How often is reasonable to come check on my property?

[Joseph Lewis]

Hey there! I'm new to bigger pockets, looking to purchase my first rental property in the next few months. I think most the most common con in rental properties that I hear about it tenants destroying or just not taking care of the property during their lease. I'm curious how often is too often to visit and just do a walk through? Maybe in the lease agreement I would write in something along the lines of a quarterly walk through of the property. Just wanted to get some thoughts on this! Seems like a good way to ensure your properties are being maintained how you would like.

[Penny Clark]

@Joseph Lewis, Although there are some landlords that do quarterly inspections, every six months is doable for most tenants, and, yes, you will definitely want to include wording about doing inspections (necessity and cooperation of the tenant) in your lease agreement. @Account Closed's suggestions are excellent for how to do the inspections because landlords who "hang around" even if it's to make friendly conversation are seen as a pain and can make tenants feel uncomfortable. I would check the laws in your state regarding rental inspections. Some cities and counties are requiring rental owners register their properties and conduct yearly self-inspections to ensure their properties are up to code. We inspect our properties every six months and call them "safety inspections". Since we do all the repairs ourselves as well as offer bi-monthly pest control service on the property, we're able to spot check any issues (is the lawn being mowed regularly, for example). If you live close enough to your property or have a friend or relative nearby, a drive by can be helpful in alerting you of any issues; for example, unauthorized cars in the driveway, debris, garbage or indoor furnishings outside the unit, etc.

I think rental owners who don't require their managers to do regular inspections or who fail to regularly check up on their properties are the ones who are more liable to property damage because they probably don't screen their tenants well either.