Routine inspection checklist for AU rental properties

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

• Front door No issues Requires attention
• Lock and hardware No issues Requires attention
• Doorbell No issues Requires attention N/A
• Lighting No issues Requires attention

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

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention N/A
• Lights and power points No issues Requires attention
• Floors and floor coverings No issues Requires attention

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

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention N/A
• Lights and power points No issues Requires attention
• Floors and floor coverings No issues Requires attention
• Windows No issues Requires attention
• Blinds and curtains No issues Requires attention N/A
• Heating and cooling No issues Requires attention N/A

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

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention N/A
• Lights and power points No issues Requires attention
• Floors and floor coverings No issues Requires attention
• Windows No issues Requires attention N/A
• Blinds and curtains No issues Requires attention N/A
• Cupboards No issues Requires attention
• Sinks and benchtops No issues Requires attention
• Oven and cooktop No issues Requires attention
• Fridge No issues Requires attention N/A
• Rangehood No issues Requires attention N/A

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

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention
• Lights and power points No issues Requires attention
• Floors and floor coverings No issues Requires attention
• Windows No issues Requires attention N/A
• Blinds and curtains No issues Requires attention N/A
• Mirror and cabinet No issues Requires attention
• Bath No issues Requires attention N/A
• Shower No issues Requires attention N/A
• Basin and vanity No issues Requires attention
• Toilet No issues Requires attention
• Exhaust fan No issues Requires attention N/A

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

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention
• Lights and power points No issues Requires attention
• Floors and floor coverings No issues Requires attention
• Windows No issues Requires attention N/A
• Blinds and curtains No issues Requires attention N/A
• Washing machine No issues Requires attention N/A
• Laundry tub No issues Requires attention N/A

Check walls, doors, windows and floor coverings.

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention
• Lights and power points No issues Requires attention
• Floors and floor coverings No issues Requires attention
• Windows No issues Requires attention
• Blinds and curtains No issues Requires attention N/A
• Built-in robes No issues Requires attention N/A

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

• Handrail No issues Requires attention N/A
• Treads and risers No issues Requires attention N/A
• Lighting No issues Requires attention N/A

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

• Rubbish bins No issues Requires attention
• Locks No issues Requires attention
• Insulation No issues Requires attention
• Smoke alarms present and working No issues Requires attention

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

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention
• Lights and power points No issues Requires attention
• Floor No issues Requires attention
• Door and remote No issues Requires attention

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

• Roof and supports No issues Requires attention
• Floor No issues Requires attention
• Lighting No issues Requires attention

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

• Cladding and paintwork No issues Requires attention
• Gutters and downpipes No issues Requires attention

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

• Lawns and gardens No issues Requires attention N/A
• Fencing No issues Requires attention N/A
• Clothesline No issues Requires attention N/A
• Letterbox No issues Requires attention N/A

Check every screen is fitted, intact and closing properly.

• Flyscreens present and free of tears No issues Requires attention
• Security screens and doors No issues Requires attention N/A
• Screen locks and latches No issues Requires attention

Run each unit in both heating and cooling. Note the last service date if it is recorded.

• Each unit heats and cools No issues Requires attention
• Filters clean No issues Requires attention
• No water leaking from the unit No issues Requires attention
• Outdoor condenser unit No issues Requires attention
• Remote controls present and working No issues Requires attention

Check the barrier and any certificate or registration required in your state or territory.

• Pool fence and gate self-closing and self-latching No issues Requires attention
• No climbable objects near the barrier No issues Requires attention
• CPR sign displayed and legible No issues Requires attention
• Pool safety certificate or registration current No issues Requires attention
• Pump, filter and cleaning equipment No issues Requires attention
• Pool and surrounds condition No issues Requires attention

Record gas, electricity and water meter readings at the time of inspection. Leave a reading blank if the property has no such meter.

• Gas meter reading Number answer
• Electricity meter reading Number answer
• Water meter reading Number answer

Alarm type, placement, interconnection and who is responsible for testing differ by state and territory. Check the requirements that apply where the property is.

• Smoke alarm in each bedroom Yes No
• Smoke alarm in hallways connecting bedrooms Yes No
• Smoke alarm on each storey Yes No
• Alarms are photoelectric Yes No
• Alarms interconnected where required Yes No N/A
• No alarm past its expiry date Yes No
• Alarms tested All sounding Some not sounding Not tested

Minimum standards for rental properties vary by state and territory. Check what applies where the property is before the tenancy starts.

• Fixed heating in the main living area Yes No
• Locks on all external doors and windows Yes No
• Adequate ventilation in every room Yes No
• Free of mould and damp Yes No
• Working cooktop, oven and sink in the kitchen Yes No
• Vermin-proof rubbish bins in place Yes No
• Privacy coverings on windows in bedrooms and living areas Yes No
• Structurally sound and weatherproof Yes No