Intro to Property Management:
A Closer Look at Kitchen Inspections with Oak Point
At Oak Point Property Management LLC, we pride ourselves on transparency and thoroughness in how we care for your investment properties. In this second installment of our property inspection series, Tina walks us through the kitchen inspection process using our dedicated inspection app—designed to document every detail and upload directly to both our tenant and owner portals. This ensures that tenants, owners, and our team all have access to the same information for complete visibility.
We’re using a small rental rambler in the Great Mills area as our example unit.
Starting in the Kitchen: Cabinets and Drawers
One of the first stops during an inspection is the kitchen. Here, Tina checks all the cabinets and drawers, opening and closing each to ensure:
- No loose hinges or broken hardware
- Smooth drawer operation
- Secure cabinet attachment
Note: For move-in or move-out inspections, every shelf and cabinet would be inspected in detail. Since this is a routine inspection of an occupied home, we respect tenant privacy and limit the intrusion.
Appliance Checks: Microwave, Stove, and Oven
Microwave
- Opens and closes the door to confirm it's working properly
- Checks for interior cleanliness and damage
- Runs a short 30-second cycle to confirm functionality
Stove
Gas Stove: Each burner is turned on to ensure ignition and functionality.
Electric Stove: Each burner is activated and checked for the red glow indicating heat.
If any burners are unresponsive, a maintenance note is added immediately for follow-up service.
Oven
- Opens the oven door to ensure smooth function
- Checks for broken glass or structural issues
- Verifies cleanliness and no signs of damage inside
Note: The oven is not turned on during routine inspections.
Ventilation: Hood or Microwave Combo Units
Many kitchens will either have a microwave above the stove or a standalone vent hood. Whichever configuration is present, Tina checks:
- Functionality of exhaust fans
- Working condition of lights
- Cleanliness of filters and vent grates
Tenant Communication and Exterior Review
As part of the inspection, Tina also checks in with the tenant to:
- Ask if they’ve noticed anything that needs attention
- Perform an exterior review of the property for visible issues
Consistent Documentation Through Technology
All notes and photos taken during the inspection are immediately uploaded to our proprietary tenant portal via our app. This system ensures every inspection is:
- Thoroughly documented
- Easily accessible
- Efficient for follow-up and accountability
Final Thoughts
Routine rental property inspections are a critical part of successful property management. They help maintain property value, support tenant satisfaction, and catch small maintenance issues before they become expensive problems. At Oak Point Property Management LLC, we combine hands-on service with smart inspection technology to deliver the best in property management for owners and support services for tenants.
If you're a landlord or real estate investor in the St. Mary’s and Calvert County areas looking for reliable oversight of your rental property's kitchens, appliances, and key systems, contact Oak Point Property Management today. Our comprehensive residential property management services ensure your investment is protected and your tenants have a safe, well-maintained home.
Stay tuned for the next part of our rental property inspection series, where we’ll highlight another essential area of the home and how we evaluate it during walkthroughs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Inspections During Property Visits
We inspect cabinets and drawers for damage or loose hardware, confirm appliances like the microwave and stove are functional, and check ventilation systems for cleanliness and operation. These steps help ensure the kitchen remains safe and in good condition for tenants.
Yes. We briefly run the microwave to check functionality, test each stove burner (ignition for gas, heat for electric), and open the oven door to ensure it operates properly. However, we do not turn on the oven during routine inspections in occupied homes.
During routine inspections of occupied properties, we avoid opening personal storage areas like full cabinet interiors or drawers unless necessary. We also speak directly with the tenant to ask if they’ve noticed any issues or have concerns they'd like us to address.
Any issues—such as non-working burners or damaged cabinetry—are noted immediately in our inspection app. These notes trigger maintenance tasks so the problem can be addressed quickly and efficiently.
Yes. All inspection notes and photos are uploaded to both the tenant portal and owner portal, ensuring full transparency and easy access for everyone involved.
CONTACT OUR PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY IN ST.MARY’S & CALVERT COUNTIES