How do you keep property inspections safe?

1 Plan ahead

Before you schedule a property inspection, make sure you have a clear purpose and scope for it. What are you looking for? How long will it take? Who will be present? How will you document the results? Having a plan will help you avoid unnecessary delays, conflicts, or misunderstandings. You should also communicate your plan with your tenants, and get their consent and cooperation. Inform them of the date, time, and reason for the inspection, and ask them to prepare the property accordingly. For example, you may request them to clean, declutter, or remove any personal items that may interfere with the inspection.

2 Follow health and safety protocols

During the property inspection, you should follow the health and safety protocols recommended by the local authorities and your industry associations. These may include wearing masks, gloves, and other protective gear, maintaining physical distance, sanitizing your hands and equipment, and limiting the number of people in the property. You should also respect the tenants' preferences and comfort level, and avoid touching or moving their belongings without permission. If possible, you may also consider using digital tools, such as video calls, photos, or apps, to conduct virtual or remote inspections.

3 Be professional and courteous

Property inspections can be stressful and intrusive for both you and your tenants, so it is important to be professional and courteous throughout the process. You should arrive on time, introduce yourself and your staff, explain the purpose and procedure of the inspection, and ask for any feedback or questions. You should also be respectful of the tenants' privacy and property, and avoid making any negative or personal comments. After the inspection, you should thank the tenants for their cooperation, and provide them with a written report of your findings and recommendations.

4 Document everything

One of the best ways to keep property inspections safe is to document everything. You should take notes, photos, videos, or recordings of the property condition, any issues or damages, any repairs or maintenance needed, and any agreements or disputes with the tenants. You should also use a standardized checklist or form to ensure consistency and accuracy. Documenting everything will help you keep track of your property portfolio, protect your legal rights and obligations, and prevent any future problems or claims.

5 Review and improve

Finally, you should review and improve your property inspection process regularly. You should evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of your inspections, and identify any areas for improvement. You should also solicit feedback from your tenants, staff, and contractors, and address any concerns or complaints. By reviewing and improving your property inspection process, you will ensure that you keep property inspections safe, as well as enhance your property management skills and reputation.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?