Routine Rental Inspections – Frequency Guide and Checklist

Routine rental inspections are part and parcel with renting a property in Australia.

Each state or territory will have its own separate guidelines and rules when it comes to frequency and notices periods, however, landlords in all states and territories are entitled to inspect their properties during the tenancy agreement.

In this article, we have compiled rental inspection frequency, notice periods, and a checklist for tenants in all states and territories of Australia.

What is a routine rental inspection?

A rental inspection is a routine assessment conducted by landlords or property managers on behalf of landlords to periodically assess the condition of a rental property.

Rental inspections are intended to provide peace of mind for landlords throughout the lease period to ensure the property is being properly maintained and cared for by the tenants.

A rental inspection is not an assessment of how you choose to style or stage your home (unless it is deemed detrimental to the property). Rather, a rental inspection is an assessment of the interior and exterior elements of the property for any unreported damage, cleanliness, safety, and anything that can be deemed poor maintenance by the tenants.

How often are rental inspections?

The frequency of routine rental inspections will depend on your location.

Each state and territory in Australia has a separate rule for how often a rental inspection can be conducted.

Rental inspection frequency by state/territory

 

Notice period required for a rental inspection by state/territory

 

Can you refuse a rental inspection?

So long as the inspection is within the frequency guidelines for your location and the appropriate notice period has been given, then tenants may not refuse a routine rental inspection.

Refusing or not complying with reasonable requests to conduct a rental inspection may lead to adverse actions for the tenant which could include termination of the lease.

Rental inspection checklist for tenants 

It’s important to reiterate that a rental inspection is not an assessment of your interior decorating or home styling proficiency. Instead, a routine rental inspection is an opportunity for the landlord or leasing agent to ensure that the condition of the property is in keeping with the minimum standard requirements that are set out in your leasing agreement.

A checklist for rental inspection items includes:

• Cleanliness of the property – basic hygiene standards must be met
• Monitoring any unreported damage to the property
• Unapproved alterations to the property
• Health and safety of the property
• Condition of fittings and any included appliances
• Marks on surfaces including walls, carpet, floors
• Maintenance of any outdoor spaces ensuring they are in-keeping with expected minimum standards in-line with your rental agreement
• Any sign of pests including rodents, insects, etc.
• Condition of fittings including taps, showers, basins 

Can you “fail” a rental inspection?

Yes, you can fail a rental inspection. Failure to meet the minimum requirements of your tenancy agreements can be deemed a breach of contract.

Once the inspection has been conducted, the leasing agent or landlord will provide you with a digital copy of the inspection report. If any maintenance, repairs, or cleaning items are required on the part of the tenant, then they should be notified through the report as well as in writing with a guideline for compliance timelines.

Failure to meet property condition requirements can result in a breach of contract which can affect your tenancy. It’s important to comply with any requests from the landlord and seek further clarification if you’re unsure on any items that are raised during or after the inspection has taken place.