment inspection is a standard routine check made for the landlord to make sure that the apartment unit is in good condition

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What is the Purpose of an Apartment Inspection?

The purpose of an apartment inspection is a standard routine check made for the landlord to make sure that the apartment unit is in good condition with no damage or leasing violations. Apartment agreements include a clause to conduct routine inspections and may state the frequency of inspections. Some apartment landlords may choose to do inspections either yearly, every 3-6 months, or even no inspections at all.

 

What is Inspected During an Apartment Inspection?

Apartment inspections look for anything that needs attention. Apartment inspections for duplexes may start with an exterior inspection to check the roof, gutters, structural cracks, foundation, and driveway. Inspections for inside may check the HVAC system, appliances, smoke detectors, water heater, and pipes. During inspections, they might look for evidence of lease violations, such as pets.

Common inspections have a shortlist for that visit only, while comprehensive inspections typically take place after someone moves out. Here is an example checklist for a comprehensive inspection:

 

Exterior Inspection—

  • Garage door
  • Structural or foundation issues
  • Driveway condition
  • Decking and balcony
  • Roof
  • Gutters

 

Interior Inspection—

  • Heating and cooling systems
  • Filters
  • Smoke detector batteries
  • Appliances
  • Cabinets and countertops
  • Plumbing
  • Walls and ceiling
  • Flooring
  • Lighting and electrical fixtures
  • Doors and locks
  • Windows
  • Curtains/blinds

 

Do you Have to be Notified of Apartment Inspections?

Depending on your state laws, apartment inspections commonly tend to require a notice somewhere between 24-48 hours. A landlord should not show up unexpectedly for an inspection. Most apartment inspection notices are given to you a few days before the inspection, and some will even give you a week or two notice.

Upcoming apartment inspections will most likely be in writing and posted on your door or sent in an email message. The notice letter has the date delivered and the date and approximate time that the inspection will be performed. They may also include the type of inspection and who will perform the inspection. An inspection can take place whether you are home or not.

 

Do you Have to do Anything Before an Apartment Inspection?

Before an inspection, you can give your apartment a good cleaning. Although landlords aren’t necessarily grading your cleaning skills, a clean apartment does reflect how well you are respecting and caring for your home. You don’t need to spend a whole day deep cleaning, just a simple tidying up should do. If you can, do your best to fix any minor interior damages, such as carpet stains or wall markings. When landlords find signs of major home neglect, it could make it more difficult to renew your lease or keep you from getting your security deposit back when you move out.

Routine apartment inspections are commonly conducted to spot small problems from becoming big, expensive problems. For example, finding a small pipe leaking before it bursts and floods the apartment. If you are present for the inspection, you could point out any problems that they may not find on their own, such as problems with an appliance or pest problem.

One important thing to remind yourself is to not stress about apartment inspections. Landlords choose to keep up with routine inspections to keep their property in good condition. Inspections are a simple routine that do not take very long to complete. When a landlord inspects your home, it is ultimately to protect the property and your safety as a resident. 

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