Arizona leads the nation in built-to-rent home construction, with over 2,000 projects planned or under construction per million residents. The national average is a meager 345 projects per million residents.
Since renting is more financially feasible for many Americans, these homes are in high demand. Thus, the expanding rental market will also bring significant opportunities for real estate investors. If you've ever wanted to own a rental property (or an entire property portfolio), now is the best time to get involved.
Yet, managing rental properties comes with many responsibilities, like conducting rental property inspections. Follow this short guide to learn about property inspections and the Arizona laws you must adhere to when you perform them.
What Is a Rental Property Inspection?
Landlords and property managers conduct property inspections to assess the condition of a property or rental unit. Properties are investments, so if there is property damage, the value of the asset will decrease.
As soon as the landlord or property management company knows of an issue, they can schedule the proper maintenance. However, if the tenant is unaware of any problems, the only way to spot them before they grow too big is through an inspection.
If the property has a current tenant, they will receive advanced notice of the inspection. Ideally, the tenant should also be present for the inspection so they can voice any concerns during the process.
Additionally, there are several types of inspections, such as:
- Moving-in inspection (walkthroughs)
- Exit inspection (move-out)
- Quarterly or bi-annual (routine)
- Drive-by
Arizona Laws Regarding Inspections
In Arizona, landlords and property managers may legally enter a property for several reasons, such as:
- Emergencies
- Improvements
- Inspections
- Maintenance and repairs
- Showing the property to potential renters or buyers
Notice and Permission
Landlords and property managers must first obtain the renter's permission to enter. Without the renter's consent, entering may be illegal unless there is an emergency. Notably, a repair request submitted by the renter is a form of legal permission to enter the premises.
Additionally, landlords must give tenants two days' advanced notice before entering. They can notify tenants in writing or verbally, but sending a written notice is best. This way, there is proof of documentation should the tenant object.
Refusing Entry
Although Arizona tenants can refuse entry to a landlord for several reasons, conducting inspections, carrying out maintenance, or showing the property are not valid reasons. Tenants can refuse entry for the following reasons:
- The request is not for a legally required reason
- The notice is less than two days
- The entry isn't at a reasonable time
Tenant Protections for Illegal Entry
If a landlord enters a property illegally, the tenant can:
- Obtain a court order to ban further abusive entries
- Cancel the rental lease
- Recover attorney fees
- Recover the cost of any actual damages
Rental Property Inspections With RPM, Phoenix
As a landlord, conducting rental property inspections is essential to ensure your property remains in good condition and there are no unauthorized tenants (squatters). However, these inspections can be laborious, especially considering the laws you must follow.
Instead, hire RPM Phoenix Valley to manage and maintain your property. With an extensive property portfolio in the metro-Phoenx area, we remove the burden from landlords by handling everything from tenant screening and inspections to accounting and marketing. Contact us today to learn more!
