Why Insurance Companies Inspect Your Property (Especially Multifamilies)

If you’ve received a notice that your insurance company wants to inspect your property, you’re not alone. Many homeowners—especially those in Massachusetts—wonder whether this is normal, whether it means trouble, and what it means if they own a multifamily home with tenants.

The good news: inspections are common, and understanding how they work can help you avoid surprises, protect your coverage, and stay ahead of any required updates.

Why Insurance Companies Perform Inspections

Inspections help your insurer verify the condition and safety of the home they’re covering. They can happen for several reasons, including:

• A new policy has just been issued
• Your policy is renewing after several years
• A recent claim triggered a review
• You live in a coastal or high‑risk area
• You own a multifamily or mixed‑use property

This isn’t about finding reasons to cancel your policy—it's about confirming the home’s condition and identifying any issues that could lead to future losses.

What Inspectors Typically Look For

The scope varies by property, but most inspections include exterior condition, safety features, and structural soundness.

Exterior Items

• Roof age and condition
• Siding, trim, windows, and paint
• Walkways, steps, and railings
• Drainage and grading
• Trees or branches overhanging the structure
• Detached structures like sheds or garages

Safety‑Related Checks

• Handrails on interior and exterior stairs
• Working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Electrical system updates (especially if knob‑and‑tube or fuse boxes are present)
• Signs of water damage or mold

Structural Issues

• Foundation cracks
• Sagging porches or decks
• Deteriorated or poorly maintained areas

What to Expect if You Own a Multifamily Home

Owners of 2–4 family homes should expect a slightly more detailed process, depending on the insurer’s requirements.

Will the inspector need to enter tenant units? In many cases yes, and sometimes only the exterior and common areas are checked. But if the inspection is tied to underwriting, electrical or plumbing concerns, or a recent claim, the insurer may request access to one or more units.

What you can do:

• Notify tenants 24–48 hours in advance
• Review lease agreements to confirm access rights
• Plan to be present to help guide the inspector

What Happens After an Inspection?

Most inspections lead to one of three outcomes:

• No issues: Your policy continues unchanged.
• Minor recommendations: You may be asked to fix small issues like handrails or overgrown tree limbs.
• Underwriting concerns: Major issues like an aging roof or outdated wiring may need to be addressed to keep coverage.

How to Prepare and Avoid Surprises

A quick walkthrough before the inspection can go a long way. Check for loose steps, missing handrails, peeling paint, exposed wires, or anything that might present injury or damage risk. Gather documentation like recent roof work, electrical upgrades, or heating system replacements. If you have tenants, coordinate access early so there are no last‑minute complications.

Your Next Step

Getting an inspection notice can feel stressful at first, but with a little preparation, it’s usually straightforward. Now that you know why inspections occur, what inspectors look for, and how multifamily properties are handled, you’re better equipped to protect your coverage and your investment.

If you’re unsure about the type of inspection being requested, reach out to your insurance advisor and ask:

• Do they need interior access?
• What specific areas will they be evaluating?
• Is this routine or underwriting‑related?

A quick conversation can help you feel confident and prepared long before the inspector arrives.