Routine inspections are an important part of keeping your property in good condition at all times. It’s an effective way for your property manager to view any maintenance requests in person and check that your tenant is looking after your property. While your tenant probably isn’t deliberately letting things slide, a routine inspection can help make sure the often-forgotten jobs are done. In this article, we outline everything you need to know about routine inspections.
Timing
Generally, QPC will recommend carrying out a routine inspection at the 3 month mark for new tenants to check and see how they are settling in and check to ensure they are maintaining the property well. We would follow that up 3 months later and providing that the tenant is paying rent on time and looking after the property well, we would then not carry out another inspection for another 6 months.
Maintenance and small repairs
Most agencies have a process for reporting maintenance and repair needs if the tenant won’t be home when the routine inspection occurs. Common maintenance and repair requests may include replacing light globes, leaking taps, and repairing fixtures such as ceiling fans. Tenant-specific areas to check include general cleanliness, mould in wet areas, and the condition of lawns. If something needs to be addressed, you can issue the tenant a ‘Notice to Remedy’. Tenants should generally be given 14 days to address any issues. If the issues aren’t addressed in 14 days, your next steps will depend on your state's legislation.
Bigger repair jobs
At the routine inspection, you or your property manager should also check areas of the property that can point to longer-term and more expensive repairs if these aren’t resolved quickly. You should check:
· all locks are in working order
· for water leaks in kitchens, laundries, and bathrooms
· exhaust fans are working and free of dust
· air-conditioning filters are clean
· weatherboard, bricks and tiles for cracks and wear
· the whole property for dampness or wood rot
· for signs of termites or rust.
Routine inspections can sound tedious, but your property manager is used to doing these almost every day. By carrying out regular inspections at your property, you can ensure it’s always in top condition, and any repairs are completed quickly. You’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having a property that’s always in good condition, so you can lease it quickly when it’s next available or sell it quickly when you’re ready to sell.
Remember, this article does not constitute financial or legal advice. Please consult your professional financial and legal advisors before making any decisions for yourself.
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