What to Expect from an Apartment Inspection

November 22, 2021

Apartment living has many benefits, from lower rent and cheaper utilities to the added safety and sense of community that it brings. Additionally, routine maintenance is provided by your landlord, which is one less thing to have to worry about. In order to stay aware of needed repairs or improvements, your landlord will perform a routine inspection. This is not something to stress out over, however; your landlord is simply striving to offer you the highest quality of living possible.

Who Does the Inspection

Laws vary from state to state as to who can enter your apartment and when. Typically, landlords have the right to enter their rental properties to perform regular inspections, but only after providing written notice within a stipulated time. It is important that you know your rights as a tenant so that you can protect them if necessary.

The Timing and Frequency

How often your apartment is inspected will depend on the landlord and state law. Ideally, apartment inspections should be done during the move in and the move out, and no more frequently than once every three months during your time there. A landlord is permitted to pass by your apartment at any time, but they may only enter for specific reasons. These reasons can include routine inspections, to make repairs, showing the unit to potential renters, and warning signs of possible violation. However, they must provide notice. The required amount of time for this is also stipulated by state law. The one exemption from this rule is in the case of an emergency that requires immediate action.

Common Points of Interest

It is helpful to understand what your landlord will be looking for during a standard inspection. This will vary from person to person, but inspection checklists are generally similar. Your inspection will often include changing out furnace filters, testing smoke detectors, looking for signs of pests, checking for leaky toilets and sinks, assessing appliances, as well as gauging general wear and tear. If anything needs repair or replacement, your landlord will set an appointment with you to address the issue.

Inspections are routine, and even though they can be an inconvenience, they are in everyone’s best interest. It is even a good idea to plan to be home for your inspection, so that you can inform the landlord of any problems you have encountered. It is a great sign to have a landlord that is committed to the quality and upkeep of your home.

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