What A Property Manager Should Check During A Routine Rental Inspection

We break down what routine inspections are actually for, what WA rules require, and where “thorough” turns into unreasonable. We also tackle photos, privacy, inspection frequency, and why remote inspections may become normal if used with care and consent. • WA notice requirements and practical scheduling with tenants • Routine inspections as a general check, not a condition report • Setting owner expectations around what can and cannot be seen • Clean versus tidy and what “reasonably clean” means • Risk based checks that prevent damage and maintenance blowouts • Photo standards that protect the property without exposing personal items • Why 360 cameras can be invasive in a normal tenancy • When checking under sinks is reasonable and when it is not • Owners asking for appliance or reticulation testing and why that is out of scope • Who may conduct inspections: PMs, assistants, dedicated inspectors, outsourcing • Remote inspections as an option for sickness, leave, safety, and efficiency • Reviewing inspection frequency for long term low risk tenants • Fair thinking on fees for remote versus in person inspections