Preparing for a Routine Inspection

Routine property inspections are a common aspect of renting, ensuring that the property is well-maintained and adhering to the terms of the lease. To ace your next inspection and maintain a positive landlord-tenant relationship, here's a comprehensive guide on how to prepare your rental property. 

 1. Diarise: Typically, your property manager will give you plenty of notice of the date of the inspection and approximately what time the inspection will take place on that day. You may receive the notice by email or post and you will generally receive a reminder SMS. It is important to ensure that all occupants of the property are aware of the inspection that is due to take place so that there are no surprises when your property manager attends. 

2. Clean and Tidy: When your property manager attends for a routine inspection, they are not only checking that the property is being looked after and maintained in accordance to the lease agreement, but they are looking for signs of maintenance and wear and tear. It is important that the home is clean and tidy throughout so the property manager can accurately assess the condition of the home and document each area effectively. Pay particular attention to flooring (particularly carpets), surfaces, windows and appliances that were provided with the property. 

3. Outdoors: If the property that you are renting has an outdoor area and or any grass/gardens/plants that you are responsible to maintain, ensure that lawns have been trimmed and gardens maintained prior to the inspection. Your property manager will be happy to recommend contractors that can assist you with this if you are unable to complete the works yourself. 

4. Document Maintenance: Prior to the routine inspection, it is important to highlight any potential maintenance concerns to your property manager so they can assess the items while they are at the property and raise them with the owner. Simply lodge the maintenance request through the online portal or email your property manager directly with a clear description and photo of the concern. This will ensure that the property is well maintained throughout your tenancy and there are no surprises when you eventually go to vacate the property. 

5. Follow up inspections: If your property manager the owner of the property you are renting indicates that there is a particular area or areas of the property that require further attention from you as the renter, they may advise you in writing of the action that is required and book in a follow up inspection to ensure that it has been done. 

By following these steps and proactively preparing for your routine property inspection, you not only fulfill your obligations as a renter but also contribute to a positive rental experience for both parties involved and ensure that your property manager can give you a glowing rental reference for your next rental application.