As home inspectors, our priority is focusing on the safety conditions of the home or property a person is inhabiting. Does safety matter when you’re a renter? Absolutely.
While home inspections aren’t required when purchasing or renting a home, they’re a good idea from both a safety and financial stand point. Even though getting a home inspection is not as common for renters, it is still a good idea. Here’s why:
1) Putting your safety first – As a renter, understanding the history of the unit or home you are renting is important, and it’s not always clear by looking at the surface what maintenance issues may lurk beneath a carefully placed sofa, bath mat or wall hanging. Growing mold or other environmental toxins could be present without your knowing of it and pose serious health concerns if not identified and treated immediately. A certified home inspector is trained to zero in on these safety concerns and give you an unbiased report on the state of the property. In short, they know where to look and what to look for and will alert you to any red flags along the way.
2) Offering yourself financial protection – While landlords generally hold the bulk of responsibility when it comes to repairing property damage, certain landlords may try to pass the blame to the tenant. Knowing the state of the property before signing a lease and handing over a big security deposit may end up offering you financial protection you didn’t know you needed.
Home inspections for renters are less common but no less important than when buying a home. After all, at the end of the day, it’s your safety that matters, and a certified home inspector is able to offer you the insight you need to make an informed decision about the current state of the property. For an inspector you can trust, turn to us at GI Joe Home Inspections. Get in touch to learn more.