My wife and I have been landlords and members of the Ontario Landlords Association for the past 10 years. Before that, we spent almost a decade as tenants. This experience has given us a good perspective of both sides of the rental relationship. We understand the challenges of protecting your investment while allowing strangers to occupy your property. This venture can be very lucrative, but it can also be disastrous if not managed properly. We strive to stay informed about the unique aspects of rentals in Ontario and set ourselves up to minimize risks. We want to help you manage these aspects as well.
Importance of Rental Inspections
Rental inspections are a crucial part of managing a rental property effectively. They help ensure that your property is maintained in good condition, which can save you money on costly repairs and reduce the risk of tenant disputes. Regular inspections can also help you identify and address issues early, ensuring that your property remains a safe and comfortable place for your tenants. Recently during a routine rental maintenance inspection, we discovered that the tenant's bathroom sink was leaking into the cabinet below. Since they don't store anything underneath the sink, they hadn't realized. This could have escalated into damaging the bathroom cabinet, or causing mold. Because we were able to catch it right away, it was a quick fix and easy clean up. No extended disruption to the tenant, no mold to create any health issues, and no major repairs to fund.
Types of Rental Inspections and Recommended Frequency
Move-In Inspections
Rental Ready inspections should always be performed when a new tenant is moving in. This documents the state of the rental unit at the time it is handed over to them. Having the tenant sign off on the condition helps hold them accountable for any potential future damage.
Move-Out Inspections
When a tenant moves out, we recommend booking an additional Rental Ready inspection as follow-up. This involves comparing the current state of the unit to the original, signed move-in inspection report. Any discrepancies can be noted, and the tenant may be held responsible for repairs. This process encourages tenants to care for the property and provides evidence if legal action becomes necessary.
Rental Maintenance Inspections
During the tenancy, we recommend conducting rental maintenance inspections every six months. In certain cases, you may even wish to have inspections done quarterly. Regular inspections help you stay aware of the property's condition, catch repairs before they escalate, make informed decisions regarding the tenancy, budget for repairs, and avoid lengthy repairs between tenants, reducing vacancy rates.
How to Schedule and Tips to Know
Scheduling a rental inspection involves a few key steps to ensure compliance with Ontario's rental laws:
1. Give Sufficient Notice Â
Under the Residential Tenancies Act, landlords must provide tenants with at least 24 hours' written notice before entering the property for an inspection. Ideally, you'll give as much notice as possible. The notice should specify the date, time, and reason for entry. Here's a template that can be helpful to follow.
2. Secure Pets Â
Ask tenants to secure any pets during the inspection to ensure the safety of both the pets and the inspectors.
3. Have a Copy of the Signed Lease Handy Â
Keep a copy of the signed lease agreement on hand. This can be useful for reference during the inspection, especially if any issues arise that relate to the lease terms.
By following these guidelines, you can conduct thorough and lawful rental inspections that protect your investment and maintain good relations with your tenants. You want to be kept aware of the state of your property, and your tenant wants to live in a well maintained home. Regular inspections help achieve both of those goals.Â
If you’d like to get your rental inspection scheduled, please click here and choose Rental Ready for either a Move In or Move Out inspection, or Rental Unit Maintenance Inspection for a regular maintenance inspection.
Additional resources that you may find helpful:
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