Essential inspection checklist for your rental property

Do you have an upcoming routine inspection for your rental property you are overthinking way too much? What do property managers actually look for in these inspections? Do I need to make sure there is enough milk in the fridge for a coffee and home baked goodies to put on the table? Time to stop stressing, routine inspections aren’t to test how tidy your house is, it is to help the property manager ensure the property is being looked after. However with that being said, it’s best to get your home looking its best!

This checklist will help you with what you need to prepare

• Be proactive and put together a list of any maintenance or repairs issues you can share with your property manager (always best to hand this one over prior to the inspection or as soon as they arrive for the inspection so they don’t discover any nasty surprises during the inspection) 

• Don’t hide any damage, in this case it’s best to be honest and be sure to point out any noticeable general wear and tear 

• Make sure your pets are secured or removed from the property (Buddy the Bulldog jumping all over the property manager with dirty paws doesn’t make a great first impression)

• Don’t plan for any ‘Project X’ style events for the day of the inspection...

Spray, wipe, rinse, repeat.

• Make sure all areas of the house are looking neat (including any outdoor areas or balconies)

• Check all lights are working and give them a quick once over for any residue or dust 

• Floorboards moped, carpets vacuumed and all surfaces wiped

• Focus most of your cleaning efforts on the kitchen and bathroom... get rid of any lingering food scraps, wash and put away the dishes and give all surfaces a real good scrub (spring cleaning style), most importantly don’t forget the toilet

• Give all cupboards a once over

• If the property comes with appliances make sure to give these some extra love

• If you have air conditioning, check the unit is working properly and clean the filter

• Don’t forget the garden (if you’ve got one) and make sure it’s looking presentable and not like a jungle

• Lastly, empty the bins and open the windows to air the place out

It’s important to remember everyone has a different view on how a rental property should be maintained, make sure you check your tenancy related documents for any inside tips the agency may have provided relating to the properties expectations. 

As long as the property isn’t damaged and kept in a respectable condition then you should ace your next inspection. Good luck 🙌