Insights and best practices for property managers

Moving into a new house can be exciting, but it's important to make sure the house is in good condition before you sign any paperwork. So what exactly should you expect in a property inspection? What are some things you should watch out for? How do you conduct one and what should you ask for during the inspection? This post has all of those answers and more!

What to expect during an inspection?

During your move-in inspection, you should be looking for some of the following:  

1. All the utilities are turned on and connected, including the water if you're having a new home built.  
2. Appliances like dishwasher, dryer, etc., are clean and in good working condition. 
3. Appliance venting is clear and there are no ashes or cigarette butts in vents (again, check with the landlord about about smoking habits of previous tenants).  
4. No rodents or insects inside the walls.  
5. No smells of smoke or other odours coming from the inside and no mold or mildew on ceilings, walls, or floors. 
6. There is not a dead animal in the yard (pet check will be included in your inspection).

Possible problems to watch out for during an inspection

Following some of these signs may indicate that there are some problems with your home that you should inspect before you move in:

1. You find smells in the walls, appliances, or ceiling.  
2. There is no hot water and no way to turn it on.  
3. Broken glass in the laundry room locker or under the kitchen sink where there is no door for easy access.
4. Stains on walls, ceiling, or other surfaces.  
5. Weak electrical outlet covers in bathrooms or kitchen.  
6. No hot water temperature control in the shower. 
7. Dirty, moldy, or stained carpets or flooring (most often found in a basement apartment).  
8. Black mold in the bathroom or on the ceiling (if the unit has an exterior shower).

These are some problems that you may not notice if you're not looking for them and that could lead to some very expensive repairs. Make sure you ask your new landlords (or current landlord if you are leasing) all these questions before signing the lease.

What to remember during an inspection

1. Walls and ceilings should be dry and clean on all levels of a building or home, including basement apartments (and especially those with no windows).  
2. Floors should be clean, dry, and free from mildew or dirt stains (especially in basement units).  
3. Appliances should work properly and appliances should be clean and in good working order.  
4. Appliances in a basement unit should be operational.

Your move-in inspection may not find all of these items perfect, but if you know what to look for, you'll know how to find problems that need work or attention. We always recommend paying for a professional inspection to ensure there is a documented precedent of the state of the property prior to moving in. This will prevent you from moving into an unsuitable place and will avoid the landlord from retaining your security deposit for pre-existing issues in the property.