Move-in checklist for ZA tenancies

Check the front door operates smoothly and locks securely. Note the condition of the doorbell and entry lighting.

• Front door
• Lock and hardware
• Doorbell
• Lighting

Check walls, doors and floor coverings along the hallway. Note any marks, scuffs or trip hazards.

• Walls
• Doors
• Lights and plug points
• Floors and floor coverings

Check walls, doors, windows and heating. Test that all lights and plug points work.

• Walls
• Doors
• Lights and plug points
• Floors and floor coverings
• Windows
• Blinds and curtains
• Heating

Test all appliances, taps and lights. Check cupboards open and close properly and note any damage to counters or surfaces.

• Walls
• Doors
• Lights and plug points
• Floors and floor coverings
• Windows
• Blinds and curtains
• Built-in cupboards
• Sink and counters
• Stove and oven
• Fridge
• Extractor fan

Test taps, shower pressure and toilet flush. Check for leaks, mould or damage to fittings.

• Walls
• Doors
• Lights and plug points
• Floors and floor coverings
• Windows
• Blinds and curtains
• Mirror and cabinet
• Bath
• Shower
• Basin and vanity
• Toilet
• Extractor fan

Test the washing machine and check the laundry sink for damage or leaks.

• Walls
• Doors
• Lights and plug points
• Floors and floor coverings
• Windows
• Blinds and curtains
• Washing machine
• Laundry sink

Check walls, doors, windows and floor coverings.

• Walls
• Doors
• Lights and plug points
• Floors and floor coverings
• Windows
• Blinds and curtains
• Built-in cupboards

Check the handrail is secure and treads are free of damage or hazards.

• Handrail
• Treads and risers
• Lighting

Check refuse bins, locks and insulation. Confirm smoke alarms are present and working throughout the property.

• Refuse bins
• Locks
• Insulation
• Smoke alarms present and working

Check the garage door and remote operate correctly. Note the condition of the floor and any damage to walls.

• Walls
• Doors
• Lights and plug points
• Floor
• Door and remote

Check the roof and supports are sound and free of damage.

• Roof and supports
• Floor
• Lighting

Check external walls and paintwork, gutters and downpipes. Note any signs of moisture or damage.

• External walls and paintwork
• Gutters and downpipes

Check lawns, gardens and fencing are in reasonable condition. Confirm the postbox is present and usable.

• Lawns and gardens
• Fencing
• Washing line
• Postbox

Check the floor surface, roof and any built-in seating for damage.

• Floor surface and tiling
• Roof and supports
• Lighting
• Railings

Check the braai, chimney and surrounding surfaces.

• Braai and grid
• Chimney and flue clear
• Work surface
• Lighting
• Gas connection where fitted

Check the driveway surface, gate and any damage to paving.

• Paving and driveway surface
• Automated gate and motor
• Gate remotes handed over
• Drainage

Test every security feature and hand over all remotes. Record the armed response provider and account details.

• Burglar bars secure
• Security gates and locks
• Alarm system and panic buttons
• Armed response provider and account details
• Electric fence and energiser
• Perimeter wall or palisade fencing
• Intercom or gate motor
• Remotes handed over and counted
• Outdoor lighting and beams

Record what is supplied and whether it works.

• Inverter and batteries
• Solar panels and controller
• Generator and fuel
• UPS units
• Surge protection
• Water storage tank and pump
• Borehole and pump where present
• Instructions handed to the tenant

Check the pump, the safety barrier required by the local by-law, and the equipment supplied.

• Pump and filter working
• Pool safety net or fence
• Pool surface and tiling
• Cleaning equipment supplied
• Water level and clarity

Record the parking bay and count every access item handed over.

• Parking bay number recorded
• Access tags and remotes handed over
• Number of each access item recorded
• Visitor access arrangements

List furniture and inventory provided by the landlord.

Photograph all keys supplied and note the count, including spares, garage remotes and postbox keys.

• Number of keys supplied
• Spare keys
• Garage remote
• Postbox key

The deposit must be held in an interest-bearing account. Record the amount and the account.

• Deposit amount recorded
• Deposit held in an interest-bearing account
• Interest rate confirmed to the tenant

Check the valves, drip tray and overflow carefully, and photograph the installation.

• Geyser and mounting secure
• Pressure control valve
• Temperature and pressure safety valve
• Drip tray and overflow pipe clear
• Insulation blanket fitted
• Element and thermostat working
• Geyser timer where fitted
• No leaks or water staining

A valid electrical Certificate of Compliance is required under the Electrical Installation Regulations 2009, made under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993. A gas CoC and an electric fence CoC are needed where those installations are present.

• Valid electrical Certificate of Compliance on file
• Distribution board and circuit labelling
• Earth leakage tested and tripping
• Plug points and light fittings undamaged
• No exposed or temporary wiring
• Gas Certificate of Compliance where a gas installation is present
• Electric fence Certificate of Compliance where an electric fence is installed

Record every meter number and reading, and confirm which accounts transfer to the tenant.

• Prepaid electricity meter number and reading
• Water meter number and reading
• Municipal account transfer confirmed
• Refuse and rates account status
• Body corporate levies where applicable