If you want to keep your property in good shape, doing a regular rental inspection is a vital part of your job as a landlord.
During every rental inspection, it is important to be doing a thorough check and making sure everything is functioning just as it should be. Are you going in to your property to do an inspection without a plan for what you’re looking for? Be careful if you are, as it can be easy to miss the smaller things.
Here is a quick overview of the things that you should keep an eye out for in your next rental inspection.
Rental inspection: the general checks
- Walls: Check whether there are any marks or scrapes, especially on corners or door frames. A few bumps and marks aren’t an issue. But, if there are any serious cracks or holes, then this is cause for concern.
- Carpet: Check for any damage, obvious spills or marks on the carpets. You can expect a bit of wear and tear depending on the age of the carpet, but any large stains or serious marks are definitely something to keep an eye out for.
- Flooring: Check for scrapes or marks on hard floors, and any chips or cracks in tiling.
- Windows: Make sure that all the latches are still in working order, and that the windows open and close with ease. It’s important to make sure that locks and latches are also in good working order.
- Lighting: As you go through the property, check to make sure that all the lighting works. If any lights aren’t working, this could just be an issue with the bulb. However, if the light is still not working after the bulb has been replaced, this could indicate an issue with wiring.
- Heating: Make sure that whatever form of heating your property has installed is still in good working order. It must be compliant with the Healthy Homes Act, and there needs to be a safe distance between heaters and other furniture.
- Doors: Check to make sure that doors can open and close properly. With external doors make sure that the lock is still in good working order.
- Rails: If your property has more than one floor, check that the rails along stairways are fixed securely to the wall.
- Leaks: If you have an older property, keep an eye out for leaks from the ceiling, or places like sinks or the shower.
Furnishings
- Furniture: If your property is being rented as a furnished property, check for any obvious damage to the furniture.
- Curtains/blinds: Take a moment to check that blinds are rolling smoothly and that curtains can be pulled open and closed properly.
Kitchen
- Oven/stove: Make sure this is being looked after and cleaned. If possible, make sure that the stove is in good working order too. If you have a gas stove, check that flames are coming out evenly and that none of the jets are blocked.
- Ventilation: Make sure that any fans are working properly, and that the kitchen can be properly ventilated. Poor ventilation can allow dampness to collect, and create an environment for mould to grow.
- Cabinets: In the case of an older property, ensure that the doors of the cabinets are still opening and closing properly.
- Taps/sink: Check to make sure that the tap is running properly, and that it is producing hot water. You should also check to make sure that the sink is draining properly.
Bathroom
- Ventilation: Make sure that if you have a fan that it’s still in good working order, and up to the Healthy Homes standards. Have a look around to see if there is any sign that your tenants aren’t making sure to keep the bathroom well-ventilated.
- Shower/bath/toilet: Have a quick look to make sure that these are being looked after and cleaned properly, and that these all drain properly.
- Taps/sink: Check to make sure that the tap is running properly, and that it is producing hot water. You should also check to make sure that the sink is draining properly.
Garden/outdoors
- Lawns: If your property has a lawn, there should be a clause in your tenancy agreement about who is responsible for maintaining it. If you’re responsible for maintaining the lawns, schedule your next visit to maintain them. If your tenant is responsible for this, make sure that they are aware of it.
- Pathways/driveway: Make sure that these are free from excessive moss, and aren’t slippery or damaged.
Doing a regular rental inspection will help both you and your tenants to keep your property well maintained. This protects your house, and makes it more enjoyable to live in for your tenants
Featured photo by Cathryn Lavery on Unsplash