Think of your rental property like a car. You wouldn’t wait for the engine to seize before getting an oil change, right? You take it in for routine check-ups to keep it running smoothly and catch small problems before they become big ones. Rental inspections serve the exact same purpose for your investment. They are scheduled health check-ups for your property, allowing you to assess everything from the plumbing to the smoke detectors. This proactive approach is the key to preventing costly repairs, ensuring your tenants have a safe home, and maintaining your property’s long-term value. In this guide, we’ll cover how to perform these essential check-ups effectively, respectfully, and in full compliance with the law.
Key Takeaways
- Use inspections to catch small problems early: A routine walkthrough allows you to address minor maintenance issues, like a slow leak or a loose railing, before they lead to major repairs, saving you significant money in the long run.
- Always follow the legal rules of entry: Respecting your tenant’s privacy by providing proper written notice and understanding local laws is non-negotiable. This protects you from legal disputes and builds a foundation of trust.
- Create a consistent documentation process: Use a standardized checklist and take photos during every inspection. This creates a clear, objective record of the property’s condition that minimizes disagreements over damages and security deposits.
What is a Rental Inspection?
Think of a rental inspection as a routine health check-up for your property. It’s a scheduled walk-through to make sure everything is in good working order, from the plumbing under the sink to the smoke detectors on the ceiling. The goal is to catch small issues before they become big, expensive problems, ensure your tenants are upholding their end of the lease agreement, and keep the property safe for everyone.
Conducting regular inspections is one of the most effective ways to protect your investment. It’s not about being intrusive; it’s about being a responsible and proactive landlord. When done correctly and with clear communication, inspections can also help you build a positive relationship with your tenants by showing them you care about maintaining a safe and comfortable home.
Why Inspections Are Essential
Regular inspections are your first line of defense in protecting your property. They allow you to spot and address minor maintenance issues, like a leaky faucet or a loose handrail, before they escalate into costly repairs. This proactive approach not only saves you money but also keeps your property in top condition, which is essential for attracting and retaining great tenants. Inspections are also crucial for verifying lease compliance. You can confirm that there are no unauthorized pets or occupants and that the property is being cared for as agreed. Most importantly, regular checks of safety features like smoke alarms and locks help you fulfill your legal obligations and provide a secure environment for your tenants. This diligence protects your investment and gives you invaluable peace of mind.
Key Areas to Cover
A thorough inspection covers the property from top to bottom. Inside, you’ll want to check the overall condition of walls, floors, and ceilings for any signs of damage or water stains. Test plumbing and electrical systems by running faucets, flushing toilets, and checking outlets. Don’t forget to look at major appliances to ensure they’re clean and functioning properly. It’s also a good time to confirm that your tenants are following the lease terms, which is easier when you start with a solid Tenant Screening process. Outside, examine the roof, gutters, and siding for any wear and tear. Pay attention to safety features like locks on windows and doors, and test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Keeping a consistent checklist for every inspection helps you stay organized and ensures you don’t miss a thing.
How Early Detection Saves You Money
Catching problems early is one of the smartest financial moves you can make as a landlord. A small, slow leak under a sink might seem minor, but if left unnoticed, it can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs for rotted cabinets, damaged flooring, and mold remediation. Similarly, identifying a pest issue in its early stages is far cheaper and easier to resolve than dealing with a full-blown infestation. These regular check-ups are an investment in your property’s future. By spending a little time on inspections, you prevent small issues from draining your budget and protect the long-term value of your asset. A well-maintained property not only saves you money on repairs but also helps ensure a steady rental income, which you can further protect with a Rent Guarantee.
The 4 Main Types of Rental Inspections
Not all rental inspections are created equal. Each type serves a distinct purpose, from setting expectations at the start of a lease to ensuring the property is well-maintained throughout. Understanding the difference will help you protect your investment, maintain a positive relationship with your tenants, and stay on the right side of the law. Think of them as key checkpoints in the lifecycle of a tenancy. By knowing when and why to conduct each one, you can create a clear, professional process that benefits everyone involved.
A structured inspection schedule is one of the most effective tools a landlord has for proactive property management. It allows you to identify maintenance issues before they become expensive emergencies, confirm your tenants are upholding their lease obligations, and document the property’s condition over time. This documentation is invaluable, especially when it comes to handling the security deposit at the end of a lease. Without a clear record, it’s your word against your tenant’s, which can lead to disputes and potential legal trouble. By treating inspections as a standard part of your business operations, you establish a professional tone and show that you care about the upkeep of your property. This guide will walk you through the four main types of inspections you’ll use as a landlord.
Move-in Inspections
A move-in inspection is your starting point for a new tenancy. It’s conducted just before your tenant gets the keys, and its main job is to document the property’s exact condition. According to DoorLoop, a real estate software company, during this process, “a checklist is used to record the property’s condition, and both the landlord and the tenant sign it.” This signed document is incredibly important because it creates a baseline that you can refer back to later. It protects you from being responsible for pre-existing issues and protects your tenant from being blamed for them. Using a detailed checklist and taking plenty of photos will make this record even stronger, helping you start the tenancy on a foundation of trust and clarity.
Move-out Inspections
When a tenancy ends, it’s time for a move-out inspection. This is where your diligent work during the move-in inspection pays off. The goal here is to assess the property for any new issues beyond normal wear and tear. As the team at RentPrep explains, “The landlord checks for any damages that exceed normal wear and tear, using the move-in checklist as a reference.” This direct comparison is essential for fairly determining if you need to make any deductions from the security deposit. Having a thorough tenant screening process from the beginning can minimize the chances of significant damage, but this final walkthrough ensures you can address any problems that do arise.
Routine Inspections
Routine inspections are your chance to be proactive. These checks are typically done once or twice a year to make sure everything is in good working order. They are a great tool for preventative maintenance, allowing you to catch small problems like a leaky faucet before they turn into major, costly repairs. As noted by the financial platform Azibo, these inspections are beneficial for “early problem detection, ensuring tenant compliance with lease terms, and maintaining the safety and integrity of the property.” Always remember to provide your tenant with proper written notice before a routine inspection. This is not only a legal requirement but also shows respect for their home and privacy.
Emergency Inspections
Sometimes, you need to enter a property immediately without the usual notice period. This is reserved for true emergencies that pose a threat to the property or the tenant’s safety. As Azibo points out, “In cases of emergencies, such as gas leaks or severe plumbing issues, landlords have the right to enter the property without prior notice.” This right is critical for addressing urgent situations quickly, like a fire, a major flood, or a suspected gas leak. Because you are entering your tenant’s private space without warning, this right should only be used for genuine emergencies. It’s a crucial tool for protecting your investment and ensuring your tenant’s well-being when every second counts.
Know the Legal Rules for Inspections
Conducting a rental inspection is more than just a walkthrough—it’s a formal process governed by specific rules. As a landlord, your right to enter a tenant’s home is balanced against their right to privacy and quiet enjoyment of the property. Getting this balance right is key to avoiding legal headaches and maintaining a positive, professional relationship with your tenants. Before you schedule your next inspection, make sure you’re clear on the legal framework. Following these rules protects you, your tenant, and your investment, ensuring every inspection is smooth, respectful, and productive.
Give Proper Notice
You can’t just show up unannounced. Providing proper notice is a fundamental legal requirement and a basic sign of respect for your tenant’s privacy. In most places, you must give tenants written notice at least 24 hours before you plan to enter the property. This notice should clearly state the date, time, and reason for the inspection. Putting it in writing creates a clear record that you’ve followed the correct procedure. This simple step prevents misunderstandings and shows your tenants that you are a professional who respects their home and their time, setting a cooperative tone for the inspection itself.
Follow Provincial and Local Laws
Landlord-tenant laws aren’t one-size-fits-all; they vary significantly depending on where your property is located. Provincial and even municipal regulations dictate everything from how much notice you must provide to what times of day you can enter. It’s your responsibility to know and follow the specific residential tenancy laws for your area. Always check the rules laid out by your local landlord and tenant board. Your lease agreement should also reflect these legal requirements. Staying informed is your best defense against potential disputes and ensures you’re always operating on solid legal ground.
Comply with Fair Housing
Fair housing laws are in place to prevent discrimination, and they apply to inspections, too. You must treat all your tenants equally. This means you can’t single out a specific tenant for more frequent or intrusive inspections based on personal feelings or biases. Your inspection schedule and process should be consistent for everyone. For example, if you conduct annual inspections, do them for all your units, not just one. Applying your policies uniformly demonstrates fairness and professionalism, which helps you build trust with your tenants and protects you from accusations of discrimination.
Document Everything
Thorough documentation is your best friend during an inspection. Before the tenant moves in and during each inspection, take detailed photos and videos of the property’s condition. Capture everything: walls, floors, ceilings, appliances, and any existing wear and tear. A written checklist can help you stay organized and ensure you don’t miss anything. This creates a clear, objective record that can be invaluable if a dispute arises later, especially concerning the security deposit. Good documentation protects both you and your tenant by providing concrete evidence of the property’s condition over time.
Understand Privacy Laws
While you have the right to inspect your property, your tenant has a right to privacy. This means you can’t go through their personal belongings. Your inspection should focus on the property itself—the structure, fixtures, and appliances. Avoid opening closets and drawers that are full of personal items. The goal is to check for maintenance issues and lease violations, not to scrutinize how your tenant lives. Respecting these boundaries is crucial for maintaining a good landlord-tenant relationship. It shows that you trust them and respect their right to make the space their home.
What Can You Legally Inspect?
Knowing what you can and can’t look at during an inspection is key to protecting your property while respecting your tenant’s rights. A proper inspection is about checking the condition of your asset, not snooping on your tenant’s personal life. The goal is to ensure the property is safe, well-maintained, and that the lease terms are being followed. By sticking to a clear set of guidelines, you can conduct thorough inspections that are both effective and legally sound, building a foundation of trust and professionalism with your tenants.
Interior Areas and Systems
When you step inside the unit, your focus should be on the property’s health and safety. You have the right to check the general condition of rooms, including walls, floors, and ceilings. Test major systems like plumbing for leaks, electrical outlets for functionality, and the heating and cooling systems to ensure they’re working correctly. It’s also important to inspect any appliances you provide, like the stove or refrigerator. Look for any signs of damage beyond normal wear and tear or any unauthorized alterations. Following a consistent property maintenance checklist helps ensure you cover all your bases without overstepping.
Exterior and Common Areas
Your inspection responsibilities don’t stop at the tenant’s front door. You should regularly assess all exterior and common areas of the property. For single-family homes, this includes the yard, roof, and siding. In a multi-unit building, pay close attention to shared spaces like hallways, stairwells, laundry rooms, and lobbies. Check for structural issues, safety hazards like broken railings or poor lighting, and general cleanliness. Maintaining these areas not only keeps your tenants safe and happy but also preserves your property’s curb appeal and value. A well-kept exterior signals to tenants that you are a responsible and attentive landlord.
Safety Features
Ensuring all safety features are in working order is one of your most important duties as a landlord. During every inspection, make it a priority to test all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Check the expiration date and pressure gauge on any fire extinguishers you provide. These simple checks are critical for tenant safety and are often required by local regulations. Documenting that these safety devices are functional can also be crucial for liability purposes. A safe home is a fundamental right for every tenant, and regular checks show you take that responsibility seriously.
Areas That Are Off-Limits
Respecting a tenant’s privacy is non-negotiable. While you can inspect the property, you cannot go through their personal belongings. This means you should not open closets or drawers, look through their mail, or examine personal documents. Tenants have a right to the “quiet enjoyment” of their home, which means they should be free from unreasonable disturbances. Avoid inspecting areas that are locked by the tenant unless you have their explicit permission or it’s a genuine emergency. Intrusive behavior can damage your relationship with the tenant and could even lead to legal trouble.
Guidelines for Taking Photos
Documenting your inspection with photos and videos is a smart move. Visual evidence provides a clear record of the property’s condition and can be invaluable if a dispute arises over damages. Focus your camera on the property itself—walls, floors, ceilings, and appliances. Be sure to capture any existing damage before the tenant moves in and any new issues you find during routine checks. To respect privacy, avoid capturing personal items like family photos, mail, or computers in your shots. Using a rental inspection checklist can help you stay organized and ensure you document everything systematically.
How to Respect Tenant Privacy During Inspections
Conducting inspections is a necessary part of protecting your investment, but it’s just as important to remember that your property is your tenant’s home. Respecting their privacy isn’t just a legal requirement; it’s the foundation of a positive and professional landlord-tenant relationship. A tenant who feels respected is more likely to take good care of your property and communicate openly about any issues. By approaching inspections with clear communication and a professional attitude, you can accomplish your goals while ensuring your tenants feel secure and comfortable in their space.
Communicate Your Plans Clearly
The first rule of a respectful inspection is to never show up unannounced. Always provide your tenants with written notice before you plan to enter the property. While the legal requirement is typically 24 hours, giving even more notice is a great courtesy. This simple step shows respect for their time and personal space, giving them a chance to prepare for your visit. A clear, friendly email or a formal letter outlining the date, time, and purpose of the inspection sets a professional tone and ensures there are no surprises. This small act of clear communication can prevent misunderstandings and helps maintain a cooperative relationship with your tenants.
Find the Best Time to Schedule
Flexibility can go a long way in making inspections a smooth process. Instead of just telling your tenant when you’ll be there, try to work with them to find a mutually agreeable time. Scheduling the inspection when the tenant can be present is often ideal for both of you. It gives them peace of mind and provides you with an opportunity to walk through the property together. They can point out any maintenance issues they’ve noticed, and you can address their questions in real-time. This collaborative approach turns an inspection from a potential intrusion into a productive check-in on the property’s health.
Know Your Tenant’s Rights
Every tenant has the legal right to “quiet enjoyment” of their home, which means they have the right to live without unreasonable disturbances. As a landlord, it’s your responsibility to understand and respect this right. This includes providing proper notice, having a valid reason for entry, and conducting inspections at reasonable hours. Violating these rights can lead to legal trouble and damage your relationship with your tenant. The best way to ensure everyone is on the same page is to outline the inspection process clearly in your lease. Using a digital lease agreement helps formalize these terms from the start, protecting both you and your tenant.
Acknowledge Their Right to Be Present
While you have the right to inspect your property, your tenant has the right to be there when you do. Always give them the option to be present during the inspection. Their presence is valuable, as it fosters transparency and open dialogue. When a tenant walks through the property with you, they can provide context on any wear and tear or alert you to minor problems before they become major ones. Acknowledging their right to be there shows that you see them as a partner in maintaining the property, not just a resident. This simple acknowledgment builds trust and encourages a more collaborative approach to property care.
Maintain Professional Boundaries
During an inspection, your focus should be solely on the condition of the property and its systems—not your tenant’s personal life. It’s essential to maintain professional boundaries at all times. This means you should never go through their personal belongings, such as opening drawers or closets filled with their things. When taking photos for your records, be mindful to capture the issue at hand (like a leaky faucet or a crack in the wall) while avoiding personal items like family photos or documents. Sticking to the purpose of the inspection and respecting their personal space reinforces your role as a professional property manager and builds lasting trust.
Create an Effective Inspection Process
Walking through a rental property can feel overwhelming if you don’t have a plan. A structured inspection process turns a potentially awkward walkthrough into a professional, productive assessment. It’s not about looking for reasons to find fault; it’s about protecting your investment and ensuring a safe home for your tenants. When you have a clear system, you build trust and transparency, making it easier to handle any issues that come up.
A solid process ensures you’re consistent with every property and every tenant, which is key to being a fair and effective landlord. It also creates a paper trail that can be invaluable if you ever face a dispute over property conditions or security deposits. By standardizing your approach, you can move through inspections efficiently, document everything properly, and follow up on repairs without letting anything fall through the cracks. This system is your best tool for maintaining your property’s value and fostering a positive landlord-tenant relationship.
Use a Standardized Checklist
A checklist is your best friend during an inspection. It ensures you don’t forget to check the smoke detectors or the leaky faucet under the kitchen sink. Using a standardized rental inspection checklist helps you be thorough and consistent every single time. It creates a formal record of the property’s condition that both you and your tenant can sign off on. This simple tool is incredibly effective for tracking changes over time, from the initial move-in to the final move-out. It provides a clear, side-by-side comparison that minimizes disagreements about what constitutes normal wear and tear versus actual damage.
Digitize Your Documentation
While a paper checklist is great, supplementing it with digital proof is even better. Take photos and videos of every room, paying close attention to walls, floors, ceilings, and appliances. This visual evidence creates an undeniable record of the property’s condition at a specific point in time and can prevent arguments down the road. Store these files in a dedicated folder on the cloud, organized by property address and date. This makes it easy to pull up a move-in photo during a move-out inspection to clarify a concern. Having a digital log is a modern, efficient way to manage your properties and protect yourself.
Keep Detailed Records
Your documentation is more than just photos. It’s the complete story of your property’s condition and your interactions with the tenant. Always keep detailed records that include your written notes, the signed checklist, and copies of any communication about maintenance issues. This comprehensive file is your primary source of proof if a disagreement arises. Should you need to withhold part of a security deposit for repairs, your thorough records will justify the decision with clear, factual evidence. It’s a professional habit that demonstrates you’re a diligent and organized landlord, which tenants will appreciate.
Define Your Follow-up Procedure
Finding an issue during an inspection is only half the battle; your follow-up is what truly matters. Once the inspection is complete, share a copy of the report with your tenant and clearly outline any necessary repairs. Establish who is responsible for each task—whether it’s you or the tenant—and set a reasonable deadline for completion. If problems are found, you’ll need to list them and give the tenant time to fix them. A clear, documented follow-up procedure shows you’re proactive and serious about property maintenance, which helps keep your investment in top shape and your tenants happy.
How to Handle Common Inspection Challenges
Even with the best planning, inspections can present a few hurdles. Tenants might feel anxious, you might discover unexpected repairs, or you could find yourself short on time. The key is to anticipate these challenges and have a plan to address them calmly and professionally. Handling these situations with care not only protects your property but also strengthens your relationship with your tenants. Let’s walk through some common scenarios and how you can manage them effectively, ensuring every inspection is a productive and positive experience for everyone involved.
Address Tenant Concerns
Tenants can sometimes feel like an inspection is a personal judgment on their housekeeping. It’s your job to ease their worries. When you provide notice, clearly explain the purpose of the visit. Frame it as a routine check-up to ensure everything is in good working order for their safety and comfort—not a white-glove test. Reassuring them that this is a standard part of property maintenance helps build trust and shows you respect their home. A simple, friendly explanation can turn a potentially tense situation into a collaborative effort to keep the property in great shape.
Manage Your Time
Respecting your tenant’s time is just as important as respecting their space. While you need to be thorough, you don’t want to overstay your welcome. Arrive prepared with your checklist and a clear plan of what you need to see. Move through the property efficiently, focusing on your key inspection points without lingering unnecessarily. This shows professionalism and consideration for your tenant’s schedule. Being organized allows you to complete a comprehensive check in a reasonable amount of time, minimizing disruption and leaving a positive impression. It’s all about finding that balance between being detailed and being swift.
Respond to Maintenance Issues
One of the main goals of an inspection is to catch maintenance issues before they become major problems. When you find something that needs fixing—a leaky faucet, a running toilet, or a cracked window—document it immediately with photos and notes. After the inspection, create a prioritized list of repairs and communicate your action plan to the tenant. Promptly addressing maintenance requests not only protects your investment but also shows your tenants you’re a responsive and responsible landlord. This proactive approach is a core part of effective property management and helps maintain the value and safety of your rental.
Stay Legally Compliant
Navigating the legal side of inspections is non-negotiable. Always provide proper written notice as required by your local laws—usually 24 hours, but this can vary. Failing to do so can lead to serious disputes and legal penalties. It’s crucial to understand and follow the specific landlord-tenant laws in your province or territory. Using a standardized and legally sound lease agreement from the start can help set clear expectations for inspections. Documenting every step, from the initial notice to the final report, creates a clear record that protects both you and your tenant.
Prepare for Emergencies
While routine inspections require advance notice, emergencies are a different story. Situations like a fire, a major flood, or a gas leak require immediate action, and the law typically allows you to enter the property without notice to address the threat. However, it’s important to know what legally constitutes an emergency to avoid overstepping. Once the immediate danger is handled and it’s safe to do so, you should inform your tenant about the situation and the actions you took. Having a clear protocol for emergencies ensures you can act swiftly to protect your property while still respecting your tenant’s rights.
Set Up Your Inspection Schedule
A consistent inspection schedule is your best tool for proactive property management. Instead of reacting to problems as they arise, a well-planned schedule helps you stay ahead of maintenance, protect your investment, and maintain a positive relationship with your tenants. The key is to find a rhythm that works for your property, your tenants, and your local regulations. By being organized and transparent, you can turn inspections from a dreaded task into a routine part of keeping your rental in top shape. This structured approach not only saves you from costly emergency repairs but also shows your tenants that you are a responsible and caring landlord.
Decide on the Right Frequency
Finding the right inspection frequency is a balancing act between being thorough and respecting your tenant’s space. There’s no magic number, but a common approach is to conduct inspections every three to six months. For a new tenancy, you might start with a quarterly check-in for the first year. This allows you to catch any potential issues early and build a rapport. Once you’ve established a trusted relationship with a long-term tenant, you can comfortably switch to a bi-annual or annual schedule. The goal is to be present enough to protect your asset without making your tenants feel like they’re living under a microscope. A solid tenant screening process from the start can also give you the confidence to adopt a less frequent schedule sooner.
Consider Seasonal Checks
Tying your inspections to the seasons is a smart and practical strategy. It creates a natural, predictable rhythm for maintenance that tenants can understand and appreciate. For example, you can schedule a fall inspection to check the heating system, clear gutters, and look for drafts before winter sets in. In the spring, you can inspect the air conditioning, check for water damage from melting snow, and assess the condition of the roof and exterior paint. These seasonal checks help you address small issues before they become major, expensive problems. A seasonal maintenance checklist can be an invaluable tool to ensure you cover all your bases and keep your property safe and welcoming year-round.
Coordinate with Your Tenants
Clear communication is the foundation of a smooth inspection process. Always work with your tenants to find a mutually agreeable time, and be sure to provide the legally required amount of notice. While you have the right to inspect your property, it’s also their home. Whenever possible, invite your tenant to be present during the inspection. This transparency builds trust and turns the inspection into a collaborative effort. Your tenant can point out concerns you might not notice, like a slow drain or a finicky appliance. This open dialogue not only helps you maintain the property better but also fosters a respectful landlord-tenant relationship that can lead to longer, more stable tenancies.
Plan for Different Property Types
Not all properties are created equal, and your inspection plan should reflect that. The checklist for a single-family home will look very different from one for a condo unit. A house requires you to inspect the roof, foundation, yard, and exterior structures, while a condo inspection will focus more on interior systems, appliances, and fixtures, as the condo association typically handles the building’s exterior. If you manage a diverse portfolio, create tailored checklists for each property type. This ensures you don’t overlook critical elements specific to each rental. A customized approach demonstrates professionalism and helps you effectively manage your properties to protect their long-term value.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I really be doing routine inspections? A good rule of thumb is to conduct a routine inspection once or twice a year. For a new tenant, you might schedule one after the first three months to ensure everything is going smoothly, then switch to an annual schedule. The key is to be consistent and reasonable. Your goal is to protect your property through preventative maintenance, not to make your tenants feel constantly monitored. Always check your local landlord-tenant laws, as they may have specific rules on frequency.
What’s the difference between “normal wear and tear” and actual “damage”? Think of it this way: normal wear and tear is the gentle, expected decline of a property from everyday living. This includes things like minor scuffs on the walls from furniture, faded paint from sunlight, or worn-out carpet in a main walkway. Damage, on the other hand, is the result of negligence, accidents, or abuse. Examples of damage include large holes in the wall, a broken window, deep scratches on a wood floor from dragging heavy furniture, or significant stains on the carpet from a pet.
Can I take photos during an inspection if my tenant’s apartment is messy? Yes, you can and should take photos to document the property’s condition, even if the space is untidy. Your focus, however, should be on the property itself—the walls, floors, appliances, and fixtures. For example, if there’s a new crack in the ceiling, photograph the crack. Try your best to frame the shot to exclude personal items like family photos, mail, or computers. The goal is to create a record of your asset’s condition, not to pass judgment on your tenant’s housekeeping.
What should I do if my tenant refuses to allow an inspection? If a tenant refuses entry after you’ve provided proper written notice, start with a conversation. There may be a simple misunderstanding or a scheduling conflict you can resolve. If they still refuse, send a formal letter reminding them of the inspection clause in their lease agreement and your legal right to enter. If the issue continues, it’s best to seek legal advice rather than attempting to force entry, as this could lead to a more serious dispute.
Do I need to give notice for a “drive-by” inspection to check the outside of the property? Generally, you do not need to provide the standard 24-hour written notice to view the property’s exterior from a public street or sidewalk. However, you cannot walk around the yard or look into windows without giving proper notice, as this would infringe on the tenant’s right to quiet enjoyment. Keep it professional and respectful; the purpose is to check on the building’s condition, not to monitor your tenant’s activities.