After a few years in the doldrums, the Chattanooga rental market is once again returning to competitiveness. Rents saw a modest increase during the first three quarters of 2024, and all indicators seem to show that this will continue in 2025. As demand heats up, now is the time to get serious about your rental property inspections.
Regularly inspecting your property will ensure it retains its value and will help you both avoid expensive repairs and keep your existing tenants happy. However, it is essential that you follow landlord inspection guidelines to stay compliant and avoid unnecessary disputes. Here's how often you should inspect your rental properties in Chattanooga, TN.
Compliance is Critical
As a Chattanooga landlord, you need to follow specific rules about when and how you can inspect your rental property. Tennessee law requires landlords to give at least 24 hours' notice before entering, ensuring tenant privacy is respected. Be sure to communicate clearly and outline your inspection schedule in the lease agreement to avoid misunderstandings.
Routine Inspections: A Rule of Thumb
For optimal property care, schedule inspections about twice a year. This approach keeps you informed of any maintenance issues before they worsen. Routine checks every six months help catch small problems early, preventing costly repairs down the line. Regular visits also build trust with tenants, as they know you're committed to keeping the home in great condition without intruding too often.
Tenant Rights Come First
Sometimes, you may need to inspect outside of your routine schedule, like after a major storm or if there's a maintenance emergency. Be mindful of tenant rights inspection rules, which state that tenants can refuse entry without proper notice or if the timing is inconvenient. Emergencies, however, are an exception, allowing you to respond immediately to protect both the tenant and your property. Here is what can be considered as an essential inspection:
- Storm damage checks
- Maintenance emergency visits
- Safety inspection follow-ups
- Pre-move-out assessments
Anything that does not fall under these categories is not urgent and not an emergency. In such cases, you need to agree upon an inspection with the tenant in advance.
Rental Property Maintenance Inspections
Staying on top of property maintenance requires a proactive mindset. During each inspection, bring a checklist to look for common issues like plumbing leaks, HVAC performance, and exterior wear.
Addressing problems promptly can save you money and keep tenants satisfied. Experienced property management Chattanooga companies such as ours use detailed checklists to ensure nothing is overlooked.
Your Go-To Inspection Partner in Chattanooga, TN
Rental property inspections should never be thought of as a mere box-ticking exercise. They are not only part of your duties as a landlord, but also essential business practice for maintaining the value of your portfolio. At PMI Scenic City, we understand the importance of getting this right.
We offer routine, in-depth, and fully compliant inspections on behalf of Chattanooga landlords. We can also take care of all tenant communication and address maintenance needs quickly with our extensive network of local contractors. Read more about our services for local landlords right here, or pick up the phone to find out how we can help you, starting today.
