The Tenant Situation That Made Me Start Doing Quarterly Inspections

In this episode of Growing Empires, Jennifer DeJesus shares the tenant situation that led her property-management team to begin conducting quarterly inspections—and explains why regular inspections are essential for protecting rental properties.

The turning point involved a reliable, long-term tenant who lost her job and entered the eviction process. During the approximately 30 days between filing and removal, the tenant deliberately damaged a one-bedroom apartment, destroying walls, cabinets, the bathtub, and other parts of the unit. The resulting damage totaled approximately $25,000 to $30,000.

After the property owner expressed frustration that the situation had not been anticipated, Jennifer and her team developed a quarterly inspection process. By visiting every unit regularly, they could identify lease violations, monitor property conditions, document changes, and address developing problems before they affected the building or other residents.

Jennifer discusses some of the violations inspections have uncovered, including unauthorized occupants and pets, tenants renting rooms to others, improper electricity use, and other illegal or unsafe activity. She explains why regular oversight is especially important for out-of-state owners who cannot personally monitor their properties.

The episode also provides practical guidance for inspecting a building from top to bottom. Jennifer covers exterior drainage, landscaping, cracked sidewalks, loose railings, lighting, trash, fire-safety equipment, plumbing fixtures, running toilets, water damage, roof leaks, sewer lines, basement moisture, and emergency water shutoff valves.

Jennifer emphasizes the importance of photographing and documenting each inspection. These records allow owners to compare property conditions over time, confirm that repairs were successful, and provide evidence that may be required when submitting an insurance claim.

Ultimately, Jennifer explains that quarterly inspections create the right balance between consistent oversight and practical property management. They help owners enforce leases, reduce utility waste, prevent safety hazards, catch maintenance problems early, and avoid the costly tenant situations that can develop when a property is left unmonitored.