How Tenants Should Prepare for Routine Inspections
What landlords should expect and communicate to tenants before inspections
Why Inspection Preparation Matters
Routine inspections are a normal part of tenancy across Australia and New Zealand. They allow landlords to check the property's condition, identify maintenance issues early, and ensure lease terms are being followed. When tenants prepare properly, inspections go smoothly and strengthen the landlord-tenant relationship.
As a landlord, setting clear expectations about what tenants should do before an inspection reduces stress on both sides and helps you complete the inspection efficiently.
What Tenants Should Do Before the Inspection
General Preparation (All Rooms)
Tenants should:
- Clean the property to a reasonable standard (not professional cleaning, just tidy and presentable)
- Remove clutter from floors, benches, and surfaces so all areas are visible
- Ensure all rooms are accessible (unlock doors, clear pathways)
- Repair or report any damage they've caused (holes in walls, broken fixtures, stains)
- Report any maintenance issues or repairs needed so they can be examined at the inspection (leaks, broken appliances, mould)
- Ensure gardens and outdoor areas are maintained as per the lease
- Have pets secured or removed during the inspection (if applicable)
Room-by-Room Checklist
Kitchen
- Wipe down benches, stovetop, and appliances
- Clean the oven and rangehood
- Empty the sink and clean any dishes
- Wipe down cupboard exteriors and handles
- Sweep and mop floors
- Take out rubbish and recycling
- Check for signs of pests (cockroaches, ants) and report if present
Bathrooms
- Clean toilet, sink, shower, and bathtub
- Wipe mirrors and remove water stains
- Clean grout and tiles (remove mould or soap scum)
- Check taps and drains for leaks or blockages
- Ensure exhaust fans are working
- Hang towels neatly or remove personal items if preferred
Bedrooms
- Vacuum or sweep floors
- Clear clutter from floors
- Dust windowsills and furniture
- Ensure windows open and close properly
Living Areas
- Vacuum carpets or mop floors
- Check blinds and curtains are functional
- Wipe down light switches and door handles
- Clear clutter from floors
Laundry
- Wipe down benches and the laundry tub
- Sweep and mop floors
- Check for leaks or drainage issues
Outdoor Areas (if applicable)
- Mow lawns and trim edges
- Remove weeds from garden beds
- Sweep patios, decks, and pathways
- Store outdoor furniture neatly
Common Issues Tenants Should Address Before Inspection
Encourage tenants to fix or report these common problems before the inspection:
Issues Tenants Should Report (Not Fix Themselves)
- Leaking taps, toilets, or pipes
- Cracks in walls or ceilings
- Broken windows, locks, or doors
- Electrical faults or sparking outlets
- Roof leaks or water damage
- Pest infestations (termites, rodents, large-scale cockroaches)
- Non-functioning appliances supplied by landlord (oven, dishwasher, hot water)
What Happens During the Inspection
Tenants should know what to expect during the inspection itself:
Inspection Process
- Inspector arrival: Inspector will arrive at the agreed time or within the window
- Walk-through: Inspector will inspect each room, checking condition and identifying issues
- Photos: Photos may be taken for records (this is standard practice)
- Notes: Inspector will document the property's condition
- Maintenance requests: Tenants can raise maintenance concerns during the inspection
Tenant Rights During Inspections
- Tenants have the right to be present during the inspection (but are not required to be)
- Tenants can dispute findings if they disagree with damage claims
- Tenants should not be charged for fair wear and tear
- Tenants can ask questions about repairs or maintenance during the inspection
Remember: Routine inspections are about property condition, not judging the tenant's lifestyle. The property should be reasonably clean and well-maintained, but it doesn't need to be spotless. Fair wear and tear is normal and expected.
After the Inspection
What Landlords Should Do
- Complete the inspection report: Document findings within 48 hours while details are fresh
- Address maintenance: Arrange repairs for any issues identified that are the landlord's responsibility
- Follow up on damage: If tenant-caused damage was found, discuss repair timelines and costs
- Document everything: Keep photos, notes, and communications for future reference
What Tenants Should Do
- Dispute any findings they disagree with (in writing)
- Arrange repairs for any tenant-caused damage identified
- Follow up on maintenance requests they raised during the inspection
Sample Inspection Preparation Notice to Tenants
Example message you can send 7 days before the inspection:
Hi [Tenant Name],
This is a reminder that the routine inspection is scheduled for [Date] at [Time]. The inspection typically takes 15–20 minutes.
To help the inspection go smoothly, please:
- Ensure all rooms are accessible
- Tidy and clean the property to a reasonable standard
- Report any maintenance issues you'd like me to address
- Have pets secured or removed during the inspection
You're welcome to be present during the inspection, but it's not required.
If you have any questions or need to reschedule, please let me know.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
Mint's Takeaway
Routine inspections protect both landlords and tenants when done correctly:
- Clear communication prevents confusion: Send a checklist or preparation guide 7 days before the inspection
- Reasonable expectations matter: The property should be clean and tidy, but not spotless. Fair wear and tear is normal
- Documentation is essential: Take photos, write notes, and share the inspection report with tenants
- Focus on condition, not lifestyle: Inspect for damage, maintenance needs, and lease compliance — not personal choices
- Follow up promptly: Complete the report within 48 hours and arrange repairs quickly
- Encourage tenant reporting: Invite tenants to raise maintenance issues during inspections
Mint's inspection tracking helps you schedule inspections, send preparation reminders to tenants, document findings with photos, and track maintenance follow-ups — all in one place.