Inspection/Maintenance Tips – The Importance of Inspecting Your Rental Unit

Rental properties can be lucrative for owners provided they find the right tenants and don’t have too many problems with repairs. Owners have a responsibility to their tenants to be sure the rental unit or dwelling is safe and functioning properly.

In multi-story buildings, it’s especially important to regularly inspect your unit for leaks and electrical problems. Remember, water seeks its level, so what drips will work its way down to someone else’s unit resulting in insurance claims or possible lawsuits. Costly repairs and assessments can be avoided by inspecting your unit regularly.  

As an owner, don’t wait for your tenant to tell you they have a leak with a sink or toilet. Small leaks can appear anytime without any provocative action. It’s often difficult to see small subtle leaks around toilets, sink supply lines or under sink drains barricaded by cleaning supplies.

Taking notice of the few items listed below may help you keep good tenants and avoid costly repairs to your unit, units around or below you, and to association your unit may be part of.

Before making any surprise visits to your tenant’s unit, be sure you comply with state and local landlord/tenant laws. Make arrangements with your tenant(s) as to when, or how often you can inspect.

Sink Drains & Garbage Disposals

Sometimes things get pushed underneath sinks hard enough to push pipes out of their fittings resulting in leaks. Chrome pipes often corrode with pinhole leaks. Sink baskets can also leak when the plumber’s putty dries up. Also, check garbage disposals to be sure they are not seized up or leaking.

Toilet/Sink Shut Off Valves and Supply Lines

Keep an eye on corroded valves and sink lines. Corrosion is a recipe for leaks and water problems. Don’t think that stainless mesh sink lines are invincible. I have seen many lines fail around the connectors.

Leaks Around Toilets

If you feel dampness around the base of a toilet, it can be condensation. But it could be time to replace the toilet seal. Keep an eye on leaky toilets. Water leaks hurt the association and the owners financially.

Toilet Tanks

Toilet tank leaks are common, subtle and often missed. Generally, toilet tank leaks can be fixed easily by a qualified person but can equate to a big problem if left unattended. Keep an eye out for leaks around the area where the tank meets the toilet.