Why Every Houston Rental Needs Semi-Annual Property Inspections (Even When the Tenant ‘Seems Fine’)
Joshua Staats • November 23, 2025
If you've ever had a tenant tell you “everything’s fine,” you already know that phrase can mean anything from actually fine… to “please don’t come look at this disaster I’ve created.”
And that, friends, is exactly why semi-annual property inspections aren’t just smart—they’re mandatory for anyone who doesn’t enjoy surprise chaos.
And that, friends, is exactly why semi-annual property inspections aren’t just smart—they’re mandatory for anyone who doesn’t enjoy surprise chaos.

Let me paint you a picture straight from real life.
We recently took over a property from a landlord who assumed his tenants were perfect angels. They paid on time. They never complained. They said “everything is fine.”
Except… everything was in fact NOT fine.
When we finally got into the property, it looked like a demolition reality show had filmed Season 3 in the living room.
The interior was wrecked. Not “a little wear-and-tear” wrecked. We’re talking:
- Fleas (plural, hundreds)
- Cockroaches that apparently thought the home came with a lease
- Carpet stains so dramatic they could win acting awards
- Walls that needed full repainting
- And a smell… well, let’s not even talk about the smell
- All because the previous property management company never once checked on the place. Not once.
- The landlord ended up paying for:
- Multiple pest treatments
- Carpet steam cleaning
- Deep cleaning
- Repainting
- Repairs that absolutely could’ve been avoided
A massive bill—all because no one stepped foot inside the home for years. (Over $7,000)
This is the rental version of “if you ignore it, it will go away”… except it never goes away. It multiplies, grows legs, and apparently invites all its flea friends over.
⭐ So why do semi-annual inspections matter?
- You catch problems before they catch your wallet. Leaky pipes don’t introduce themselves politely. They hide… then ruin everything.
- Tenants behave better when they know someone actually checks. It’s amazing how much cleaner a home stays when someone expects visitors.
- Preventable issues stay preventable. Pests, moisture, damage, unauthorized pets—these all snowball fast if no one’s watching.
- You protect your long-term investment. Your home shouldn’t fall apart silently. You spent real money buying it—routine checkups keep it in top form.
- You avoid the “everything is fine” lie. Trust, but verify… Preferably every 6 months.
⭐ The truth?
A rental property without inspections is like leaving a toddler alone with scissors and hoping for the best.
It might be okay… but chances are, something is getting cut.
PrimePointe does semi-annual inspections because your property deserves more than “hope.”
It deserves protection, prevention, and eyes on the ground—so you never walk into a flea-infested surprise again.
If you want inspections done the way they’re supposed to be done, we’re your people.
Just say the word.

Most landlords expect the basics, repairs, resident questions, maybe a late payment or two. But what catches most investors off guard isn’t the obvious stuff. It’s the hidden costs that stack up quietly and eat into your ROI if you’re not watching for them. Whether you manage your rental yourself or use a property management company, understanding these hidden expenses is one of the smartest things you can do for your portfolio. Here are the 5 biggest “silent killers” of cash flow most landlords never see coming… until they do. 1. Vacancy Is More Expensive Than Repairs A vacant property doesn’t just mean “no rent.” It means: Utilities on your dime Lawn/pool/yard upkeep Make-ready cleaning Potential vandalism or break-ins Insurance adjustments Even a 20–30 day vacancy can cost more than a new water heater. What helps: Plan for 1–2% annual turnover cost, invest in good residents, and treat renewals like an asset — not an afterthought. 2. Cheap Repairs Always Become Expensive Repairs That $185 handyman patch job feels good today… …until the same issue comes back three months later and costs $850. Cutting corners with: Roofing Plumbing HVAC Electrical Appliances …always costs more over the life of the property. What helps: Use licensed techs for all safety-related systems, and treat your home like what it is — a high-value asset, not a disposable product. 3. Deferred Maintenance Is the Silent Portfolio Killer Landlords rarely lose money from the repairs they do. They lose money from the repairs they avoid. For example: Air filters ignored → $6k AC replacement Small leak behind drywall → mold remediation Missing caulk → window/frame rot Old GFCIs → electrical failures Small things become big things when ignored. What helps: A structured preventative maintenance plan — annual HVAC service, gutters cleaned, plumbing checks, caulking, roof spot inspections, etc. 4. Fair Housing Mistakes Are CO$TLY Even unintentional violations can lead to: Fines Damages Legal fees Required training Forced policy changes And violations often happen during casual conversations like: “I’m looking for a tenant who fits the neighborhood.” or “I prefer a certain type of renter.” No malicious intent… just expensive consequences. What helps: Avoid subjective language. Stick to written criteria. Keep records of everything. 5. Vacancy Pricing Mistakes Most landlords guess rent based on: What the neighbor charges What they “think” it’s worth What Zillow says (not saying it… just side-eyeing it) What covers their mortgage But the market doesn’t care about any of that — and overpricing is the #1 cause of extended vacancy. What helps: Price based on real-time comps, not hope. A home listed $150 too high can sit for 40+ days… costing far more than the difference. Cash Flow Lives or Dies in the Margins You don’t need to be a full-time landlord to own rentals. But you do need to understand the forces working against your returns. Simple, proactive decisions: Keeping up with maintenance Pricing accurately Treating residents respectfully Documenting everything Partnering with qualified vendors …are what separate profitable portfolios from stressful ones. This isn’t about fear. It’s about being informed and being ahead of the curve.












