Routine Inspection Checklist – Your Guide to a Smooth Property Inspection

At Goldfish Real Estate Ballarat, we understand that routine inspections can feel stressful for tenants. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive routine inspection checklist to help you prepare with confidence, while also ensuring your rental home stays in excellent condition.

Routine property inspections are required under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Section 88, Section 86(1)(f)), and may be conducted:

• After the first 3 months of your tenancy agreement, and

• Every 6 months thereafter (with at least 7 days’ written notice).

These inspections allow the rental provider or property manager to check that the home is being well maintained, ensure the tenant obligations are being met, and identify any maintenance issues early—protecting both the renter and the investment property owner.

Why Routine Inspections Matter

Routine inspections are not just about compliance. They:

• Help keep your rental property in top condition;

• Ensure tenant responsibilities are being met

• Detect repairs and maintenance issues before they worsen

• Build a strong and transparent relationship between property manager, rental provider and renter.

Routine Inspection Checklist

Bedroom & General Living Areas

• Lights: Replace blown bulbs, clean light fittings

• Flooring: Vacuum carpets and mop hard floors

• Skirting Boards: Wipe away dust and scuff marks

• Blinds: Dust and clean thoroughly

• Windows: Clean glass, tracks, and sills

• Walls: Spot clean marks (without damaging paint)

• Air Conditioning: Clean or replace filters

Kitchen

• Stove & Oven: Clean inside and outside thoroughly

• Exhaust Hood: Degrease filters and check light

• Splashbacks & Tiles: Wipe down and clean grout

• Cupboards & Drawers: Wipe surfaces inside and out

• Sink & Taps: Remove stains and watermarks

• Benches: Leave clear and clean

• Dishwasher: Empty filter, wipe inside

Bathroom

• Cabinets & Drawers: Wipe down thoroughly

• Toilet: Scrub and disinfect

• Shower: Clean shower head, taps, grout, and glass screens (remove soap scum)

• Sink & Taps: Wipe clean and remove marks

• Mirrors: Polish with glass spray

Exterior

• Garden: Mow lawns, edge pathways, weed garden beds

• Bushes: Trim and tidy

• Rubbish: Remove all waste from the property

• Paving: Sweep clean

• Cobwebs: Remove from windows, eaves, and corners

• Pets: Clean up after pets; ensure they are restrained during inspection

• Garages, Sheds, and Storage: Make accessible

Final Tips for a Stress-Free Inspection

• Ensure the property is clean, tidy, and accessible;

• Secure all valuable to safe or locker;

• Be present if you prefer, but it’s not mandatory;

• Raise any maintenance issues with your property manager prior to inspection.
  

Being as a professional, our property managers uphold everyone's privacy and integrity. Under the act, rental providers (landlords) and their agents have the right to enter a property. By following this routine inspection checklist, tenants can feel confident that their home will pass inspection smoothly while maintaining a great relationship with their property manager.

At Goldfish Real Estate, we pride ourselves on our attention to detail, clear communication, and commitment to providing the best property management services.

this is writer test