Rockingham Blog

Learning to go over your property with a critical eye will help you get the most out of your next property inspection. 

To help you succeed at your next rental inspection, check out this handy checklist for your use.

Your living room

• Lights: Do all your lights work? Switch them on and off to double check. Consider looking at the light fittings for any loose cables and make note of these. You should give all light switches a once over with a cloth to remove any residue or leftover prints.
• Walls: The condition of your walls is important. If you’re renting, small ‘wear and tear‘-style cracks shouldn’t worry you, but definitely note them down so you’re not hit with any surprise costs. Look along the bottom edging of your wall for any rising dampness.
• Floorboards: While they’re a pleasant alternative to dealing with carpeting, floorboards can easily show signs of wear and can be expensive to fix. Checks for creaks by walking over your floor, but also have a look to see if your floorboards have started to come up at the edges.

Your kitchen and bathroom

• Sinks and plumbing: How are your taps working? It might seem harmless, but a dripping tap can have a huge effect on your utility bills. Check that all dripping taps are securely fixed. It might be as simple as replacing a washer if required. When you turn the taps on, listen for any strange sounds. It wouldn’t hurt to check under your sink for possible leaks.
• Kitchen appliances and fittings: No one likes to clean their oven, but it’s a keysore spot for property managers and landlords alike. Open your stove, run your finger over the range hood and give the stove top a very thorough scrub. If there’s built-up grease around these areas, it won’t be looked fondly upon. If your microwave and fridge were included in your property, make sure you open them and check that they’re clean.
• Tiles and surfaces: It’s all about the shine when it comes to your next routine rental inspection. This is where you should clean away any residual debris and scrub hard. The same goes for your sink, mirror, shower and bathtub too.
• The toilet: We know. Ugh! But make sure you do an extra check around the likely-to-get-more-dirty-than-other places like the toilet and bin areas. It’ll give you an idea of how much love you’re giving that area (and what needs to be improved on!)
• The cupboards: Food residue and grime can be caught between the hinges of your cupboards and in the joins of shelves in your bathroom and kitchen. Give them a thorough look-over.

Your bedroom

• Walls and floorboards:Just as you did in the living room, look at the state of your walls and floorboards. This will give you a good indication of how much love your bedroom needs. Consider giving them a little extra TLC where you can.
• Windows and doors: Open your windows and doors, and let the air in. Check the handles and locks on everything where appropriate. Sliding doors and windows can easily fall into disrepair.
• Have a general clean-up:Your landlord or property manager isn’t likely to poke around in your bedroom too much, but giving it a good once-over, throwing away any rubbish and wiping down exposed surfaces will go a long way to give a good impression during your routine inspection.

Your property’s exterior:

• Cobwebs:The dreaded cobwebs can be a nuisance, but you must clear them ahead of your routine rental inspection. Sweep around the whole exterior of your rental property and clear away any cobwebs.
• Your entrance doors: Are the locks and handles functioning properly?
• The garage:If your property comes with a garage, check the doors. Do they work properly? Ensure the whole space is kept relatively clean and well-organised.
• Gates and garden:Now is the time to look for any non-human residents your property might be housing. If your property has gates or a garden, look over them as well.

As a tenant, now is your chance to speak up. Raise any issues with the property together with your landlord or property manager and avoid problems in the future.

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