Routine inspection recap

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While they’re part and parcel of the rental process, routine inspections can be a source of angst for renters.

And chances are you might have some questions, including how often they occur, what the property manager will look at, what you need to do to prepare, and whether you need to be there during the entry.

So, let’s do a little routine inspection recap to help set your mind at ease…

What they’re for

Routine inspections are an important part of the rental process. Their main aim is to ensure the property remains in good condition, with the inspection serving two specific purposes:

1.     To make sure the renters are looking after the property adequately, including ensuring its clean, damage free, and well-maintained.
2.     To identify any maintenance that needs to be done or repairs that need to be made.

How often

Although the rules vary from state to state, as a general rule of thumb, routine inspections occur a maximum of four times a year and must be at least three months apart.

Proper written notice is required prior to the inspection, and the minimum notice period is generally seven days.

Rather than a specific time, the entry notice will often provide a two-hour window of time during which the inspection will occur.

This notice should also indicate who is attending the inspection. For example, is it just a representative of your rental agency or will the property owner, a tradesperson or someone else also be in attendance?

What’s inspected

Although the property should be clean and tidy for the visit, a routine inspection is not a critique of your cleaning skills.

Instead, it is designed to determine that the renters are looking after the property as per the rental agreement, and whether there are any repairs or maintenance issues that need to be addressed.

As part of the inspection, the property manager will look at the interior and exterior of the property and may also take photographs.

This information will then be compiled into a report that is sent to the property owner, along with any suggested maintenance or repairs.

Areas that property managers look at include:

Interior

•  Floor coverings
• Walls and paintwork
• Doors and locks
• Ceiling and fans
• Light fittings and power points
• Built-in cupboards including shelving and rails
• Curtains, blinds
• Fixtures including ovens and hotplates
• Hot water systems
• Furniture if included in tenancy
• All wet areas – taps, pipes below sink and basins

Exterior

• Garage or carport
• Gardens and lawns
• Guttering and downpipes
• Steps and stairs
• Balconies and decks
• Driveway, paths, courtyard
• Clothesline
• Pool/spa, if applicable
• Fencing
• Taps

How to prepare

Although a routine inspection isn’t an assessment of your cleaning skills, it’s important the property is neat, tidy and looks cared for.

Prior to the inspection, undertake a general clean and also tend to the garden. 

In the lead-up to the inspection, your rental agency will also send a form or provide a link for you to notify them of any maintenance or repairs that need to be undertaken at the property. If there’s something that needs to be taken care of, fill in this form.

Do you need to be there?

You do not need to be at the property for the rental inspection, although you can be if you wish. If you aren’t going to be there, the property manager will enter the residence using their keys and will lock it again when they leave.

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