After a lot of searching, you’ve finally found a place you’d love to rent. However, before you get too excited and jump into signing a lease, you must perform a total house inspection.
Performing an inspection on your rental property will ensure you’re getting what you pay for and you don’t run into major issues down the road. Here are the top things you need to check before renting a house.
Interior Paint and Carpeting
Go from room to room and check all painted surfaces to ensure they’re in good condition. Document any scratches or damages from paint. If you find areas where paint has been affected by mold or water, inform the landlord immediately. You should also ask about restrictions regarding painting the walls or putting up wallpaper.
You also need to check the carpets, looking for any ripped, stained, or damaged areas. Then, speak with your landlord about any damage found.
AC, Heating, and Windows
Ask your landlord or property manager to turn on the home’s heating and cooling system so you can check to ensure that radiators, vents, and air conditioning units are working in all rooms.
Make note of any unit parts that appear dirty or damaged. You should also inquire about the home’s insulation, as a poorly insulated home can lead to higher energy bills. Additionally, check all of the windows to ensure you can open and lock them properly. Inform your landlord of any damaged glass or screens.
Plumbing and Electricity
Inspect any exposed pipes in the kitchen, basement, or bathrooms. Make note of any mold, wetness, or signs of damage. Run water in all of the faucets, and flush all of the toilets to ensure everything is in proper working order.
You’ll also want to check showers and tubs for mold and bathrooms for signs of water damage. Also, don’t forget about the electricity. You should go from room to room to ensure all lights and ceiling fans are operating properly.
Ask your landlord what each switch in the house is operates to ensure all lights are working properly.
Safety Equipment, Exterior, and Subleasing
There should be at least one working smoke detector on every floor of the home. Additionally, ask the landlord to show you where the fire extinguishers are, and ensure they’re easily accessible. If the home has a security system, test it out before signing your lease.
You also want to check the exterior of your home. Document any damage you find in the front or backyard, including damage to fences. If the house doesn’t have a garage, ask the landlord what the rules are regarding street parking.
You should also check out the neighboring houses and make note of any loud noises or barking dogs that may disturb you. You can also ask your landlord about subleasing rules in the event you want to use the property as a vacation rental. Check out this vacation rental listing site to learn more.
Total House Inspection: Time to Inspect
Now that you know how to perform a total house inspection, it’s time to begin the process. While inspecting an entire home can be cumbersome, you’ll be thankful you did it, especially if you uncover damage that needs fixing.
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