What Your Property Manager should Look for at a Routine Inspection

Routine inspections are an important part of managing a rental property in New South Wales (NSW). They help ensure that tenants are looking after the home, while also giving landlords peace of mind that their investment is being maintained. But what exactly should your property manager be checking when they visit?

1. General Cleanliness & Presentation

The first thing your property manager will note is whether the property is being kept clean and tidy. While tenants are entitled to live in their own style, the property should be reasonably maintained. This includes:

• Floors vacuumed and mopped
• Kitchens and bathrooms hygienic
• Rubbish removed and bins managed properly
• No strong odours or signs of neglect

2. Maintenance Issues

Routine inspections are not just about tenant responsibility—they’re also an opportunity to identify repairs or maintenance needs. A good property manager will check for things such as:

• Leaking taps or toilets
• Mould in bathrooms or laundry areas
• Cracks in walls or ceilings
• Broken fittings (door handles, cupboard hinges, blinds)
• Smoke alarm functionality and ensuring they are fixed to the ceilings and appear to be active (light on).
• Greener patches of grass than other areas indicating a possible leak in the yard somewhere.
• Reporting these promptly protects both the tenant’s comfort and the landlord’s asset.

3. Damage vs. Fair Wear and Tear

One of the key responsibilities of a property manager is to distinguish between fair wear and tear (which is the landlord’s responsibility) and actual damage caused by tenants. Examples include:

• ‍Fair wear and tear: worn carpet, minor scuff marks on walls, faded paint.‍
• Damage: broken windows, holes in walls, damage to kitchen benches.

4. Outdoor Areas & Gardens

If the property has a yard, balcony, or garden, the property manager will check that these are being properly maintained in line with the lease agreement. This includes:

• Lawns mowed and edged
• Weeds under control
• Outdoor areas free of rubbish
• No unauthorised structures or alterations

5. Pets & Unauthorised Occupants

Good Property managers are also trained to check whether there are any pets at the property that haven’t been approved on the lease, or signs of additional people living there without permission. Both can have implications for the condition of the property and insurance coverage.

6. Maintenance and Repairs Management

A professional property manager will also keep an eye on safety compliance, including:

• Clear and safe access to exits
• Functioning smoke alarms
• Handrails or balcony railings
• No hazards such as loose cords or broken tiles
• Ensuring there are railings in high areas
• Ensuring there are hazard identifiers for uneven steps

7. Tenant Feedback

Finally, a routine inspection is a chance for tenants to raise concerns or request repairs. A great property manager won’t just tick boxes; they’ll listen, take notes, and pass along any issues to the landlord. They will also use routine inspections as a nice way of building repor with your tenant which helps enable a positive relationship with your tenants.

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Final Thoughts

Routine inspections are about more than just making sure tenants are doing the right thing—they’re about safeguarding your investment, ensuring tenant satisfaction, and catching small issues before they turn into costly repairs or lead to unrepairable maintenance.

Your tenants first inspection should be done roughly 6-8 weeks after they move into the property and then every 3-4 months after. REMEMBER- your property manager can legally access the property 4 times per year to conduct routine inspections.

Are you choosing a Property manager? Consider Mel McKinney to ensure that you are safe guarding your investment by having an experienced property manager who conducts thorough, fair, and consistent inspections so that landlords can enjoy peace of mind knowing their property is well cared for.

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