Routine rental inspections for your El Paso investment property serve a number of important purposes. You have the opportunity to document the condition of the home while checking for any potential
maintenance issues. You can seek out deferred or unreported repairs that are needed. Inspections also allow you to plan for larger expenses down the road because when you inspect your property regularly, you’ll be able to estimate when a new roof or an updated water heater will be necessary.
Inspections are part of any preventative maintenance plan, and your checklist should include these six items every time.
Air Conditioning and HVAC
The weather in El Paso and throughout Texas can be extreme, especially in the summer with high humidity and intense heat. This means your rental property’s cooling system will work hard throughout the year. Tenants will need air conditioning. Since your HVAC system is one of the most expensive functions in your home, so you want to make sure it’s running as efficiently and effectively as it can.
Checking your air conditioning unit should be part of every inspection you conduct. It’s also a good idea to have the system serviced annually. Have an HVAC technician check and clean the coils, the fans, and the vents. You want to make sure it’s working properly, thereby extending the life of the system. The tenants will appreciate this as well. There will be less of a risk that it breaks down during the hot summer, and a healthy cooling system will improve their air quality and keep their energy costs down.
Inspect the Rental Property’s Roof
High winds, intense rains, and unforgiving sun are all part of the climate in El Paso. The roof of your rental property will be exposed to all of these elements. Inspect the roof for any missing shingles or signs of deterioration. Look for problems with insulation or any potential ways for water to get inside. Clear any debris and trim back trees.
Checking Window Locks and Security
Windows need to open, close, and lock. You should check the windows every time you inspect the rental property to ensure they’re doing those things. If windows aren’t in great shape, consider replacing them. Vinyl windows are a terrific option. They’re cost-effective, low maintenance, and they insulate the home properly. Window coverings should be checked too; you don’t want breaking or snapping window blinds making the property look run-down and unkempt.
Make Sure Doors Comply with the Texas Property Code
The Texas Property Code requires that all exterior doors on your rental property:
- Include a doorknob lock or keyed deadbolt
- Have a keyless bolting device such as a deadbolt
- Include a peephole or door viewer.
- Include a door pin lock and either a security bar or a handle latch when there’s an exterior sliding door.
Make sure you check the security of your doors when you’re inspecting your rental property. Test the locks and the deadbolts, and if you’re conducting the inspection between tenants, be sure to change the locks and rekey the property.
Inspect for Leaks and Check Water Shut-off Valves
Water can damage your property faster than anything else. Every inspection should include checking for leaks under sinks and around toilets and tubs. Look for any evidence of plumbing problems and inspect the water shut-offs. Make sure your tenants know where to find those shut-offs in case there’s an emergency. Look at the irrigation systems in your landscaping and make sure your property is protected against water intrusion and damage.
Safety Checks for Chimneys
