CHI Tenant Relations & Retention 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A tenant reports a persistent musty odor in their unit but no visible mold. What is the home inspector's most appropriate first step?
- Dismiss the complaint as subjective
- Inspect for hidden moisture sources such as plumbing leaks or HVAC condensation (Correct answer)
- Advise the tenant to use air fresheners
- Recommend the tenant break their lease
Correct answer: Inspect for hidden moisture sources such as plumbing leaks or HVAC condensation
Musty odors often indicate hidden moisture problems that should be investigated at their source before mold develops.
Question 2: Which document is most important for a landlord to provide a tenant at move-in to protect both parties?
- A copy of the lease agreement only
- A move-in inspection checklist signed by both parties (Correct answer)
- The property's tax assessment records
- A list of local service providers
Correct answer: A move-in inspection checklist signed by both parties
A signed move-in inspection checklist documents pre-existing conditions and protects both landlord and tenant from security deposit disputes.
Question 3: A tenant vacates without notice and leaves personal belongings behind. What should a landlord do first?
- Immediately dispose of all items left behind
- Change the locks and store belongings, following state abandoned property laws (Correct answer)
- Sell the belongings to recover unpaid rent
- Return the security deposit immediately
Correct answer: Change the locks and store belongings, following state abandoned property laws
Most states require landlords to follow specific abandoned property procedures, including notice and storage periods, before disposing of belongings.
Question 4: When performing a rental property inspection, the inspector notices the tenant has installed an unauthorized pet door. What is the correct course of action?
- Remove the pet door immediately
- Document the modification and report it to the property owner (Correct answer)
- Approve the modification since it is minor
- Fine the tenant on the spot
Correct answer: Document the modification and report it to the property owner
Inspectors document unauthorized modifications and report them to the owner, who then follows lease terms to address the matter.
Question 5: Which practice is most effective for reducing tenant turnover?
- Delaying maintenance requests to evaluate their urgency
- Responding promptly to maintenance requests and keeping open communication (Correct answer)
- Raising rent annually regardless of market conditions
- Limiting lease renewal options
Correct answer: Responding promptly to maintenance requests and keeping open communication
Prompt maintenance response and communication build tenant satisfaction, which is the strongest driver of lease renewal.
Question 6: A tenant requests an accommodation for a service animal under the Fair Housing Act. The lease prohibits pets. What is the correct response?
- Enforce the no-pets clause and deny the request
- Grant a reasonable accommodation by waiving the no-pets policy for the service animal (Correct answer)
- Charge the tenant a pet deposit for the service animal
- Require the tenant to relocate to a pet-friendly unit
Correct answer: Grant a reasonable accommodation by waiving the no-pets policy for the service animal
The Fair Housing Act requires landlords to make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, including allowing service and assistance animals regardless of pet policies.
Question 7: During a routine inspection, an inspector finds the tenant has made improvements that increase property value without prior approval. How should this be handled?
- Demand immediate reversal of the improvements
- Document the improvements, inform the owner, and review lease terms regarding alterations (Correct answer)
- Thank the tenant and grant a rent reduction
- Issue a lease violation notice immediately
Correct answer: Document the improvements, inform the owner, and review lease terms regarding alterations
Documentation and owner notification are required; the lease terms then govern whether the improvement is approved, requires removal, or is otherwise addressed.
CHI Tenant Relations & Retention 2
A tenant reports a persistent musty odor in their unit but no visible mold.
What is the home inspector's most appropriate first step?