If you’re renting a property there will come a time when your landlord (or their agent) will conduct an inspection. In some cases, this inspection will take place on a yearly basis, other times it may be on short notice.
As a tenant, you must receive a minimum of 24 hours written notice that an inspection is to take place, along with the reason for entry. The landlord/agent can enter the property between 8am and 6pm on any day except a public holiday whether you are home or not, however, it’s in your best interest to be at home when the inspection takes place.
The secret to a stress-free rental inspection is not leaving everything to the last minute. If you maintain the property throughout your tenancy then a simple clean-up is all that should be required in the lead up to an inspection.
Ongoing maintenance
If you want to remain living where you are or value your reputation as a renter it’s good practice to treat the property as if it were your own. Throughout your tenancy you should:
- spot clean the carpet as soon as accidents happen
- repair any damage to walls/paint
- clean exhaust fans every 6 months
- replace blown lightbulbs
- pull weeds and trim overgrown bushes/trees
- clear paths and driveways of fallen leaves and debris
- clean the windows
- check gutters
- notify the landlord/agent of any repairs are required
Pre-inspection
- Read the pre-inspection checklist
- Check the fire alarms and smoke detectors are working
- Do a thorough vacuum; get into those hard to reach crevices and along skirting boards, above curtains, on top of shower screens and doors etc
- Clean the bathroom and toilet
- Clean kitchen countertops, the stove and oven
- If the carpet is excessively dirty or stained have it cleaned
- Do a general tidy up ie. sweep paths, under pergolas, put away papers and magazines or other items left lying around
- Arrange for your pets to be secured on inspection day or looked after by a friend/neighbour
On the day
If you’ve stuck to the points above and have been maintaining the property on a regular basis then inspection day should be a breeze. If there are ongoing issues with the home make sure you write them down so you can discuss them when the landlord/agent is present.
