Originally posted by @Xin L.:
haha a chemist. so do you guys write the inspection terms into the lease or is it just enough to give a tenant 24 hours notice?
Xin,
Is this in the Bay? Or somewhere else?
DISAPPEARED
It's less typical here in the Bay Area, depending on tenant class, but have heard of people just taking off without saying anything in low-end areas and the midwest. Especially if the deposit is small and/or they are behind on rent.
INSPECTIONS
In the standard California Association of Realtors lease that most CA landlords use, there is a clause that allows for entry w/ 24 hour notification, including to inspect the unit for maintenance purposes. Typical areas of water intrusion might include below sinks, at windows etc. So you can reasonably see most of the unit.
I have cleaners that see the entire interior of my units on about a quarterly basis. I would not send them in that often for a long-term unfurnished rental. But have that ability in my businesses.
TENANT NOTIFICATION
By the way, a typical lease requires the tenant to notify you if there is something leaking or damaged. However, difficult to prove whether they knew or not, and difficult to enforce/get damages for them not having told you. Probably not worth the effort.
CONTRACTOR
@Daniel S. is a contractor here on BP and a good guy :)
