A routine inspection is an effective way to ensure your investment property is being looked after by your tenant. It is also an opportune time to assess the property for any repairs, damages or safety issues that should be fixed. Having the property in pristine condition will increase your chances of keeping a happier tenant and a higher rental income.
Employing a property manager to take care of your investment property is a wise decision. They will not only collect the rental income, they can also conduct regular routine inspections. When a tenant moves into your property, the property manager can conduct a property inspection within three months after a new tenant moves in. Thereafter, the property manager can establish a six monthly routine inspection. To avoid disruption to your tenants livelihood, its normal practice to provide the tenant with some notice in advance. Sometimes the tenant may want to be in the home during these routine inspections, while others may not.
Below is a checklist of what a property manager would look for when completing a routine inspection.
When walking inside the property you’ll want to check the following:
- Are all of the rooms in the property unlocked so you can take a look?
- Look for marks and scratches on the entrance, walls, doors, windows and light switches to name a few.
- Ensure the carpets are clean and stain free.
- Is the kitchen clean? Look for benchtop scratches from knives, stains from coffee mugs, burns for cooking ware or food.
- Look over the kitchen appliances. Take note that the oven and stove top are clean and free of burnt food and carbon staining.
- Is the bathroom clean? Make sure there is no mould or mildew build up. Make sure the shower, basin and toilet are being taken care of. Are the tiles clean and not cracked.
When walking outside the property you’ll want to check the following:
- All of the outdoor area is accessible. This includes garage, storage rooms etc.
- Look at the entrance and make not of its condition. If there are stairs, check that they remain safe to walk on.
- Look at the exterior of the property. Look for any vandalism, deterioration from the weather and there are no excess leaves or debris on the guttering.
- Is the lawn being cared for? Has it been cut and cleaned?
- Garden maintenance. You want to see that the gardens are being watered, weeded etc. The garden needs to look presentable.
- Look if there are any other unregistered cars attached to the property. This will help assessed if the property is being sub-leased without your knowledge.
- Is the driveway clean? You also want to feel satisfied that the tenants vehicles haven’t left tyre marks or oil stains it it. This includes the driveway and garage/carport.
- If the property has shared communal spaces. Take note if they are clean and presentable. The owners corporation would be responsible for this. If it looks unsatisfactory, contact the owners corporation.
- Are the bins clean and looked after? Ensure they are placing them in a safe place.
Not all changes to a home are caused by the tenant. A routine inspection isn’t just about reviewing the state of the home it’s also to ensure the property is safe for the tenant to occupy. From a tenants perspective, it offers them the chance to point out any maintenance issues that the landlord may need to attend to.
While we have taken care to ensure the information above is true and correct at the time of publication, changes in circumstances and legislation after the displayed date may impact the accuracy of this article. If you want to learn more please contact us. We welcome the opportunity to assist you.
December 2020
