The date you circled in the calendar has arrived. It's inspection day. In your mind, you visualize an inspector, tape measure in hand, checking every millimeter of your home for violations.
But should HOA rental property inspections instill that much fear? Or are they more straightforward than most of us anticipate? Here is what landlords need to know to prepare for an HOA property inspection.
Understanding HOA Rules
Rental property inspections differ slightly for an HOA, so you must know the small details. Every HOA documents the rules in the CC&R, which stands for Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions.
It covers rules on tenant behavior and building aesthetics, so it's a starting point for what you'll need to do as part of any inspection.
You'll need to stay in close contact with the HOA board to ensure they inform you if any of these rules change, as they could impact your property and any future inspections.
How to Prepare for an Inspection
As an HOA homeowner, you should always prepare for an inspection. That way, you won't overlook an important HOA rule.
Make a checklist for every item the HOA will cover and inspect these. Ensure your inspection includes any common areas surrounding your HOA property.
If you find issues, allow plenty of time to resolve them before the HOA inspects the property. This is the best way to avoid penalties or warning letters.
What to Do About Violations
If the HOA team inspects your property and finds a violation, they will notify you. This will outline the specifics of the breach and how to rectify it.
At this point, you could clarify anything that you feel is too vague so that you have the correct information to take action.
Always check the timeframe for resolving a violation. If you have issues like finding a reputable contractor to fix a problem, it's worth trying to negotiate deadlines.
The most important tip is to keep communicating with the HOA board and to be proactive. This will stop the issue from escalating and help you avoid penalties.
Post-Inspection: Staying Compliant
If you pass the inspection, remember that it's a repeat entry in the calendar, which means you need to stay on top of these standards to pass the next one. Tell your tenant how the inspection went and reiterate the rules.
It's also worth updating the lease agreement to ensure it reflects the HOA standards to avoid future penalties.
Knowing Your Rights
If you feel the HOA didn't handle the inspection with fairness or you dispute the violation, you can take your case to the HOA board. You have a right to a fair hearing.
Rules must also align with Texas state law, and if you feel they don't, you can make this case when presenting your arguments to the board.
A Proactive Approach to Rental Property Inspections
You don't need to fear HOA rental property inspections. With a proactive approach, you can stay on top of the rules and ensure your Texas property passes with flying colors.
A trusted team besides you is also a wise move. At PMI Values Your Casa, we live up to our name with a personal approach that ensures we look after your property as carefully as our own. Find out more by contacting us here.
