The Importance of the Inspection Report in Property Leasing

Márcia Milani
by Márcia Milani :
Updated 2024-03-18

Renting a property involves responsibilities for both the Landlord and the Tenant. When returning the property, it is essential that it is in the same condition in which it was received, except for any deterioration resulting from normal use.

The Importance of the Inspection Report in Property Leasing

Introduction

To ensure the safety of both parties, the inspection report is an essential document. It records in detail the characteristics and condition of the property, serving as a reference for its return.

This article will address the importance of the inspection report, highlighting the following points:

  • What a condition assessment report is and what it should contain.
  • The importance of the inspection report to avoid problems when returning the property.
  • How to carry out a complete and detailed inspection of the property.
  • The rights and responsibilities of the landlord and tenant in relation to the inspection report.

By following the tips and guidelines in this article, you will be better prepared for renting a property, ensuring a smooth and safe experience for everyone involved.

But how do we know the original condition of a property, after many years of rental? And how can landlord and tenant protect themselves, when returning the property, regarding its original conditions?

The most important document for a residential or commercial lease is your contract. But one of the most important, if not the most important after the rental contract, without a doubt, is theinspection report(or inspection report) of the property.

This document records the characteristics of the property, as well as its actual and current condition.

However, many people when renting a property do not give due importance to the need to check its details. This is a very important rule, and is in the law, determining that the property must be returned in the same conditions in which it was delivered to the renter: If the painting was new, it will need to be painted again, in the same color; If the carpet was new, or if it was clean, you will need to have it washed – and if there is any damage, even replace it.

This has on numerous occasions caused annoyance, both for tenants and landlords, when handing over the keys, as the property will always be required to be returned in accordance with the rental contract and inspection report, and until the property is fit for purpose. the contract remains in force, with rent and charges borne by the tenant.

To avoid inconveniences of this type, which end up burdening the tenant when returning the property, carrying out repairs that went unnoticed, and delaying the landlord's receipt of the property, an important tip is to have the inspection report. , evaluate the leased property, comparing the property with the information contained in the inspection report, noting what is not in agreement with what is presented in the inspection report, and taking it to the landlord, or the property administrator, so that such information can be passed on to form an integral part – like a critical report – of the original inspection report, thus avoiding a considerable and always costly delay when returning the property.

Some items to analyze when inspecting the rental property

The inspection report lists all of the property's conservation conditions, such as the condition of the painting, flooring, carpet, doors and any furniture, including photos, in some cases. This report is an integral part of the rental contract, and the tenant will rely on it to prepare the property for delivery, when vacating it.

Some items must be observed:

  • Painting: color and type of paint on walls, ceilings, doors and windows, and what the condition of the paint is;
  • Locks and latches:condition and functioning of all latches and locks;
  • Hydraulics: open all taps and check the flow at all water points in the property;
  • Floors, tiles and coverings: type of flooring and covering of all rooms and the state of conservation of each one of them;
  • Electrical part: turn on the lights, test all sockets and check the light panel;
  • Glassit is important to note whether the window panes are in good condition, as well as whether the windows are opening and closing normally; record any cracks or cracks you find;
  • Furniture: if the property has furniture, such as cupboards, shelves, cabinets, etc., check the condition of each of them, as well as the functioning of handles and hinges, in the case of cupboard doors, cabinets and the like.

What does the law say

Regardless of the region in which the property is located, except for some particularities, the laws are very similar and the tenant is responsible for the maintenance and conservation of the property, and must return it at the end of the lease, “in the condition in which you received it, except for deterioration resulting from normal use”.

This is where the inspection report comes in, which will inform the renter of the condition of the property, providing them with the necessary elements for its conservation, during its daily and constant use.

“It is the tenant's obligation to treat the property with the same care as if it were their own. The tenant must therefore apply, with regard to the property, the care that the average social man employs in conserving his assets. (…) The tenant will be liable for any deterioration caused, directly or indirectly, through third parties, family members or agents” (Sylvio Capanema de Souza, Da Locação do Imóvel Urbano, Forense, page 188, 1999).

Having observed this, it is unlikely that tenants will have any problems when returning properties to landlords, who in turn will always have their properties well looked after, and administrators will be able to provide guarantees and satisfaction to both, always.

Electronic Checklists - The Infocapta Solution

Infocapta is an application that offers a complete solution for property inspections, allowing brokers, tenants and landlords to carry out complete and detailed inspections quickly, safely and professionally.

Functionalities:

  • Complete checklist:The application provides a checklist with all the items to be checked during the inspection, making it easier to identify damage and problems.
  • Professional reports:Infocapta generates PDF reports with photos, descriptions and digital signatures, ensuring a professional and reliable record of the inspection.
  • Agility:The application allows inspections to be carried out offline, optimizing the time and resources of the parties involved.
  • Free Template:Infocapta offers a free property inspection template to get you started using the app right away.
  • Multi-segment and customizable:Infocapta can be used in several other activities besides property inspection.

Benefits:

  • Security : Infocapta ensures that all information collected during the inspection is recorded in a secure and reliable manner.
  • Practicality:The application facilitates the inspection process, eliminating the need for paper and pen.
  • Efficiency: Infocapta speeds up the inspection process, allowing you to save time and money
  • Professionalism:Infocapta generates professional reports that guarantee a reliable record of the inspection.

You can learn more about the benefits of Infocapta here


Conclusion:

The inspection report is an essential tool to ensure a safe and peaceful rental. By dedicating time and attention to its preparation, both the landlord and the tenant can avoid inconvenience and protect their rights. By using Infocapta, landlords and tenants can be sure that the property inspection will be carried out in a professional, efficient and safe manner, ensuring a smoother and more satisfactory rental experience for everyone.

Márcia Milani
She is a Business Analyst, Specialist in Cost Management, New Business, working in the real estate segment where he proposes new alternative tools that guarantee agility, ease and safety in inspection tasks.
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