Routine inspections help you keep track of your property's condition and identify maintenance issues before they become bigger problems.
They also give you an opportunity to check that the property is being reasonably looked after and allow the tenant to raise any repairs or maintenance concerns.
When carrying out an inspection:
- Give the required notice: Follow your state or territory's rules about notice, inspection frequency and when you can enter the property.
- Keep the inspection reasonable: Focus on the general condition of the property, maintenance and any repairs that may be needed.
- Respect the tenant's privacy: Remember that while you own the property, it is the tenant's home during the tenancy.
- Record any issues: Make notes of maintenance or damage that may need attention and take photos where appropriate.
- Follow up: Arrange repairs that are your responsibility and keep a record of any action taken.
If you don't live near the property, you may be able to arrange for an authorised person to carry out the inspection on your behalf.
The rules around how often you can inspect, how much notice you must provide and when you can enter the property vary between states and territories, so check the current requirements where your property is located.
For more information, see our Condition Reports and Why They Matter and Repairs and Maintenance Obligations guides.