How to Get Ready for a Rental Inspection (Minus the Stress)

Rental inspections are a normal part of renting, but that doesn’t mean they have to be stressful.

They’re simply a way for landlords or property managers to check on the property’s condition and ensure everything is in working order.

At the same time, they’re an opportunity for you to flag any maintenance issues that might need attention.

If you’ve got an inspection coming up, knowing what to expect and doing a little prep work can make the process quick and hassle-free.

Understanding the Basics of Rental Inspections

If you are renting in South Australia, inspections follow clear guidelines designed to balance a landlord’s right to check their property with a tenant’s right to privacy.

These rules ensure that the process is fair and respectful while allowing landlords to keep their property in good condition.

Here are the key legal points you need to know:

How often? Inspections can be carried out by landlords or property managers up to four times a year unless a different arrangement is set by SACAT (South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal).
How much notice? You must be given written notice between seven and 28 days before the inspection.
How long do they take? Inspections are limited to a maximum of two hours.

These guidelines help ensure inspections are fair, predictable and respect your privacy while allowing landlords to ensure their property is being well-maintained.

What to Expect During a Rental Inspection

If you’re worried about an inspection, remember that it’s not about judging how you live—it’s about making sure the property is being looked after and checking for any maintenance needs.

What Your Landlords or Property Manager Will Look At

During an inspection, your landlord or property manager will be checking things like:

General cleanliness and upkeep of the home.
The condition of carpets, walls and flooring, checking for stains, damage or excessive wear.
Kitchens and bathrooms, including appliances, sinks and taps for leaks or damage.
Outdoor areas such as gardens, balconies, or courtyards.
Smoke alarms and other safety features.

Your Responsibilities as a Tenant

As a tenant, you have a few key responsibilities when it comes to inspections:

Keeping the home in a reasonably clean condition
Reporting any maintenance issues, such as leaky taps or faulty appliances
Following the terms of your rental agreement, including garden maintenance if required

How to Prepare for a Rental Inspection

A little preparation can go a long way to making the inspection process much smoother.

Here’s how to take care of the small tasks in advance, and get everything in order without overcomplicating things.

1. Clean and Tidy Up Key Areas

You don’t need to deep clean the entire house, but a general tidy-up goes a long way. Focus on:

Kitchens and bathrooms—since these tend to show wear the most.
Vacuuming and mopping floors, including corners, under furniture and in high-traffic areas.
Wiping down walls, skirting boards and windows to remove dust or marks.
Tidying outdoor areas by mowing the lawn, pulling weeds or clearing any rubbish.

2. Check for Maintenance Issues

Inspections are a good time to address any small issues before they become big problems. Before the inspection, take a few minutes to:

Report any existing damage instead of trying to cover it up.
Test smoke alarms and replace light bulbs if needed.
Check for plumbing issues such as leaky taps and report them if necessary.

3. Organise Pets (If You Have Them)

If your rental allows pets, it’s a good idea to:

Clean up any fur, pet-related mess or damage.
If possible, arrange for your pet to be elsewhere during the inspection.

4. Be Present or Arrange Access

If you can’t be home during the inspection, make sure your landlord or property manager has access.
Unlock doors to any areas they may need to inspect, such as garages, sheds or storage spaces.

Common Concerns About Rental Inspections

What if my place isn’t spotless?

That’s okay! The goal isn’t perfection—it’s about making sure the property is being looked after. As long as your home is reasonably clean and tidy, and that it is being cared for, you don’t need to stress.

What if there’s damage that wasn’t my fault?

Report it before the inspection. If it’s general wear and tear, you likely won’t be responsible for fixing it. If it’s something more significant, your property manager can discuss the next steps with you.

What if the landlord finds something wrong?

Inspections are a chance to flag issues that need fixing and identify things that need attention. If a repair is needed, it’s better to flag it during the inspection so it can be addressed sooner rather than later.

Final Checklist for a Stress-Free Inspection

Want to make sure you’re prepared? Here’s a quick checklist to keep things simple:

✔ Clean kitchens, bathrooms and living areas
✔ Vacuum and mop floors, wipe down walls and windows
✔ Tidy outdoor areas if applicable
✔ Report maintenance issues like leaky taps or faulty appliances
✔ Check smoke alarms and light bulbs
✔ Secure pets or arrange for them to be elsewhere during the inspection
✔ Be home or arrange access with your landlord or property manager

With a little preparation, rental inspections can be straightforward and stress-free.

They are a great opportunity to show you are looking after the property while also ensuring any necessary repairs get the attention they need.

Need help with an upcoming rental inspection, or have questions about your lease? Connect with us—we’re always happy to help.

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DISCLAIMER: All recommendations made by We Connect Property are general in nature and not to be relied upon as legal or financial advice. To ensure accuracy, we always strongly recommend seeking independent, professional advice tailored to your specific situation before making any investment or financial decisions.