Routine inspection checklist for NZ rental properties
A routine inspection checklist for New Zealand rental properties, for landlords and property managers checking in during a tenancy. Run these annually, quarterly or on your own schedule. Remember maximum frequency of inspections is once every 4 weeks, with at least 48 hours notice to tenants.
Instructions
Work through each room and photograph anything of concern. Compare against notes from the previous inspection where available.
Entrance
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
Hallway
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
Lounge
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
- Heat pump or fixed heater No issues Requires attention N/A
Kitchen and dining
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
- Sink and benchtop 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
Bathroom
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
- Extractor fan No issues Requires attention N/A
Laundry
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
Bedroom
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
- Wardrobe No issues Requires attention N/A
Stairs
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
General
Check rubbish and recycling bins, locks and insulation. Confirm smoke alarms are present and working throughout the property.
- Rubbish and recycling bins No issues Requires attention
- Locks No issues Requires attention
- Insulation No issues Requires attention
- Smoke alarms present and working No issues Requires attention
Garage
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
Carport
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
Exterior
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
Yard
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
Meter checks
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
Healthy Homes compliance
All private rentals must meet the five healthy homes standards under the Residential Tenancies (Healthy Homes Standards) Regulations 2019. See tenancy.govt.nz/healthy-homes.
- Fixed heating device in the main living room meeting the required heating capacity Yes No
- Ceiling and underfloor insulation meeting the insulation standard Yes No
- Openable windows or doors in every habitable room Yes No
- Extractor fans venting outside in the kitchen and every bathroom Yes No
- Efficient drainage, guttering, downpipes and drains Yes No
- Ground moisture barrier where there is an enclosed subfloor Yes No N/A
- Gaps and holes causing unreasonable draughts blocked off Yes No
Run your Routine on your phone
Start from this checklist in the myInspections app, work through each area, and capture photos and video as you go.
Consistent, professional reports
Share a secure link that opens in any browser, or download a polished PDF.
Ditch the paper on your next inspection.
Finish the report before you get back to the car.