Houston, Texas ranks #2 in the country for built-to-rent houses.
Not only are there over 1,600 built-to-rent homes, but the housing market is also booming. From standard rentals to apartments to homes for sale, Houston has it all. If you’re thinking about becoming a landlord in Houston, you need to know how to perform rental property inspections.
Here are a few tips for setting you on the right path to renting your properties:
1. Health and Safety
When you conduct rental property inspections in Houston, tenant health and safety should be a priority. You don’t want to open yourself up to a lawsuit over something preventable.
Here are some things you should be looking for:
- Mold
- Pests and bedbugs
- Electrical issues
- Water leaks
- Structural problems
Some of these inspections, such as for pests, must be done by a licensed exterminator. The same applies to electrical issues, where an electrician must be brought in. Some, such as looking for mold or structural problems, you can do if you have the required knowledge.
If you lack the knowledge to conduct a rental property inspection, a property management firm can do it for you. They will hire professional contractors to get the job done.
2. Follow Applicable Laws
Every state and many local municipalities have laws related to property inspections. If you have any questions, you can seek out rental property inspection laws. In Texas, no specific statutes relate to inspections.
Instead, court cases have established precedence in several areas.
Finding out information about these cases can be difficult. You will need to speak to a lawyer specializing in the field to get all the information. Don’t overlook the importance of local ordinances and municipal guidelines as well.
If you don’t have the time to invest in discovering what legal issues exist, consider a property management firm. They have local knowledge and can help make sure that your property is inspected and compliant with any relevant laws.
3. Look Everywhere
Part of conducting an effective investigation is looking everywhere. Due to the climate, Houston rental property inspections have to check all over. This means getting in the crawlspaces or basement, as well as the attic.
The reason for this is that the humidity in the air can cause water damage and mold to grow. Even the smallest nook and cranny have to be checked and double-checked. This can become an arduous process if the property is in a flood plain or has previous water damage.
Anything you miss during rental property inspections could become an issue later on. Repairs become more expensive the longer the problem persists. If a health issue is involved, the expense could be considerable.
Rental Property Inspections
Having proper rental property inspections done is the responsibility of the landlord. Don’t run the risk of a major lawsuit or other legal action against you. Protect yourself, your properties, and your tenants.
If you have properties you want to rent, consider a property management firm. Houston Property Management would love to assist you with property management, so contact us today!
