Do You Live in an Apartment or Condo Complex? Make Sure It's Passed These Important Inspections

No matter where you live, ensuring your home is up to date on the latest inspections and property codes can make your sanctuary that much more relaxing—you'll have peace of mind knowing your residence is safe. While houses typically have routine checks from home inspectors, what about other types of properties? According to Mandy Neat, a managing broker for Realty ONE Group, some residential properties, like condos and townhomes, require specific types of inspections. For example, "In Arizona, residential properties that are being purchased are inspected for safety, health hazards, and cosmetic needs by the buyer when the home is in the due diligence period," she explains. "This is typically done by a professional licensed inspector hired by the buyer."

For those looking to buy condos and townhomes, Neat shares that there are certain protections put in place to make sure everything is in tip-top shape. "Buyers can choose to request repairs, cancel a contract, or take a property with no repairs during the due diligence period of their purchase," she says. "Inspections protect the buyer in knowing what they are purchasing, they also protect the seller in order to make sure a buyer has the opportunity to inspect the property and investigate what is important to that buyer."

According to Apartments.com, landlords are in charge of inspecting apartments for structural damage, which could take place anywhere from three to six months to annually. Typically, the inspections will begin outside if it is a single-family home or duplex. Landlords have a checklist and will examine the gutters in case they need to be cleaned, the roof for any signs of aging or damage from extreme weather (like hail), the railings if there is a deck, patio, or balcony to make sure they are secure, the garage for functioning doors, and other areas, like the foundation, driveway, and sidewalks for any cracks.

Inside the home, plumbing is checked for any leaks, the walls and ceilings are inspected for cracks, spots, or holes, and the floors are observed for any scratches, stains, or other wear. Otherwise, appliances, systems, and areas, like the HVAC, smoke detectors, the hot water heater, and the crawl space if there is a basement, are also examined by the landlord. "When it comes to property conditions, the inspector is not the only one who makes sure the home is in a structurally sound condition," Neat says of condo and townhome buyers. "Many purchasers use financing to buy the property. A visual overview by the appraiser also assists with calling out any health and safety hazards. These are put into a non-conditioned appraisal report and given to the lending institution." Overall, these inspections are all necessary layers of protection for residents in their homes.