DenCO Property Management & Sales (DenCO) recommends that property managers do an annual spring inspection. Spring rental inspections give property managers time to prepare their properties for summer. The last thing tenants and landlords want is a call about a property’s central air system on the fritz on a hot summer day or a wet basement. Spring inspections proactively uncover issues before they become problems. Property management companies should make any repairs or replacements promptly to keep tenants happy. DenCO gives its renters plenty of notice when the inspection will occur. Colorado law does not specify inspection notice; however, providing 48 hours of advanced warning is common.
Habitability
Colorado law states that rental properties must meet basic living standards. Landlords must provide and maintain essential services such as heat, running water, hot water, electricity, gas, and plumbing. The rentals must have working windows, doors, and roofs to protect the property and its tenants from the elements. Stoves, refrigerators, and laundry facilities must be in good working condition. Also, property managers must provide functioning locks on all doors and windows that open to the outside. If the inspection finds rodents or insect pests, call an exterminator.
Rentals with poor habitability expose property management companies and their owners to legal action. If a landlord fails to address habitability issues within a reasonable time after notifications, tenants can:
- Withhold rent until the issues are fixed.
- Move out without penalty.
- Sue landlord for damages.
Habitability Inspection:
- Roof must keep the home dry in wet weather.
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- Condition: [Good/Fair/Poor]
- Notes: [Any damage, leaks, or wear]
- Gutters and downspouts should be cleaned to drain water away from the house.
- Condition: [Good/Fair/Poor]
- Notes: [Any blockages, damage, or needed repairs]
- Windows are functional and lockable.
- Condition: [Good/Fair/Poor]
- Notes: [Any broken panes, damaged seals, or needed repairs]
- Doors are functional and lockable.
- Condition: [Good/Fair/Poor]
- Notes: [Any damage, wear, or needed repairs]
- Kitchen appliances function. If not, replace them.
- Condition: [Good/Fair/Poor]
- Notes: [Any damage, wear, or needed repairs]
- Basements/Attic are dry and pest-free.
- Condition: [Good/Fair/Poor]
- Notes: [Any damage, cleanliness, or needed repairs]
- HVAC System cools and heats the rental. Be sure to test and change the batteries in all thermostats.
- Condition: [Good/Fair/Poor]
- Notes: [Any maintenance needed, last service date]
- Colorado law requires smoke and CO detectors. Test all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and change the batteries.
- Functioning: [Yes/No]
- Notes: [Any replacements needed]
- Fire extinguishers are required by Colorado law. Make sure the fire extinguishers are up-to-date and correctly positioned.
- Present and Charged: [Yes/No]
- Notes: [Any replacements needed]
- Electrical system needs to be checked for broken receptacles and circuit breaker issues.
- Condition: [Good/Fair/Poor]
- Notes: [Any exposed wiring, functionality issues]
- Plumbing needs to be in good order, with working toilets, kitchen and bathroom sinks, and drains.
- Condition: [Good/Fair/Poor]
- Notes: [Any leaks, functionality issues]
Interior Inspection
Savvy property managers ensure that the interiors of rentals under their management are attractive and have good lighting, making them nice places to live. Happy tenants tend to renew their leases when they come up for renewal.
- Entryways are the first thing a tenant sees when entering their home. They should be tidy and clean, with all trash and debris removed.
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- Condition: [Good/Fair/Poor]
- Notes: [Any damage, cleanliness, or needed repairs]
- Living room needs to have good lighting and clean carpeting or floors. Paint if necessary.
- Condition: [Good/Fair/Poor]
- Notes: [Any damage, cleanliness, or needed repairs]
- Kitchen countertops and cabinets need to be in good working order.
- Cabinets and Countertops: [Good/Fair/Poor]
- Plumbing: [Good/Fair/Poor]
- Notes: [Any damage, cleanliness, or needed repairs]
- Bedroom lightening, receptacles, ceiling fans, and floors need to be in good working order.
- Condition: [Good/Fair/Poor]
- Notes: [Any damage, cleanliness, or needed repairs]
- Bedroom lightening, receptacles, ceiling fans, and floors must be in good working order.
- Fixtures: [Good/Fair/Poor]
- Tiles and Grout: [Good/Fair/Poor]
- Notes: [Any damage, cleanliness, or needed repairs]
- Floors need to be checked for damage. Normal wear and tear is the responsibility of the property manager/owner. Not the tenant.
- Carpet [Good/Fair/Poor]
- Wood Floors [Good/Fair/Poor]
- Notes: [Any damage, cleanliness, or needed repairs]
Exterior Inspection
Attractive yards and outdoor living areas increase tenants’ enjoyment of the rental and curb appeal once the units are placed back on the market. Yards need to be tidy, with all trash removed.
- Siding should be maintained and painted. Repair any damage in a reasonable amount of time.
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- Condition: [Good/Fair/Poor]
- Notes: [Any damage, peeling paint, or wear]
- Porch/Deck increases enjoyment of backyards.
- Condition: [Good/Fair/Poor]
- Notes: [Any damage, wear, or needed repairs]
- Landscaping adds to the appeal of the rental for current and future tenants.
- Condition: [Good/Fair/Poor]
- Notes: [Any overgrowth, dead plants, or needed maintenance]
- Lawn and garden irrigation water the lawn and gardens and should be in good working order. Replace any damaged sprinkler heads and drip systems to avoid hand watering by tenants.
- Condition: [Good/Fair/Poor]
- Notes: [Any damage, wear, or needed repairs]
Property managers must prepare before arriving at a rental property for a spring inspection. Upon arrival, they have a spring inspection form handy to check off all items to be inspected. They take photos and notes of any damage inside and out. To respect tenant privacy, they do not take pictures of children, pets, or personal items. Preventive maintenance keeps the current tenant happy and readies the property for the next renter.
Normal Wear and Tear
A common rookie mistake new property managers and owners make is deducting the cost to fix normal wear and tear from security deposits. Normal wear and tear is the natural deterioration that occurs with regular, everyday use, such as minor scuffs on walls, worn carpets, and faded paint. Tenants can take legal action if they believe their security deposit has been wrongfully withheld.
Spring inspections need to be hands-on with attention to detail. Owners who are considering putting their rentals under professional management should call DenCO. We have been in business since 1999 and manage 150 rentals in the DU, Washington Park, and other Denver neighborhoods. Call us at 303-722-9688 or click here to complete a Contact Us form.
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