All right – the day has arrived.
As a renter, there’s one day every few months when you hold your breath and cross your fingers. Yes, your landlord or property manager has arrived for a routine inspection.
In the time leading up to this, you’ve probably been asking, how clean does a rental property need to be for inspection? As a simple answer: “reasonably clean,” with appliances and utilities in good working condition.
Save yourself a headache and keep your bond secure with our handy breakdown of rental inspections – including what to expect and how to clean!
Rental Inspection Checklist | Preparing for Inspection | Bathroom | Bedroom | Kitchen | Living Spaces | Laundry Area | Outdoors | Rental Inspection Guidelines By State/Territory
Overview of Rental Inspections
Before you start wildly imagining your belongings being thrown onto the street, remind yourself that a rental property inspection is a simple process.
A home or apartment is an investment, so the owners will want to make sure the space is taken care of and in good condition.
What is a rental property inspection for?
Remember – there’s no need to stress! Rental inspections are a routine part of a tenancy agreement.
A rental house inspection (or routine inspection) is conducted to examine the condition of the property and see if anything needs repair, maintenance, or replacement. They can also legally help you protect your tenant rights or help your landlord protect their investment.
So long as you’ve properly maintained your rental, there’s no reason to start packing your bags.
You can even use a property inspection as an opportunity to tell your landlord about any issues such as a strange odour from your pipes or a leaky faucet.
What to expect in a routine inspection?
Generally, your property manager or agent will look out for three things:
- Damages or things in need of repair (e.g. clogged toilets, cracked floors, broken windows)
- Security and safety issues (e.g. locks, fire hazards)
- Overall cleanliness and maintenance
On average, a rental inspection will take an hour (most states allow a maximum of 2 hours). Of course, this will depend on the size and condition of the property.
What can a landlord look at during an inspection? They may look over all rooms and outdoor spaces, including any storage areas.
A landlord or manager is allowed to open cupboards that came with the rental property, as well as any closets and other furniture. However, they may only inspect for potential damage or maintenance issues.
Landlords or real estate agents may not go through your private belongings or inspect storage that you personally purchased after tenancy commenced, unless you give permission.
Can a real estate agent or property manager take photos?
The owner or property manager may take photos of any damage on the property. They will use these as references for any repairs or breaches in the tenancy agreement.
The photos may not include any personal items or identifying information.
If the property manager or real estate agent is conducting an inspection ahead of a property sale, they are allowed to take photos for advertising, provided that:
- They have written permission from you as a tenant
- They allow you to view all the photos and approve their contents
You have the right to object to photos that contain sensitive or identifying information, show anything of value (increasing security risks), or are unreasonable for you to remove/hide.
You can also object to photos that could identify any person living on the property who is at risk of violence.
These objections or restrictions must be put in writing in agreement with the manager or agent.
What is a Rental Inspection Checklist?
A rental inspection checklist or house inspection checklist is a form that your landlord or property manager refers to during inspections.
It will often document the state of your rental at the start of your tenancy, and include an inventory of furniture, appliances, and other items.
It will also feature any key areas and issues that the property manager will look out for, including (but not limited to!):
- Major or minor damages (which must be identified in writing)
- Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems
- Finishes on walls, floors, and doors
- Structural integrity and safety
- Tenant compliance with the lease
The inspection checklist is also a good resource for you as a tenant! You can check it ahead of any inspection so you know where and how to clean for a rental inspection.
Preparing for a Rental Property Inspection
Check the written notice from your landlord or manager for the specific date and time of the inspection! Clear your schedule and ensure you or a trusted representative will be present (if possible and agreed on).
Make a list of any maintenance issues you want to bring up. It’s best to have these written down so that you and your landlord can have a copy.
Perform a general check of the house to ensure everything is in working order. Pay close attention to doors, windows, locks, light switches, plumbing, vents, and HVAC systems.
Tidy up ahead of time so you’re not cramming or panicking! But if you want the most thorough job, you can hire professional cleaners to tackle a rental inspection cleaning.
What to Clean for a House Inspection?
Now, you may be asking – how clean does a house or apartment need to be for inspection?
“Clean” is subjective, as you and your landlord may have different standards for what’s “clean enough.” At a minimum, your rental property should be in a presentable state.
There will always be a certain amount of wear and tear over time, but there’s a difference between depreciation and damage!
Here’s a quick and easy rental inspection cleaning checklist to use before any property managers show up.
Bathroom
This is one of the most important – and also most scrutinised – areas in your home during a rent inspection.
Tidy, odour-free bathrooms are a big signal that you’re properly maintaining your rental property.
To clean your bathroom before inspection, you can:
- Put away any personal belongings or dirty laundry
- Brush dust and dirt from fans, vents, and windows or screens
- Ensure the toilet, drains, exhaust fans, and shower are working properly
- Get rid of any clutter and rubbish (e.g. empty toothpaste, soap scraps, etc)
- Inspect for any mould or mildew on tiles, grout, shower screens, and fixtures
- Quickly clean the toilet, shower or bathtub, sink, benchtop, and other visible surfaces
Bedroom
Your bedroom is a private space, but your landlord or property manager can inspect it – to an extent. They cannot go through personal belongings or storage spaces that did not come with the property.
A presentable bedroom can earn you lease renewal points, so work your way through the space with the following chores:
- Make your bed and organise the cabinets, closets, and shelves
- Look for any stains on carpets, curtains, and walls
- Dust off any window blinds or curtains, ceiling fans, light fixtures, and decor
- Pick up and put away any clutter (such as dirty clothes) on the bedroom floor
- Wipe the surfaces of wardrobes, shelves, and windows to remove dust and dirt
- Vacuum the floors and carpet, and mop hardwood floors or use an appropriate floor cleaner
Kitchen
Kitchens are another potential problem area during inspections, especially the appliances! Food scraps, grease splatter, and general dirt can build up over time and create heavy grime.
Spruce up your kitchen ahead of time to give a good impression. And probably don’t cook anything with a strong scent until after your home has been inspected.
How to clean your kitchen before routine inspections:
- Vacuum and mop the floors
- Declutter and/or reorganise your pantry and cupboards
- Wash the dishes and store them in any cupboards or drawers
- Remove any rubbish and ensure there aren’t any houseflies or pests
- Lightly clean any appliances like the oven, microwave, toaster, and air fryer
- Quickly check and organise your fridge (toss out any expired or spoiled food)
- Inspect the range hood, exhaust, vents, and drains for any clogs or damage
If you need to get rid of odours quickly, try boiling some cinnamon or coffee grounds on the stove for 20 minutes!
Living spaces
These include the entryway, living room, hallways, and stairs – high-traffic areas that can easily collect messes and dirt.
Tidy living spaces show your property manager that you’re maintaining a tidy house. Put your best foot forward during inspections with clean living areas.
- Vacuum any carpets, rugs, and upholstery, especially if you have pets
- Remove any rubbish lying around (e.g. dead flowers, food wrappers)
- Put away any clutter on shelves, furniture, floors, and other surfaces
- Check and clean up any stains on couches, carpets, pillows, and walls
- Wipe ceiling fans, windows, doorknobs, light fixtures, and other high-touch surfaces
Laundry area
A clean, odourless laundry area helps convince your home’s owner that the rental is well-maintained.
Here’s a quick rundown of tasks for a clean laundry or mud room:
- Open windows or vents to air out the room
- Wash any dirty clothes or store them in a hamper
- Clean your washer (front load or top load) and dryer
- Throw out any empty detergent bottles, packets, and other clutter
- Wipe the windows or walls and vacuum the floor
Outdoor areas
Your lease covers outdoor spaces as well! That includes patios, lawns or gardens, and walkways (if the property has them).
An outdoor space makes the first impression when a landlord or property manager shows up at your home, so make sure they’re tidy!
- Sweep away dead leaves and other debris
- Mop away any stains on outdoor tiles and remove any pet waste
- Dust and remove cobwebs from the ceiling spaces
- Clean or put away any outdoor furniture (including grills)
- Remove weeds and dried leaves from the grass
- Mow your lawn and trim any hedges if necessary
Rental Inspection Details By State/Territory
Each state or territory in Australia has its own tenant laws that govern routine inspections. Here’s an overview of the allowed frequency and times for routine inspections.
Note that this will not cover allowed notice and times for inspections ahead of property sales.
Australian Capital Territory
In the ACT, a landlord or owner can conduct a routine inspection a maximum of twice in 12 months, with at least 7 days of notice.
These inspections can take place at any point following the start of the tenancy agreement, with additional inspections allowed in the first and last months.
Both the landlord and tenant should agree on the time of entry, which must be between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM from Monday to Saturday (except public holidays).
For general repairs, you must receive at least 1 week’s notice. However, in emergency or urgent cases, you must be given “reasonable notice” (which may be as short as a few hours).
New South Wales
Landlords or property managers may conduct property inspections up to 4 times in 12 months, with at least a week’s notice. The law counts calendar days, not business days (except for smoke alarms).
Generally, entry is permitted from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, from Monday to Saturday (except public holidays). As a tenant, you should be notified of the approximate time of entry.
If you cannot be present during an inspection, it is recommended you give the landlord, manager, or agent written permission to enter.
Entry without notice or permission is allowed only in case of emergencies, urgent repairs, abandoned property, or Tribunal orders.
Northern Territory
There must be a minimum of 3 months between inspections, with 3 inspections in a year. Landlords or managers are required to give 7 days notice (or 24 hours for repairs or maintenance).
Inspections and repairs may take place between 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM.
Notices are not required in cases of emergencies, significant damage, or abandonment. Emergencies include (but are not limited to) roof leaks, gas leaks, electrical faults, flooding, or blocked plumbing.
A tenant must be present unless you have waived your right to appear in writing or you have refused on unreasonable grounds.
Queensland
Your landlord or property manager can only carry out an inspection once every 3 months, with a minimum of 7 days of notice (unless agreed otherwise in writing).
These can take place at any time after the tenancy has commenced.
Time of entry is generally between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM, Monday to Saturday (excluding public holidays). Explicit permission is required for any entry during off-hours, Sundays, and holidays.
The landlord must submit an Entry Notice (Form 9) with a specific time of entry. If they enter alone, they are allowed a maximum of two hours from entry.
Form 9 also requires the property manager to specify the reason for entry, whether that is a routine inspection or maintenance.
South Australia
As an overview, a landlord or property manager can inspect a property four times a year, after 7-28 days written notice.
The inspection can take up to 2 hours, between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM on any day except Sundays or public holidays.
As a tenant, you have the right to be present during entry. Landlords or managers may only enter without a tenant’s presence or permission in case of emergency (e.g. burst pipes) or potential property abandonment.
If the tenant has breached the agreement, a landlord can inspect the remedy 7-14 days after the written breach notice has been served.
Tasmania
Landlords and property managers can carry out routine inspections once every 3 months, with at least 24 hours’ notice unless agreed otherwise.
This 3-month period does not include the initial inspection in the first month of tenancy.
Inspections can take place at any time after the tenancy begins, between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
The manager or owner should contact you regarding the time of entry.
However, the manager or owner may enter without permission if there is a reasonable belief that:
- The tenant is injured or ill
- Denial of access could result in damage
- There is an imminent risk to someone on the property
- The property is damaged or abandoned
Victoria
General or routine inspections can take place after the first 3 months of tenancy. They may be conducted once every 6 months at most, with a minimum of 7 days’ notice.
The property manager, landlord, or rental agent may only enter the property between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM, any day except public holidays.
Entry outside these times requires written permission from you as a tenant, no more than 7 days before the inspection. Entry without a tenant present must also require written notice and agreement.
Western Australia
The lessor or landlord must submit Form 19 (Notice of Proposed Entry) ahead of any routine inspection.
They may conduct an inspection not more than 4 times a year, with 7 to 14 days of notice. For inspection or conduction of necessary repairs, these require 72 hours of written notice.
Entry may only take place between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM on weekdays or 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM on Saturdays. Entry on Sundays or public holidays requires a prior written agreement.
Entry without permission is allowed in emergency cases or suspicion of abandonment (Form 12).
Pass Your Routine Rental Inspection With Flying Colours
A rental property inspection is not a measure of your cleaning abilities, so you don’t need to scrub every surface. But you do need to meet certain standards to ensure a smooth stay during your lease.
If you’re wondering “How clean does a rental property need to be for inspection,” the simple answer is: as clean as when you got it! Property managers will understand the usual wear and dirt, but things should be in working order.
Professional cleaners are a great help, as they are often working off a checklist and are keen to follow Australian cleaning standards.
With your rental property clean inside and out, you won’t have to worry – and you can let in your landlord or property manager with a confident smile.
