Rental inspections can feel like a surprise visit from your in-laws.
A little stressful, a little awkward, and a lot of pressure to look like you’ve got your life together.
But here’s the good news.
With the right prep, you can absolutely ace your next inspection, keep your landlord happy, and stay in the running for glowing references (and that all-important bond refund).
This isn’t about scrubbing every tile with a toothbrush. It’s about smart, simple steps that show you’re a reliable tenant who takes pride in their home.
Let’s break it down 👇
🧽 What Even Is a Rental Inspection?
Rental inspections are routine check-ins that give the landlord or property manager a chance to:
✅ Make sure the property is being looked after
✅ Spot any damage or maintenance issues
✅ Keep a record of how the place is tracking (especially for long-term tenants)
They usually happen every 3-6 months. And while they shouldn’t be scary, they do matter. A bad inspection can impact your future applications, rent renewals, and bond refund.
🧼 Your 7-Step Rental Inspection Checklist
1️⃣ Tidy Like You Live in a Real Estate Ad
You don’t need a deep clean worthy of a royal visit, but a clean space shows respect. Focus on:
• Kitchen surfaces & stovetops
• Bathroom mirrors, sinks & toilets
• Floors (sweep, vacuum, mop if needed)
• General clutter (clear the chaos, stat)
💡 Quick win: Light a candle or open windows, fresh air goes a long way.
2️⃣ Do a Quick Garden Blitz 🌿
If you’ve got a yard, courtyard or balcony:
• Mow lawns, trim edges
• Sweep patios & paths
• Clear away pet mess or dead plants
• Tidy bins and outdoor areas
Even a 20-minute tidy-up can make a big impact.
3️⃣ Fix the Little Things 🔧
Burnt-out light bulbs? Wobbly cupboard handles? Marks on the wall?
Small fixes show you’re proactive. If it’s something you can sort easily, do it.
If it’s a bigger job, add it to your maintenance request list.
4️⃣ Pet Owners - Cover Your Bases 🐾
Even if your pet is the goodest boi, property managers still look for:
• Scratches on floors or doors
• Pet hair build-up
• Odours (do a sniff test!)
• Garden damage
Clean up thoroughly and be ready to show your pet’s been well-behaved.
5️⃣ Prep a Maintenance List 📝
Spotted something that needs fixing? Mention it at the inspection.
Property managers appreciate tenants who are observant, not negligent.
It also protects you from being blamed for pre-existing issues later.
6️⃣ Be Present (If You Can) 🙋
You don’t have to be home, but it helps:
• You can walk them through anything worth mentioning
• You show you’re responsible and involved
• You can ask questions or flag concerns on the spot
If you can’t be there, leave a polite note or email in advance.
7️⃣ Take Photos Beforehand 📸
Especially if you’ve done a big clean or garden blitz.
Why? It gives you a time-stamped record of how the place looked, just in case there are disputes later.
💡 Pro Tips from a Property Manager’s Perspective
✔ Be polite, but confident. This is your home too
✔ Don’t make excuses. Just do your best to present the place well
✔ Keep pets secure or out of the way during inspections
✔ Communicate. If you need more notice or have concerns, let them know
✔ If repairs haven’t been done after previous requests, raise them again (in writing)
💥 Bonus: Use Inspections to Boost Your Rental Record
Treat inspections as your reference in action. A great inspection makes it easier to:
🏡 Renew your lease
💰 Get your bond back in full
📄 Score a killer reference for your next rental
You can even ask the agent to confirm in writing that everything looked good, this becomes part of your rental portfolio!
Want an Inspection Prep Pack?
🧽 Download our Rental Inspection Cheat Sheet and get:
• Printable room-by-room cleaning checklist
• Pet-friendly inspection prep tips
• Bonus: Email template for maintenance requests
Final Word
Inspections don’t have to be nerve-wracking.
With a little prep and a smart strategy, you’ll breeze through like a pro.
Plus, you’ll earn serious brownie points with your landlord.
Which could come in handy at renewal time.
Now go impress them with a sparkling kitchen and a well-mowed lawn.
You’ve got this.
