What should I expect during a commercial on-site inspection?

• The assessor will review the parcel summary report and note the following before entering the property:
  • Number of tenants and assigned areas
  • Total building area and purpose i.e warehouse, retail, office etc.
  • Investigate if any recent sales have occurred.
• An assessor will identify themselves (all assessors will have visible ID). The assessor will explain the purpose of the visit and request permission to carry out the inspection. 
• During the interior inspection, the assessor will:
  • Confirm that all tenants on the report exist
  • Confirm the tenant area and location in the building (i.e., first floor, basement etc.)
  • Provide common area measurements
  • Provide tenant use (i.e., office, retail, warehouse, etc.)
  • If the tenant no longer occupies the property, the assessor is to delete the tenant from the records.
  • Note any new tenants and confirm use, location of business within the building, legal name, trade name, and mailing address are provided
  • If the property owner or representative is available, confirm the lease information and investigate any sales
• During the exterior inspection, the assessor will:
  • Ensure the building measurements are correct
  • Provide a sketch on the back of a commercial costing card documenting all measurements
  • Take a picture of the property
• The assessor will compile all information and return it to the Commercial Assessor. The Commercial Assessor will:
  • Ensure the commercial card is completed and includes required information
  • Ensure the picture is uploaded to the MAA’s system before returning the file to the assessor.
  • Return the file to the Commercial Assessor on a regular basis (i.e., every Friday or earlier if available)