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Rental Inspections - Good or bad idea?

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Real Estate Agent

rental inspections,Rental inspections?  Good or bad idea?


Consensus would have it that intrusion into any form of homeownership is a bad thing but there are more & more communities that are enacting inspections prior to property rentals.  Aside from charging a yearly rental fee of $75 to $100 in most cases, is there really a benefit besides revenue generation?

Sometimes I think it's beneficial, sometimes not.  

Let's talk about a property rental that I have now.  Besides 'taxing' the property another $100 per year above and beyond what other owners in the neighborhood have to pay, there is the inspection itself.  Code enforcement is important I understand but bringing up an older 1970's property to today's code standards is an over reach of authority.

Case in point, this townhome 'has to have' a dead bolt in order to bring it up to 'code'.  Really? That is life threatening? Beneficial I guess, yes, but a dead bolt for the public good?

Another item, water heater does not have a discharge line and needs to be brought up to code.  Plumber doesn't think it's necessary and the village does (oh no, I agree with village).  It must be done because we will not be in compliance and the property cannot be occupied until all repairs are completed.  Owner doesn't understand the plumber, plumber doesn't understand the owner, I'm in the middle asking when the tenant can move in.  Lease did start on the 1st people!

So each time we all have a 'misunderstanding' of the code officer, the owner is charged another re-inspect fee of $75.  Cha-ching.

So far, it's getting ridiculous but the 'punch list' is getting smaller with each visit.  

Electrical plugs with GFI installed in both bathrooms.  Cha-ching.
Smoke detectors in each bedroom, throw in carbon monoxide detectors too.  Cha-ching.
Inspection of rear yard saying it's not very neat.   
 
Awww Jeeez!!   Yes mom, we'll do it right away.

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  Lyn Sims    Schaumburg IL Area    Northwest Chicago Suburbs  ●  (847)962-7104
 
 
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Comments (2)

Tracy Oliva
West USA Realty - Arizona - Fountain Hills, AZ
The Oliva Team Arizona Agents

Good Morning:  I think a Inspection is good for all,  keep up the good work and good luck with your business,  E

May 08, 2013 10:45 PM
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Lyn...Sounds like they are trying to fix a budget shortfall.  It is all to convenient

May 09, 2013 11:06 AM