According to NewsNation, spikes in insurance rates, utility bills, and maintenance costs have all contributed to the 26% increase in homeownership costs in the U.S. from 2020 to 2024. Nowadays, one must shell out an average of $18,118 yearly to own and maintain a typical single-family home, compared to $14,428 in 2020.
As a rental property owner in Savannah, GA, you may spend even more if you don't implement a landlord inspection protocol.
So, then, how often should you conduct rental property inspections?
The property management pros at PMI Savannah Metro have answered that question in this brief but concise guide, so read on.
Once a Month
Whether you have tenants or your Savannah property is vacant, you should conduct a monthly drive-by inspection. It's a quick assessment that can help you spot issues with your rental's curb appeal and give you time to correct them before they worsen.
At the very least, your drive-by property inspection checklist should include checking for the following:
- Dirt build-up, peeling paint, or cracks on external walls
- Dusty windows
- Fence or gate issues, such as broken or corroded parts or hardware
- Overgrown grass that needs mowing and shrubs and trees that need pruning
The last one is especially crucial, as ill-maintained trees can pose safety hazards to people and property. As FirstStreet.org points out, Savannah, GA, has an extreme Wind Factor. Here, severe winds can knock down trees, and fallen tree parts can injure people or damage properties.
Before Renting and After Moving Out
The Code of Georgia, Title 44, Chapter 7 governs the laws on landlord-tenant relations. Under this chapter, you'll find your rights and responsibilities as a Savannah landlord. One such obligation is to keep the premises in good repair (§ 44-7-13).
So, before listing your property for rent, go through each room and assess the space, structure, and contents from top to bottom. Note any problems you see and have the appropriate contractor address them. Do the same soon after a tenant moves out.
You can then advertise your property with updated photos and videos you take after the comprehensive rental inspection and repairs.
Remember: Renters can request a tenant move-in inspection before signing the lease agreement. If they find issues that may risk their health and safety (e.g., mold and mildew), they may decide not to rent your property.
Quarterly or Twice Yearly
Once you have tenants, you should coordinate quarterly or semi-annual rental property maintenance and inspections. You should give them an advanced notice, which can be at least 24 hours before. However, consider giving at least 3 to 5 days of advanced notice to give them more leeway.
Don't Skip Essential Rental Property Inspections
How often you should conduct Savannah rental property inspections depends on the kind of assessment you must do. For drive-bys, once monthly should suffice. For more comprehensive inspections, complete them before renting to new tenants, after they move out, and every quarter or twice a year.
If you don't have time to follow a scheduled inspection protocol, the experts at PMI Savannah Metro can take over for you. We're a full-service, locally owned, independently run property management company serving Savannah landlords and tenants. We're also proud to be a part of PMI, a dynamic franchise with over two decades of property management history.
Request your complimentary property analysis by giving us a call today!
