Preparing Your Property for Inspection Day: The Essential Checklist

Property inspections play a pivotal role in evaluating structural and safety concerns, including dampness, mould infestation, roof leaks, wall cracks, poor drainage, faulty appliances, and other issues. These issues are carefully reviewed and rectified to maintain the integrity of the house while promoting a healthy and hygienic indoor environment.

Whether you’re a landlord, renter or property manager, a little preparation can streamline the entire process and make your inspection day a hassle free experience. Landlords or property managers are required to deep clean and maintain their property investment to attract potential occupants, while tenants must adhere to their lease agreement and return the premises in a reasonably clean condition to secure their full bond money.

For both parties, preparing the property is the ultimate goal. So, here is a comprehensive checklist to help you get your property inspection ready without a hint of stress. If you are at the end of your tenancy, prefer hiring professional bond cleaners Gold Coast to effortlessly pass your rental inspection.

Let’s Get Started!

1. What are the Different Types of Property Inspections?

In the real estate market, there are three major types of property inspections:

• Move in Inspection: It is a thorough review of a rental property before a tenant moves in. The purpose is to document the actual condition, including existing damage and wear and tear, in the initial property condition report. This also ensures the property meets building, health and safety codes.
• Routine Inspections: These are not a white glove cleanliness test! Landlords or property managers can conduct routine inspections with 7 days’ written notice to ensure the property is clean and well maintained. The main objective is to resolve minor issues before they grow into major ones if unchecked.
• Final Rental Inspection: It is also conducted by landlords according to the pre-approved checklist to ensure the property is in the same condition as it was at the start of a lease, except for fair wear and tear. They meticulously inspect every nook and cranny, including appliances, walls, and hard to reach spots, before releasing the bond money. Thus, tenants are required to thoroughly clean the property to pass the rental inspection.

2. Landlords Must Declutter and Depersonalise the Property

Property owners or managers must provide a clear canvas of their property investment on the inspection day to let tenants make a quick decision. So, start by removing personal items and decorative pieces from your property, such as family photos and memorabilia. Next, declutter the space, including storage units, shelves and floors to make the space look more organised and spacious.

A clean and uncluttered property leaves a lasting impression on visitors, including potential tenants, which may increase your rental income potential.

3. Address Maintenance and Repair Issues

Pinpointing and fixing property manage as early as possible can help you save a lot of money. This is extremely crucial when moving out of your rental property. According to the bond cleaning laws in QLD, the rental property must be in a reasonably clean condition, beyond fair and in good repair, to pass the rental inspection. It refers to the natural deterioration of the property due to everyday use instead of damage caused by misuse or negligence.

This includes fading of wall paint, minor scuff marks, worn carpet in high traffic areas, etc. However, if you cause damage, ensure you seek permission from your landlord and repair it before the final inspection. Ensure you thoroughly inspect the property to check plumbing issues, broken doors and fixtures, faulty appliances, etc.

4. Meticulously Clean Inside the Property

There is no denying that a clean property sets a positive tone for the inspection day. Routine inspections may not require attention to detail cleaning, but the final inspection day is all about a strict checking of the property’s condition, maintenance and cleanliness. This is the best time to show how well the property has been cared for! Ensure you deep clean the interiors, including:

• Remove loose dirt, debris, cobwebs and pollens from ceiling fans, air vents, light fixtures and fittings using a microfibre cloth or an extendable duster.
• Wipe down countertops, shelves and picture frames
• Dust blinds and wash curtains
• Wash windows inside and outside if accessible
• Remove stains from walls and baseboards
• Vacuum door tracks
• Clean carpets and rugs
• Sweep and mop the floors

Landlords can also schedule a professional cleaning service if the property hasn’t been spruced up post tenancy. They can deduct a part or the full bond money to incur cleaning fees. Therefore, it is better to do a research and hire a budget bond cleaning Gold Coast service to achieve spotless results for a hassle free retrieval of bond money.

5. Thoroughly Clean Your Kitchen and Appliances

Believe it or not! The kitchen is the heart of any home. Unfortunately, it is the breeding ground for lethal germs and bacteria due to the buildup of cooking grease, gunk and stubborn stains. When preparing your property for inspection day, ensure you deep clean your kitchen surfaces as well as appliances (an oven, microwave, range hood, refrigerator, etc). Use eco friendly cleaning solution like vinegar or baking soda to degrease your wooden cabinets, glass cooktop, delicate countertops, stainless steel appliances and faucets.

6. Ensure Your Bathroom is Spotless and Sanitised

Soap scum, nasty mould infestations and hard water stains may hold back your hard earned bond money.

So, ensure you deep clean shower head, glass doors, walls, curtains, tiles, grout lines, bathtub, counters and toilets to remove stains and disease causing germs. If required, fix a running toilet or taps before the inspection.

7. Consider Safety and Compliance Checks

These are non negotiation aspects in the checklist. For tenants, ensure smoke detectors are functioning properly. Also, keep fire exists and windows clear of obstruction.

On the other hand, landlords and property managers are required to thoroughly check fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and electrical sockets to prevent fire hazards. Ensure they also inspect staircases, balconies, the roof, and fences to meet the minimum housing standards for tenants, ensuring the property is safe, secure and functional.

8. Maintaining the Curb Appeal of the Property

It is important to clean and maintain the outdoor appearance of your property. It is good to mow the lawn, remove weeds and trim hedges. Ensure you remove stubborn stains and grime from driveways, concrete pathways, patio floors and garage walls. If you are under a serious time crunch, hire experts for a quality bond cleaning Gold Coast and impress your fussy landlord with ease.

Infographic: How to Create a Inspection Ready Property?

Wrapping Up

Preparing your property for inspection day doesn’t have to be physically or mentally draining. With a proper checklist, optimistic mindset and clear communication, both landlords and tenants can prepare the house for a seamless experience.