When Colorado Springs landlords who manage their own rentals come to us with complaints about tenant damage, pets that were never approved, tenants that don’t respond to communication, and a general sense of angst around the condition of their investment property, we often ask them what they found at their last inspection.
And then there is an uncomfortable silence because an alarming number of property owners do not inspect their rental homes.
This is a mistake. Inspections should be routine, robust, and well-documented.
In Colorado Springs, we’re currently enjoying a rental market that offers high demand, comfortable rental prices, and a strong pool of tenants who are looking for well-maintained, attractive rental homes. You cannot provide such a property if you’re not conducting property inspections.
Regular property inspections are essential to keeping your property safe, habitable, and legally compliant. To help rental property owners in Colorado Springs with the process of inspecting properties, we have put together an inspection checklist. This will help you focus on what needs to be done and why.
Make sure you’re covering all necessary inspection areas, especially if you’re doing it yourself.
If even the idea of inspecting feels overwhelming, a Colorado Springs property management company is absolutely essential. Contact us.
Property Inspections Matter in Colorado Springs
Sometimes, we’ll have an owner ask us why inspections are so important. There are several answers to this question.
- Tenant Safety and Satisfaction
Inspections help identify hazards like mold, faulty wiring, or plumbing leaks before they become serious issues. Keeping your property safe and well-maintained leads to happier tenants and lower turnover. While many owners worry about disrupting tenants during an inspection, we’ve found that with enough notice, tenants are happy to have us taking a look around and checking for potential problems. It’s also a good time to talk about anything they might need or want to enjoy a more satisfying rental experience. - Legal Compliance
Colorado has landlord-tenant laws that require properties to meet basic habitability standards. Inspections help you comply with local codes and avoid potential legal disputes or fines. Ensuring a property is ready to rent is an especially good reason to conduct a move-in inspection before the tenant moves in. - Protecting Your Investment
Colorado’s climate is unique, and the freeze-thaw cycle throughout the winter, the summer hail, and the strong UV exposure we get out here can wear down exteriors, roofs, and windows faster than in milder climates. Regular inspections help prevent expensive surprises down the road, saving you money on deferred issues. - Preparing for Future Sales or Refinancing
A well-documented history of property upkeep and inspections adds value and makes transactions smoother when you decide to refinance or sell.
When to Conduct Property Inspections
When is the right time to inspect your property? If there’s something that’s wrong, you’ll want to get in there right away. A tenant complaining about a leaky faucet, for example, should trigger an entire plumbing inspection.
Timing matters when it comes to inspections. Here are the key points when you should perform them:
- Move-in Inspection. Document the condition of the property before a tenant moves in and make sure it’s move-in ready.
- Seasonal or Annual Inspections. Catch wear and tear, and perform preventative maintenance ahead of heavy snow or intense rain.
- Drive-by Inspections. These can provide a quick external review to spot visible issues.
- Move-out Inspection. Assess damage beyond normal wear and tear after a tenant vacates.
- Post-Storm or Emergency Inspections. Essential after hail, fire, or flood events.
We like to get inside the property at least once during the tenancy to check for any maintenance needs. Always provide at least 24 hours’ written notice to tenants before entering the property, as required by Colorado law. Make sure you include this requirement in your lease agreement too, so tenants know to expect it.
Here It Is: Our Detailed Colorado Springs Rental Property Inspection Checklist
Not sure where to start or how to proceed? We can help. Here’s a detailed checklist to guide your inspections, whether you’re starting a move-in inspection, a move-out inspection, or a mid-lease walk-through.
- Start with an Exterior Inspection
Colorado’s climate can be tough on property exteriors. Focus on:
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- Roofs
You’ll want to look for missing, loose, or damaged shingles (hail damage is common). Check for any soft spots or signs of leaks. Inspect flashing, vents, and chimneys.
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- Gutters and Downspouts
Clear out any debris such as sticks and leaves that may have gathered. Ensure proper drainage away from the foundation of your property, and check for sagging or loose sections.
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- Siding and Paint
Inspect for cracks, warping, or fading. Check caulking around windows and doors. It’s also important to look for signs of wood rot or pest intrusion.
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- Foundations
You do not want to see any visible cracks or shifting, and check the basement or crawl space for any signs of moisture or mold.
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- Windows and Doors
Look at the glass, and check for broken seals, cracks, and proper locking mechanisms. Inspect weather stripping and insulation.
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- Landscaping
All trees and shrubs should be trimmed away from structures. Ensure irrigation systems work properly and don’t cause water pooling near the home.
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- Walkways, Paths, and Driveways
Safety is the priority here; check for trip hazards like cracks or uneven sections. Note any snow removal equipment or salt that may have caused damage after winter.
- Move Onto an Interior Inspection
Once you have completed a look at the outside of your property, move onto the interior, where you’ll want to make sure that your property’s systems are operating as expected.
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- Walls & Ceilings
Look for cracks, stains (potential leaks), or holes. It’s also important to detect any signs of mold or mildew should be noted immediately.
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- Flooring Condition
If you have carpet, check for stains, burns, holes, and odors. On hard surface flooring, look for warping or scratches. Tiles should not be loose or cracked. Investigate the condition of the grout.
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- Doors & Locks & Windows
Test all interior and exterior doors. Ensure all locks function and meet local security standards. Open and close each window and inspect for proper seals, screen integrity, and lock function.
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- Smoke and Carbon Monoxide
Test and replace batteries if needed. Remember that Colorado law requires CO detectors within 15 feet of all bedrooms.
- Systems and Appliances
Your tenants will likely report a breakdown in a refrigerator or the heat. But, being proactive and preventative can save you money and stress.
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- HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
Filters should be changed regularly. Test the heating and cooling functions and clean out vents while checking duct seals. We recommend you schedule annual service.
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- Plumbing
Test all faucets, toilets, and shower heads. Look under sinks for leaks. Ensure the water heater is functioning and has no corrosion or leaks.
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- Electrical
It’s important to examine and test outlets and switches. Check your property’s breaker box for tripped circuits or burn marks. Look for exposed wiring or missing outlet covers.
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- Appliances
Test the appliances, including your oven, stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, washer, and dryer. Clean all filters and inspect hoses and cords.
- Kitchen & Bathroom Checklist
The kitchens and the bathrooms are often the most-used spaces in a rental home. They deserve some special attention during your inspections.
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- Kitchens
Look at all the cabinets and drawers, making sure that they open and close properly. Backsplash and countertops should be free of damage and your garbage disposal and range hood (if present) should be tested.
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- Bathrooms
Look for proper caulking and grouting around tubs and showers. Test your water pressure and the hot water temperatures. Look at the condition of exhaust fans and signs of mold/mildew.
Documentation Tips
Always document your inspections thoroughly. Use a standardized checklist for consistency and take time-stamped photos or video (especially for move-in/move-out inspections). Note minor wear vs. damage that may warrant tenant charges.
Save everything digitally with backups, which will be especially helpful if legal disputes arise.
Pro Tips for Property Owners in Colorado Springs
We recommend to owners in Colorado Springs to inspect for winter damage during the spring and to inspect for seasonal prep during the autumn. As property managers in Colorado Springs, we have some access to great technology, which helps us a lot with inspections. If you’re not using a software system of some kind, you could be wasting time.
Remember that your tenants are your partners. Provide a basic self-inspection list they can use quarterly. This encourages proactive maintenance reporting.
Partnering with professionals is always your best and safest bet when it comes to property inspections. These check-ins reduce risk, improve tenant satisfaction, and ensure there’s not a lot of maintenance that’s being ignored.
With this Colorado Springs property inspection checklist that we’ve provided, you’re better prepared to safeguard your investment and your peace of mind. But there’s a lot more we can do for you. Please contact us at Muldoon Associates.
