Routine Inspections

Two words that often send tenants into a panic – rent inspection (da da dummmmmm).

Most Australian’s rent at one point or another in their lifetime. Whether you’re just starting out in the rental market, or you’ve rented for your whole life, you will experience regular routine inspections.

Routine inspections are conducted no more than 4 times annually…so really, they’re not all that bad. It might feel like they come around quickly, but each year fly’s by when you think about it.

The inspection is conducted on behalf of the landlord to check in on the property and make sure it is being looked after in accordance with the lease agreement.

The inspections are the owner’s opportunity to see the property every few months, and most importantly schedule any maintenance that may be required. This ensures the quality of the home is maintained over time.

Can they really be helpful to me as a tenant?

Having been tenants, or even currently tenants, ourselves, we know that rent inspections can sometimes creep up on you at the WORST time. Sometimes they pop up when you’re sick as a dog, other times when you’re busy at work.

But, on the flip side, routine inspections are also a great help to you. How we hear you ask?

Well, even though the inspections are conducted on behalf of the owner, they are also a great check point to make sure that everything is in order at your home.

If you ensure the property is well looked after and cleaned regularly and thoroughly, when you reach the end of your tenancy and look to vacate, the process is that much easier!

We all know how cleaning can build up on you if not done regularly. So, ensuring things are done prior to each inspection will take some off the pressure off during the often-stressful task of moving house.

So, how can I make it easier to prepare for a rent inspection?

Here are a few tips and tricks to get ready for your rent inspection.

Do a little, often

If you leave everything to the last minute, preparing for your rent inspection is sure to become overwhelming. If you do a little bit each day in the lead up to the inspection (like windows & tracks, exhausts & cobwebs etc.), the whole process can be a lot less of a burden.

Gardens & Exterior

This is one area that can get out of control, real quick. Particularly during the warmer months of spring and summer where gardens, lawns and weeds grow like crazy.

Gardens must be maintained as per property condition report, or better, so spending a little time out in the garden weeding and mowing on a regular basis will go a long way to making your inspection preparation a lot easier.

Window Tracks

Trying to catch the summer breeze but your windows are too hard to open? Cleaning of the window tracks regularly will help yourself and the owner! Leaving dust, dirt and hair from pets can build up causing the rollers to require some love to open with ease.

Exhaust Covers and Range Hood Filters

It may seem a little silly, however believe it or not but these can be a potential fire hazard. Yep, we know – who would have thought? Your safety and that of your belongings and the owner’s property is a huge priority!

Ventilation and Mould

We all know mould can be hard to rid once it starts! Keep your bathrooms well ventilated by leaving the bathroom door open once you are done and clean the exhaust covers regularly for maximum performance.

Cobwebs

We all love the start of Summer, and so too do the creepy crawlies (eek!). Remember to de web your exterior and interior to keep them at bay!

Air Conditioning Vents

Most units will let you know on the display when the filters require cleaning. Make sure your clean these regularly to maximise efficiency, and most important save your power bills. Not sure how to clean them – just ask us how. We’re always happy to help.

Walls

Walls can be a real pain to clean especially if you don’t catch the grime at the time of the crime! A light wipe with warm soapy water, or even trusty old mate Jif can save a lot of pain when it comes to vacating.

Flooring

Different floors need different products and different methods. If you remember these words of wisdom, you’ll ace your inspection prep every time. If you’re unsure what you should be doing to your floor, let us know or jump onto Google for hints and tips galore!

Hungry for more?

Want some handy cleaning hacks? Stay tuned! We’ll have another blog hitting the web soon with some handy tips on how to clean your home, with common household ingredients or cleansers.