Monthly Rental Property Inspection Checklist
Regular monthly inspections protect property value, identify maintenance issues early, and verify lease compliance. This checklist covers habitability standards, safety devices, and condition tracking per HUD Housing Quality Standards and state landlord-tenant laws.
- Industry: Real Estate & Property Management
- Frequency: Monthly
- Estimated Time: 20-30 minutes
- Role: Property Manager / Building Inspector
- Total Items: 32
- Compliance: HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS), ICC International Property Maintenance Code, NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm Code, State Landlord-Tenant Inspection Rights Laws, Canada National Building Code (NBC 2020)
Exterior Condition
Inspect exterior of property for maintenance needs.
- Exterior paint or siding in good condition - no peeling, cracking, or rot?
- Roof and gutters free of visible debris, damage, or leaks?
- Driveway and walkways clear of cracks, hazards, or trip hazards?
- Landscaping maintained per lease requirements?
- No evidence of pest infestation at exterior (rodent burrows, nests)?
Interior General Condition
Inspect general interior condition for maintenance and lease compliance.
- No visible mold or mildew on walls, ceilings, or in bathrooms?
- No new water stains or signs of active leaks?
- Unit maintained in reasonably clean and sanitary condition per lease?
- No evidence of unauthorized occupants beyond lease?
- No evidence of unauthorized pets if lease prohibits?
- No obvious lease violations (smoking, subletting, commercial use)?
Plumbing
Check plumbing for leaks and proper function.
- No visible leaks under sinks, at toilets, or water heater?
- All drains flowing freely without sluggish drainage?
- Adequate water pressure hot and cold throughout?
- Water heater no visible rust, leaks, or age concerns (replace at 10-12 years)?
- No toilets running continuously (water waste)?
Safety Systems
Test all safety devices per NFPA standards.
- All smoke detectors present and tested - chirp indicates low battery?
- CO detectors tested and functioning (if gas appliances or attached garage)?
- GFCI outlets in wet areas functional?
- Egress windows in bedrooms operational and not blocked?
- No fire hazards identified (excessive combustibles, improper storage)?
HVAC and Appliances
Verify HVAC and appliance condition.
- HVAC filter condition checked - replacement needed?
- Heating and cooling systems operating properly?
- All provided appliances functioning?
- Dryer vent clear and properly connected (fire hazard if clogged)?
- HVAC and appliance service notes
Deferred Maintenance and Open Items
Track outstanding maintenance and follow-up items.
- All maintenance items from previous inspection resolved?
- New maintenance items identified this inspection?
- Any urgent repairs requiring immediate attention within 24-48 hours?
- Outstanding tenant maintenance requests addressed?
- Seasonal preventive maintenance items scheduled?
- Overall inspection notes and observations
Related Real Estate Property Checklists
- Vacant Property Security and Condition Inspection Checklist
- Annual Comprehensive Property Inspection Checklist
- Foreclosure and REO Property Condition Assessment Checklist
- Lease Renewal Property Assessment Checklist
- Commercial Property Tenant Space Inspection Checklist
- HOA Community Common Area and Facilities Inspection Checklist
- Property Damage Insurance Claim Inspection Checklist
- HVAC Seasonal Readiness and Preventive Maintenance Checklist
Related Property Inspection Checklists
- Move-In Property Condition Inspection Checklist - FREE Download
- Move-Out Property Condition and Damage Assessment Checklist - FREE Download
- Vacant Property Security and Condition Inspection Checklist - FREE Download
- Annual Comprehensive Property Inspection Checklist - FREE Download
- Foreclosure and REO Property Condition Assessment Checklist - FREE Download
- Lease Renewal Property Assessment Checklist - FREE Download
- Commercial Property Tenant Space Inspection Checklist - FREE Download
- HOA Community Common Area and Facilities Inspection Checklist - FREE Download
- Property Damage Insurance Claim Inspection Checklist - FREE Download
Why Use This Monthly Rental Property Inspection Checklist?
This monthly rental property inspection checklist helps real estate & property management teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for property manager / building inspector professionals, this checklist covers 32 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: monthly.
Ensures compliance with HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS), ICC International Property Maintenance Code, NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm Code, State Landlord-Tenant Inspection Rights Laws, Canada National Building Code (NBC 2020). Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Monthly Rental Property Inspection Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 32 inspection items across 6 sections: Exterior Condition, Interior General Condition, Plumbing, Safety Systems, HVAC and Appliances, Deferred Maintenance and Open Items. It is designed for real estate & property management operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed monthly. Each completion takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
Who should use this Monthly Rental Property Inspection Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Property Manager / Building Inspector professionals in the real estate & property management industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.