What should be in the lease agreement regarding property inspections?
The importance of regularly scheduled inspections can be emphasized by clear language in the terms and conditions of the lease agreement. The lease agreement should specify the types of inspections, schedules, and notifications that are required for tenant health and safety issues and property maintenance and repair. Separate sections in the lease agreement for maintenance responsibilities and inspection schedules will help reinforce the tenant’s duty and responsibility to report problems regarding maintenance and repair.
If there are other types of inspections that must conducted during the tenancy (other than scheduled landlord inspections) the lease agreement should provide specifics on the type of inspection, the regulating agency, and the notification and inspection process required. These types of inspections might include Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, business insurance coverage requirements, municipal rental housing inspection and registration programs, and local health, safety, fire protection, or building/occupancy code requirements.