It’s inspection time for your Colorado rental property again. As a landlord or tenant, rental inspections can cause anxiety on both sides. Tenants worry about meeting inspection standards, and landlords have concerns about property damage. With some preparation and knowledge, both parties can breeze through inspections with minimal stress.
Here are my top tips for having a smooth and successful rental inspection in Colorado
For Tenants: Get Organized and Communicate
As a renter, you play a big role in making sure inspection day goes well. Follow these tips to keep issues to a minimum:
Clean Thoroughly
Give the property a deep clean before the inspection. I mean deep – baseboards, ceiling fans, inside cabinets, etc. Make it sparkle! Pay special attention to:
- Kitchen – wipe down appliances, cabinets and sinks.
- Bathrooms – scrub showers, toilets, counters.
- Floors – vacuum, mop, sweep.
- Windows – wash inside and out.
- Walls – spot clean any dirty spots.
Declutter
Clutter can make even a clean home look dirty. Do a sweep and:
- Organize closets
- Clear off countertops
- Put away toys and other items
- Hide away piles of paperwork and mail
Communicate Repair Needs
Do a walk through yourself beforehand and make note of anything that needs repair or attention. Inform your landlord ahead of time of issues you spot so they aren’t a surprise. This shows you are being proactive.
Be Responsive
Reply right away if the landlord contacts you about scheduling the inspection. They have to do them at least once per year and appreciate tenants who make it easy.
Ask Questions
If it’s your first inspection, ask your landlord what they’ll be looking for. Will they test smoke alarms? What is their definition of “clean enough”? Know what to expect.
Be There
Try your best to be present during the inspection. You’ll be able to point out any improvements you’ve made, discuss concerns, and get feedback.
Leave a Good Impression
A rental inspection is a chance to showcase how you care for the property. The effort you put in will pay off in a smooth inspection and continued positive relationship with your landlord.
For Landlords: Be Clear, Consistent and Reasonable
As a property owner, conducting fair inspections is essential. Follow these guidelines to make inspections easy on both you and your tenants:
Share Expectations
Before an inspection, remind tenants what you’ll be inspecting and the cleanliness standards. Send a checklist highlighting areas that often need attention like ceilings, baseboards, windows, etc.
Set a Schedule
Perform inspections at regular intervals, such as quarterly or twice per year. Give adequate notice per Colorado law (48 hours minimum). Consistency removes surprises and gives tenants time to prepare.
Inspect Thoroughly Yet Reasonably
Use a checklist to methodically inspect everything – furnace filters, smoke detectors, appliances, plumbing, floors, walls, windows inside and out. But be reasonable; rental units will show normal wear and tear.
Take Pictures
Photograph any significant damage for documentation. Share photos of any serious issues with the tenant soon after.
Focus on Safety
While cosmetic issues matter for appearances, the top priority is making sure the unit is safe. Check for mold, electrical issues, carbon monoxide detectors, etc. Require immediate fixes for serious hazards.
Discuss Any Concerns
Talk to tenants about any problems found, and come up with solutions together. Strong communication prevents misunderstandings.
Follow Up
Send a written report summarizing inspection findings, needed repairs, and deadlines to complete them. Conduct any necessary follow-up inspections.
Reward Good Tenants
If tenants keep the unit in great shape, let them know you appreciate it! Positive feedback encourages them to maintain the high standard.
Top Areas to Inspect Thoroughly
To cover all your bases, there are some key areas to focus on closely during inspections:
Kitchen
Kitchens see heavy use, so inspect them meticulously.
- Appliances: Check for leaks, clogs, damage. Test that appliances turn on properly and don’t make strange noises.
- Cabinets/drawers: Look for broken hinges, shelves, hardware. Open and close to check for sticking.
- Counter tops: Look for stains, burns, cracks, lifting surfaces.
- Sinks: Run water and make sure drains aren’t clogged. Check for leaks under the sink.
- Walls/floor: Inspect for water damage or holes. Flooring should not have rips or be lifting up.
Pay particular attention around the stove, under the sink, and around the refrigerator for grime buildup or leaks.
Bathrooms
Don’t skip meticulous bathroom inspections.
- Sinks: Run water and make sure drains are clear and no leaks. Check for cracks or mineral buildup.
- Toilets: Flush to make sure they work properly. Look for cracks or leaks around the base.
- Tubs/showers: Fill with water to check for leaks. Make sure caulk and grout is intact.
- Ventilation: Turn on fans to ensure proper operation and no excessive dust.
- Under sinks: Check for leaks in pipes or around the base. Look for mold.
Water damage can happen easily here, so inspect closely.
Bedrooms
Bedrooms usually see less wear than common rooms, but still do a thorough check:
- Walls/ceiling: Look for holes, cracked paint or plaster, stains.
- Flooring: Check for lifted planks, holes, stains, wall-to-wall carpeting condition.
- Windows: Test to open and close properly. Inspect frames and locks.
- Closets: Look for mold, damage, clutter. Sliding doors should roll smoothly.
- Lights/electric outlets: Confirm working and no loose fixtures.
- Heating/cooling: Make sure registers and thermostats work.
Living Spaces
High-use living spaces like family rooms require detail:
- Floors: Check for pet urine stains or human stains like red wine under good lighting. Look for holes or lifting planks.
- Walls: Look for scuffs, holes, cracks in paint and plaster. Check for damage behind furniture.
- Ceilings: Water stains indicate roof leaks. Look for cracking or bowing.
- Windows/doors: Confirm no cracks or leaks around frames when closed. Locks should work smoothly.
- Lights/electrical: Replace any burnt out bulbs. Check for hazard signs like flickering.
- Furniture: If provided, check for rips, stains, damage.
Overall Interior
Some areas to check throughout the interior:
- Smoke detectors: Press test buttons to confirm operation. Replace batteries as needed.
- CO detectors: Same testing as smoke detectors. Required within 15 feet of bedrooms.
- Walls/ceilings: Look for any signs of water damage like stains.
- Flooring: All flooring should be free of holes, lifting areas, and noticeable stains.
- Doors/windows: Confirm proper operation, no damage, and weatherproofing.
- Lights: Replace any burnt out bulbs. Check for hazards like loose fixtures.
Exterior
A thorough external inspection is important for maintenance and safety:
- Roof: Use binoculars and look for missing or damaged shingles. Signs of leaks.
- Gutters: Make sure they’re securely attached and clear of debris. No drips or leaks.
- Siding: Look for damage, rotting, or decay. Check for gaps.
- Windows/doors: Test locks and look for tight seals to keep weather out and efficiency in.
- Chimney: Check for loose bricks, cracks, leaks, critter holes. Confirm cap intact.
- Yard: Note overgrown vegetation or anything tenant should take care of per lease like fallen branches.
Catching exterior issues early prevents bigger problems down the road.
Handling Repairs and Concerns
Even in well-maintained rentals, some repairs will likely be needed from time to time. Here are tips for addressing issues:
- For emergency issues threatening safety like fire hazards or sewage backups, require the tenant to fix immediately or have a professional service arranged right away.
- Provide the tenant a reasonable timeframe to address minor issues like a closet shelf repair or leaky faucet. Follow up after the deadline.
- For larger fixes like appliance replacement or carpet cleaning beyond normal wear and tear, arrange a plan and schedule.
- Discuss any hoarding or extreme clutter issues frankly but with empathy. Develop an action plan. Professional organizing services may be needed.
- Have a contractor quote questionable repair costs – don’t just take the tenant’s word if very high. But don’t drag your feet getting quotes either.
- For suspected unauthorized occupants, reiterate the lease terms. Require they complete an application and pay for background checks just like other applicants.
Staying on top of repairs and being responsive shows tenants you aim to provide a well-maintained, comfortable home. But following standard business practices also protects your investment.
FAQs About Colorado Rental Inspections
Some common questions come up around rental inspections in Colorado. Here are answers to a few frequently asked questions:
How much notice do I need to give for a rental inspection in Colorado?
Landlords must give tenants at least 48 hours written notice before entering for inspections or showing property. Give as much notice as possible to be considerate.
Can I refuse a rental inspection as a tenant in Colorado?
The landlord has a legal right to enter for agreed upon reasons like inspections as long as proper notice is provided. Tenants cannot refuse lawful entry but can reschedule if needed.
What happens if I fail a rental inspection as a tenant?
If repairs or cleaning are needed after inspection, the landlord will provide you a list with deadlines to correct them. Failure to comply could lead to eviction, but that is very rare in cases of just minor issues.
Can I be present for a rental inspection?
Tenants have a right to be present during inspections and showings. Speak to your landlord about your wish to be there – most will happily accommodate tenant presence.
How often can my landlord inspect my rental in Colorado?
State law doesn’t specify how often inspections can be conducted. It’s typically 1-2 times per year but read your lease – some state more or less frequently. Landlords must have reasonable cause for any inspection.
Who is responsible for pest control in Colorado rentals?
Tenants must maintain basic pest prevention. But landlords are usually responsible for major infestations existing before or unrelated to the tenants. Discuss responsibility for any pest issues.
Make Inspections a Breeze
Rental inspections keep properties well-maintained and safe for occupants. While they can cause initial worry, inspections run smoothly when landlords and tenants work together and communicate.
Landlords, conduct consistent, reasonable inspections focused on safety. Provide enough notice and detail on expectations. Tenants, thoroughly clean and declutter before inspections. Point out existing issues, be responsive, and make agreed upon fixes on time. When everyone stays reasonable and collaborative, rental inspections become just another routine part of management.