Rental properties in Alabama come with a unique set of maintenance challenges shaped by the region’s humid subtropical climate. Even the seasonal swings can affect the structure in more ways than one, especially if it’s older housing stock.
There are many ways to slow down the natural wear and tear of a home, and one of them is routine inspections. By finding issues early, you can resolve them before they get worse and more expensive. Of course, you need to be thorough, and you can do that by using a checklist of your own. Here’s what should be included.
Exterior
Hot, humid summers and periodic heavy rainfall can take a toll on your building exterior.
- Roof: Check for missing, curling, or damaged shingles, since summer storms and occasional hail can cause wear. The smallest damage can lead to water leaks, which can seep into walls, ceilings, and the foundation.
- Gutters and Downspouts: Confirm that they’re clear and properly directing water away from the foundation. Clogged gutters and downspouts due to debris can overflow, and water will trickle down in areas that shouldn’t remain dry.
- Siding and Trim: Look for signs of cracking, peeling paint, or signs of moisture damage. These aren’t necessarily extreme damage, but they affect the curb appeal of your rental property. They are also fairly cheap to resolve.
- Moisture: Humidity in the region can cause wood rot, mold, and mildew. If you don’t catch these early, they can cause significant damage and expensive repairs.
Plumbing Systems
Plumbing issues are among the most common and costly problems landlords face.
- Test all faucets, showerheads, and toilets for proper function and water pressure.
- Check under sinks for leaks, corrosion, or water stains.
- Inspect exposed pipes for signs of rust or damage, especially since humidity is a common problem in places like Birmingham.
- Check the sewer line and drainage, especially in older homes, since they are common throughout Birmingham neighborhoods.
Electrical Systems
Electrical safety should never be overlooked. Not only can they harm your renters, but they can also be the cause of electrical fires.
- Test all outlets and switches to confirm that they work properly, and check that GFCI outlets are installed and functioning in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas, as required by code.
- Inspect the electrical panel for outdated wiring, since older homes tend to have knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring, both of which pose fire risks and may need updating.
HVAC Systems
Given Birmingham’s long, hot, and humid summers, a functioning cooling system is important for renters. It is no longer a luxury but an essential amenity.
- Inspect the air conditioning unit for proper cooling function. Check refrigerant lines and confirm the system isn't unusually loud or leaking.
- Replace or check air filters, since dirty filters reduce efficiency and air quality. That can result in higher energy bills, which your tenants can complain about.
- Test the heating system before winter, even though Birmingham winters are relatively mild, but it’s still important to ensure tenants have reliable heat during cold snaps.
- Inspect ductwork for visible damage, disconnection, or excessive dust, which can indicate poor air quality or inefficient system performance.
Pest Control
Alabama's warm, humid climate creates ideal conditions for termites, ants, roaches, and other pests. Your rental inspection checklist should include termite damage and mud tubes near the foundation, along with evidence of rodent activity. It’s crucial not to skip annual termite bonds or inspections given how prevalent termite activity is throughout central Alabama. This expense will eventually pay for itself when your property remains pest-free all year long.
Safety Features
Features like locks and smoke detectors are what keep your tenants safe within the premises, which is why this is something you simply cannot skip. Additionally, working locks and smoke detectors are mandated by law in order to meet habitability standards.
- Check the batteries in the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and whether they are currently working properly. If not, replace them immediately.
- Inspect every lock on all the entryways, such as windows and doors, to make sure that they are secure. A single faulty lock can already pose a threat to your tenants.
The Importance of Documentation
It’s advisable to keep records of your findings for many reasons. One is for evidence should a dispute arise between you and your tenant concerning security deposit deductions or claims of not conducting maintenance and repairs.
The other is for rental property monitoring, so you can spot patterns and pinpoint problem areas. If the HVAC system is constantly failing, for example, you may be better off replacing the system instead of constantly having to repair it.
Leaving the Tedious Work to Professionals
Inspecting rental units regularly is a core part of property management and is crucial to keep rental property conditions ideal. It does take a lot of work, even if you have a single-family home. Other than going through a checklist, you have to address issues you do find.
With Livewell Property Management, we can help you conduct inspections regularly, coordinate maintenance when needed, and oversee repairs. You will gain access to our vendor network to get better-quality services at a lower price.
Contact us, and we can make an arrangement that works for you!
More Resources:
Alabama's Landlord Repair Obligations: What Birmingham Owners Are Actually Required to Fix
