May 28, 2010, Newsletter Issue #185: Items Typically On a Home Inspection Checklist for House Rentals

Tip of the Week

A good home inspection discusses every component involved in houses. House rentals do not often dictate that a home inspection is necessary, so do not be surprised if your prospective landlord does not own a recent one. A home inspection checklist is typically extensive, however, even for house rentals, so read one if it's available. Here are some of the major items that are normally included by the property inspector:

Walls, ceilings, and floors Heating systems Electrical systems Interior and exterior plumbing Roof and attic Windows, doors, and insulation examination Basement and foundationAir conditioning systems and plumbing, if the apartment and home for rent have central air As a tenant, you will feel more comfortable if you’re confident that heating, electrical, and plumbing systems are in good working order with few deficiencies. A good home inspection will address even the most minute current or potential future source of problems. House rentals that have a recent home inspection can be more valuable, to both landlord and tenant, than rental homes that haven’t been viewed by a property inspector in many years. Problems that are visual and quickly corrected are normal and expected. Unseen hidden issues can be more damaging to both landlord and tenant if not discovered in their early stages. A home inspection often eliminates this risk.

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