On June 19 the BC government lifted some restrictions imposed on Landlords during the emergency order. One of the restrictions lifted is the ability for Landlords to perform in person inspections. Performing inspections during a tenancy is often overlooked for its importance to ensure a positive tenancy. I have mentioned before there are three stages of a tenancy, in suite inspections are part of stage two. Owners often ask “Why do I need to do an inspection if my tenant pays rent each month”.  

Tenancy agreements have many different clauses and payment of rent is only one of them. Other common clauses are no pets, no subletting and no smoking. One is unable to determine if tenants have not acquired pets, is the correct person residing in the property or the tenant is not smoking by collecting rent alone. Performing regular property inspections provides Landlords the opportunity to verify all the terms of the tenancy agreement are being met.   

With the development of short term accommodations I have heard of cases where people rent a property to an individual, who then turns and rents it through short term accommodation websites. If this is in a Strata Corporation which prohibits short term accommodations, you the Landlord may be considered in violation of the bylaws and subject to fines imposed by the Strata Corporation. Performing regular inspections provides owners the opportunity to verify tenants who aren’t adhering to all terms of the tenancy agreement. 

Owners say it is a waste of time to perform inspections as tenants must be informed prior to the inspection. Tenants have the right to be informed of the inspection. During an inspection one can usually identify contraventions of the tenancy agreement by observing how the occupant is living. A person staying short term will live differently then a person who is residing there permanently. 

If you suspect but are unsure continue to perform inspections until you find the information you require. Section 29 of the Residential Tenancy Act permits Landlords permission to inspect a rental unit monthly. Regular inspections help Landlords and tenants enjoy a positive tenancy throughout the term of tenancy agreement. Tenants who aren’t in violation of the agreement are usually more willing to welcome inspections. 

With restrictions lifted it may be time to perform an in person inspection of your rental property. Cartref Properties performs two inspections of the property providing the Landlords with a report of their findings with each management agreement. If you need assistance with inspections contact us for further information.

Looking for Property Management you can find more information about us at: www.cartrefproperties.com