Rental Inspection Checklist: Organising Your Home For Success

POSTED ON July 19, 2023

Are you getting ready for a rental inspection? While it can be an anxiety-inducing experience, with adequate preparation and understanding, you don't have to worry about it. This guide provides renters with all the necessary information to pass their next rental inspection. We'll cover everything essential to check in before, during, and after your rental inspection! With these tips, you will surely ace your next rental inspection. Let's get started!

How To Prepare Your Property for A Rental Inspection

Ensuring your rental property is in top condition before a real estate agency inspection is essential. The minimum notice required by law to inspect a property is 7 days. The regularity varies from state to state, but generally, it happens 3-4 times per year. The rental inspection aims to identify that the property is being looked after properly and to check if it requires any maintenance and repairs.

Here are a few things you need to consider getting prepared for the routine inspection.

Make Sure The Property Is Clean And Presentable

A clean and tidy property is the first step in making a good impression with your rental inspection. Vacuum, dust, mop, and tidy up all areas of the house that will be inspected, including bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, living areas, and any outdoor spaces. Remember to check for cobwebs in hidden corners as well!

Check For Any Damage Or Potential Hazards

Look around the property for any signs of damage or potential hazards that may need attention before the inspection, including cracked tiles or paintwork, faulty wiring or plumbing issues. If you find anything that needs repairing, contact your landlord immediately so these issues can be addressed before the inspection.

Repair Any Damaged Items Or Surfaces

Suppose any damaged items or surfaces require repair before the inspection – such as broken windows, loose door handles, or chipped paintwork – ensure these are fixed up before the inspector arrives. In that case, This will demonstrate that you can take good care of your rental property and pay attention to maintenance-related details.

Remove Any Clutter Or Debris From The House Or Yard

Clutter can make a room look neglected and untidy, so ensure all belongings are stowed neatly in cupboards and wardrobes before the inspection. Any debris around outside areas should also be cleared away so that it doesn't detract from the overall look of your home during the inspection process.

Check All Appliances Are In Working Order

Ensure all home appliances are in good working order before an inspector arrives by checking if they turn on correctly and heat up/cool down properly (if applicable). This will ensure timely inspections due to technical difficulties with these devices.

What Checklist Is Used By The Real Estate Agency (REA) During Your Rental Inspection?

You must know what the REA will look for when preparing for a rental inspection. Real estate agents want to ensure that the property is in good condition and that tenants follow all applicable laws and regulations.

1. Overall cleanliness of the rental property, both inside and outside.

2. Condition of hallways, stairwells, balconies, courtyards, and other common areas.

3. The functionality of all appliances and completion of necessary repairs.

4. Absence of damage or potential hazards, including wear-and-tear on carpets, walls, ceilings, and windowsills.

5. Evidence for pet damage if pets are present and signs of a pest infestation such as droppings or nests

6. Compliance with safety standards, including properly installed smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

7. Presence of other safety measures like fire extinguishers or emergency exit routes/signs.

8. Compliance with all relevant local laws and regulations.

They will be inspecting everything: from the condition of the property to its cleanliness, any damage or pest infestations, safety features such as smoke alarms, and making sure that it is compliant with all applicable laws and regulations.

The condition and cleanliness of the rental property should be at an acceptable standard before an inspection takes place.

Check inside and outside the premises, including hallways, stairwells, balconies, courtyard areas, etc., and sweep up any leaves or debris around the house.

All appliances should also be in good working order and if the repairs which should have been made where necessary are done.

Real estate agents will also check for any damage or potential hazards on-site, including wear-and-tear on carpets, walls, ceilings, windowsills, etc., and any pet damage if you have pets living with you at the property

Any broken items, such as furniture or fittings, should be repaired before inspection day. The agent may also look for signs of pest infestation, such as droppings or nests in cupboards or corners of rooms.

Finally, real estate agents will confirm whether your rental home complies with all relevant laws and regulations in your area - so make sure you know what these are before your inspection occurs!

By being aware of what they will be paying attention to during the rental inspection, you can guarantee that your rental meets all requirements set by their real estate agency - resulting in a successful outcome!

Make Sure You Have All The Necessary Documentation For The Inspection.

As a tenant, you must have all the necessary documentation ready during your rental inspection. Having the right documents on hand will help ensure your real estate agency's inspection goes as smoothly as possible.

The Documents Required During The Inspection Include The Following:

Sometimes, you may also be required to prove that you have taken out landlord insurance. If this applies to your situation, speak to your landlord's insurance provider in advance and request a copy of their current policy document to present during the rental inspection.

Finally, preparing yourselves for any questions on your lease agreement will pay back. They might ask about the tenancy terms and conditions, payment schedules, rent arrears, pet policies and damage caused by tenants in previous tenancies. A thorough understanding of all aspects of your lease agreement will put you in good stead when facing questions from the inspection agent.

Sydney renters can ease their real estate agents' property inspections by preparing all documentation and knowing what to expect during a rental inspection.

Maintaining Respectful Communication With The REA

It's important to communicate during rental inspections. You could ask clarifying questions, as long as they do it politely and professionally. If the real estate agent finds something that wasn't disclosed beforehand could be used against you if there are disputes between the landlord and tenants.

Therefore, being open and honest before or during the rental inspection is important. Also, renters should promptly follow up on any real estate agency requests. Doing so demonstrates professionalism and respect for the agent's time and helps avoid unnecessary delays in completing the rental inspection successfully. If a tenant disagrees with an assessment made by a real estate agent, they should explain their point of view respectfully without becoming confrontational or aggressive.

Be honest, cooperative, and respectful during all interactions with your real estate agents, and the inspection will go smoothly.

Steps To Pass The Rental Inspection

It's no secret that a successful rental inspection can be the difference between finding a great tenant and having your property sit vacant. Ensuring your property is ready for any real estate agency inspection is essential when renting in Sydney. Here are some top tips to help you ace your rental inspection:

1. Clean and Presentable Property: Ensure your property is clean and presentable for the inspection; this includes vacuuming, dusting, and cleaning all surfaces throughout the house. Remove any clutter or debris from the house or yard before the inspection to make it neat.

2. Check for Damages: Before you invite the property manager into your home, check for any damage or potential hazards on-site; Repair any damaged items or surfaces so they are safe during the inspection. Be aware of safety features such as smoke alarms (if applicable for your property), and ensure they are in good working order before inviting an inspector into your home.

3. Have Documents on Hand: Gather all the documents related to your lease, landlord insurance, and repairs or improvements, such as receipts or invoices; This will help you answer questions quickly during the rental inspection process should they arise - resulting in a smoother experience overall.

4. Respectful Communication: Communicating clearly with REAs and tenants is key to a successful rental inspection - be honest about issues, ask questions, and follow up promptly.

5. Be ready to answer questions concerning the lease contract: It's essential to understand the terms of the lease agreement before the inspection date - be prepared to answer questions about the lease agreement, terms, payment schedule information, pet policies, etc.

By taking the necessary steps before the day of your inspection, you can be confident that you will pass inspections with no problems, allowing for a successful renting experience.

Do you need to find a reliable cleaner to help you ace your rental inspection? Look no further; find out more: How to find a reliable cleaner.