Sarasota is a great market to get into as a landlord since the average rent is between $1700 to $2100 per month, which is much higher than the national average, says Herald Tribune.
As a landlord in Sarasota, FL, maintaining your rental property is critical to protecting your investment, ensuring tenant satisfaction, and complying with legal standards.
Regular rental property inspections allow you to catch maintenance issues early, preserve the property's condition, and prevent costly repairs. However, balancing the need for inspections while respecting tenant privacy is key.
So, how often should landlords inspect their rental property in Sarasota, and what guidelines should you follow?
Frequency of Inspections
The ideal frequency for inspecting rental properties is typically two to four times per year. This allows landlords to ensure the property remains in good condition without intruding on the tenant's privacy.
Here's a closer look at the main types of inspections and when they should occur:
Move-In and Move-Out Inspections
Move-in and move-out inspections (also known as an outgoing inspection) are essential to document the property's condition at the start and end of the lease. These inspections protect both landlords and tenants by providing evidence for security deposit claims. Sarasota landlords should:
- Conduct a thorough walkthrough with the tenant
- Document the property's condition with photos or videos
- Provide the tenant with a rental inspection checklist of pre-existing issues
Routine Maintenance Inspections
Routine inspections, performed quarterly or semi-annually, allow landlords to identify small maintenance issues before they escalate. For example, minor leaks, HVAC problems, or pest infestations can quickly worsen if left unchecked.
A semi-annual inspection schedule is typically sufficient, especially for long-term tenants.
Sarasota's subtropical climate, with its heat and humidity, makes properties more susceptible to mold, roof damage, and HVAC strain. Regular inspections help address these issues early.
Annual Property Inspections
At a minimum, landlords should inspect the property once a year. An annual inspection allows you to assess the overall condition of the home and ensure tenants are abiding by the lease terms. This type of inspection is common for landlords with stable, long-term renters who have proven to be reliable.
Drive-By Inspections
Drive-by inspections offer a low-impact way to monitor the property's exterior condition. These can be done monthly or whenever in the area.
Drive-bys help landlords spot issues such as:
- Overgrown landscaping
- Unauthorized pets
- Excessive trash buildup
However, landlords should avoid repeatedly surveilling tenants, as this can create tension and potential legal issues.
Legal and Privacy Considerations
Florida law requires landlords to provide reasonable notice before entering a rental property. In Sarasota, the typical notice period is 12 to 24 hours. Inspections must occur at reasonable times-generally during daylight hours.
- Include inspection policies in the lease agreement
- Communicate with tenants in a respectful, professional manner
- Limit inspections to avoid violating tenant privacy
Rental Property Inspections Must Occur Frequently and Reasonably
You want to protect yourself from tenant property damage but don't want to anger the tenant or cause legal issues.
Make sure to follow our tips on rental property inspections above and you should be on the safe side. Need some help managing your Sarasota properties?
Paradise Palms Property Management ensures you will spend less time managing your property. You will also make more money in the long run due to better quality tenants.
Contact our team to learn more.
