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Over the last year, one of our most common feature requests has been more flexibility around inspection reminders. Instead of adding more preset options, we’ve rebuilt this from the ground up. You can now fully customise your inspection schedule and choose exactly when you want to be reminded. Let’s start on the web dashboard, where you can set everything up. Set up your defaults On the web dashboard, you can now define a default inspection schedule for all new properties. Whether you want in...

Property inspections aren’t always neat and predictable. You can have years of experience, a solid checklist, and a structured routine - and a property will still throw you a curveball. There’s a common misconception that a “great” inspector can instantly diagnose every fault, leak, or structural issue on the spot. The truth? No one gets the full picture immediately, every time. The real skill isn’t instant certainty. It’s knowing how to handle uncertainty with structure, honesty, and fol...

Photos are the backbone of property inspections. They give us unbiased, time-stamped proof of a property’s condition. We document walls, fixtures, smoke alarms, water sources, and safety features. A strong photo set creates clarity. But after years of inspections, one thing is clear: a photo doesn’t always tell the full story. Some issues move. Some issues make noise. Some issues only appear over time. And that’s where video becomes powerful. Where photos fall short Photos are excellent...

On paper, inspections look simple. Test the smoke alarms. Take the photos. Write the report. In reality, inspections happen in people’s homes - and homes come with emotion. They touch on where someone lives, how someone feels safe, and how someone protects their investment. That combination naturally creates tension. Tenants may fear being blamed. Landlords may worry about hidden damage. And sometimes, both sides want you firmly on their team. But your role, as an inspector, isn’t to take...

Routine inspections aren’t just about ticking boxes. They’re about safety, prevention, and protecting the long-term condition of a property. Whether you own, manage, or live in a rental, the biggest problems rarely start big. They begin as small, easily dismissed annoyances. Over time, I’ve found that three simple areas consistently cause the most avoidable issues: Lighting. Leaks. Latches. They sound basic. That’s exactly why they’re often overlooked. Lighting: more than just a bulb We exp...

At myInspections, our focus is on on-site inspections carried out by property professionals, like property managers and inspectors, as well as DIY landlords. The app is designed to make inspections easy while physically visiting the property, helping document its condition with photos, videos, and notes. Tenant-led inspections simply aren’t the niche we serve, so we stay focused on what we do best: supporting thorough, reliable, in-person inspections.

If receiving an inspection notice makes you want to deep clean the entire house — you’re not alone. Many tenants assume inspections are about judging housekeeping. In reality, that’s not the purpose at all. A routine property inspection is a structured review of the property’s condition. It focuses on maintenance, safety, and identifying issues early — before they become costly problems for either party. Here’s what inspections are really about. Inspections are about condition — not cleanl...

Routine inspections aren’t just about condition - they’re about context. Two homes can look identical on paper, yet require completely different inspection priorities based purely on location. A property sheltered inland faces different risks than one exposed to salt spray on the coast. Climate, soil, wind exposure, and humidity all shape how a building ages - and where problems are likely to appear. Understanding location isn’t optional. It’s part of conducting a thorough inspection. Wh...

Property inspections can feel like walking a tightrope. As an inspector, you’re the neutral third party between landlords and tenants - and often, both sides want validation. Routine inspections are essential. But when relationships are already tense, they can quickly become the flashpoint. Neutrality isn’t passive. It’s a professional skill. And when done well, it builds long-term trust on both sides. Why neutrality matters more than you think Inspections aren’t just about property conditi...

At myInspections, we know the PDF report is the bit that really matters. We were surprised to see that in April alone, 55% of inspections resulted in a PDF being generated. It’s the thing you send to landlords, tenants, or clients — so it needs to be clear, reliable, and professional. That’s why we’ve given reports a refresh. We fixed a few of the rough edges, and while we were at it, added some of the features you’ve been asking for. What We Fixed We heard you — some parts of the old rep...

One of the most common points of tension during property inspections isn’t major structural issues - it’s the small things. A few scratches on a door. Light carpet flattening. Tiny nail holes in a wall. Some oven buildup. The question is always the same: Is this normal wear and tear, or is it damage? Understanding the difference is critical for landlords, property managers, and tenants alike. Clear expectations protect relationships, reduce disputes, and ensure inspection reports stay obje...

Picture this. You’re walking through a rental property with your inspection checklist. You test the smoke alarms, scan each room, note a small scuff on the baseboard. Everything looks fine. You thank the tenant, close your myInspections app, and generate the report. A solid, professional inspection. But what if behind the neatly closed blinds there’s a small patch of mould forming near the sliding door? What if the reason all the windows are open isn’t “just a nice breeze”? So what separa...

If you’re new to myInspections on our Manager or Team plan, getting the right setup from day one really helps. Having your templates and properties ready before inviting the rest of your team makes it easier for them to get started and helps keep inspections consistent across the whole portfolio. This guide will walk you through the setup order I recommend for teams on the Manager or Team plan. 1. Create checklist templates - These define what gets checked in each room or area. 2. Group check...

If you’ve just joined a team on myInspections and can’t see the properties you were expecting, don’t worry. This is a common question, and the fix is quick. Why this happensWhen you’re invited to be part of a team, myInspections creates two portfolios in your account: • Your personal portfolio: for any properties you manage yourself • Your team portfolio: for the properties shared with you by your team Some users land in their personal portfolio by default, so it may look like your team prop...

Early in an inspector’s career, juggling a notepad and a camera can feel clumsy. At some point, everyone asks the same question: do you take notes first, or capture photos first? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but some approaches do make the job smoother than others. Why some inspectors start with notesWriting notes first has its appeal. It slows you down, forces careful observation, and gives context before a single photo is taken. Some inspectors feel that notes add a level of pro...

Tenants sometimes scrub a property from top to bottom like royalty was about to arrive, only to find out a simple walkthrough would have been more than enough. Routine inspections aren’t meant to be judgement day — they’re about keeping the property in good shape for everyone. Here’s how both tenants and landlords can prepare without stress. Set realistic expectationsRoutine inspections are not a white-glove cleanliness test, it’s not about catching people out. The real goals are: • Reco...

Insights from a property inspector who’s completed hundreds of inspections Every season has its own way of showing what’s wrong with a property. Summer heat, winter damp, or even snow and ice can reveal issues you might otherwise miss. Seasonal checks don’t just protect the property — they keep tenants comfortable and landlords at ease. Summer inspections: heat, sun, and stormsThe summer sun can be as tough on a house as it is on your skin. Properties don’t get sunblock, so exterior paint ...

Everyone in property management and inspections has heard “that excuse” before. The truth is, excuses are part of the job — and most of them follow familiar patterns. Whether it’s a tenant or a landlord, people sometimes give explanations that don’t quite add up. Usually, it’s not about deception, but about avoiding blame or hoping a small issue won’t be taken too seriously. Here are some of the most common excuses inspectors come across — and what they usually mean. “That stain was alr...

By the time most inspectors reach their 100th property, they’re a lot more confident than on day one. The first few inspections often take longer, nerves get in the way, and mistakes are easier to make. But with time, certain lessons stand out as the ones that make inspections smoother, more consistent, and more professional. Here are six of the biggest lessons learned from inspecting 100 properties. 1. Communication is everything Tenants often downplay problems — not out of dishonesty, ...

Most tenants aren’t overly picky. Many are happy to take care of little things themselves — a squeaky cabinet door, a loose screw, or a minor scuff. But when something affects their comfort or safety? That’s when they really hope you’ll take notice. At the end of the day, tenants want to feel heard. Paying attention to the right things builds trust, keeps tenants longer, and helps you catch problems before they become costly. The 3 things tenants care most about1. Water-related issues • Leak...

Inspections aren’t always just about broken light bulbs and cracked tiles. Sometimes you stumble across something completely unexpected. These strange discoveries aren’t just quirky stories — they can be signs of deeper issues, overlooked maintenance, or unusual tenant behaviour. Here are some of the weirdest inspection finds (and the lessons behind them). Mushrooms in the bathroomYes, mushrooms. Not the kind that belong on pizza, but actual fungi growing from a mouldy shower door seal. Mois...

No matter how experienced you are, missing something during an inspection will happen eventually. The key is not to panic — what really matters is how you handle it. Here’s what typically happens when something gets missed, how to fix it, and how to prevent it in the future. Why things get missedEven seasoned inspectors slip up, especially when: • Rushing to be respectful of a tenant’s time • Navigating cluttered or staged spaces (like a blocked door) • Working in poor lighting or bad weather...

Most people think inspections are just about walls, windows, and checklists. But anyone who has done a few knows they’re also about people, emotions, and sometimes tension. Difficult tenant interactions are part of the job, and with the right approach they can usually be managed calmly and professionally. Take this scenario: during a routine inspection, an inspector walked in the door and was immediately met with harsh words from a very frustrated tenant. The issue? A ceiling leak that had go...

One of the most common questions new inspectors or landlords ask is how long a property inspection should take. The answer varies depending on the size of the property, its condition, and the purpose of the inspection. Rushing through inspections may feel efficient, but it often leads to mistakes, missed details, or communication issues that cause more problems later. Taking the right amount of time helps ensure inspections are accurate, thorough, and trusted by both tenants and property o...

When you are caught between a tenant who is upset and a property owner who believes everything is fine, communication can make or break the situation. Clear communication matters. Inspections are routine, but misunderstandings during or after them can quickly create tension. An inspector’s role is not just to document issues, but also to communicate them in a way that builds trust, avoids disputes, and speeds up solutions. Communicating with tenants When speaking with tenants, avoid over...