Routine inspection checklist for US 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 outlets No issues Requires attention
• Floors and floor coverings No issues Requires attention

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

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention N/A
• Lights and outlets No issues Requires attention
• Floors and floor coverings No issues Requires attention
• Windows No issues Requires attention
• Blinds and drapes No issues Requires attention N/A
• Heating and cooling vents No issues Requires attention N/A
• Ceiling fan No issues Requires attention N/A
• Fireplace No issues Requires attention N/A

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

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention N/A
• Lights and outlets No issues Requires attention
• Floors and floor coverings No issues Requires attention
• Windows No issues Requires attention N/A
• Blinds and drapes No issues Requires attention N/A
• Cabinets No issues Requires attention
• Sinks and countertops No issues Requires attention
• Range and oven No issues Requires attention
• Refrigerator No issues Requires attention N/A
• Range hood or exhaust fan No issues Requires attention N/A
• Dishwasher No issues Requires attention N/A
• Garbage disposal No issues Requires attention N/A
• Microwave No issues Requires attention N/A

Test faucets, shower pressure and toilet flush. Check for leaks, mold or damage to fittings.

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention
• Lights and outlets No issues Requires attention
• Floors and floor coverings No issues Requires attention
• Windows No issues Requires attention N/A
• Blinds and drapes No issues Requires attention N/A
• Mirror and cabinet No issues Requires attention
• Bathtub No issues Requires attention N/A
• Shower No issues Requires attention N/A
• Sink and vanity No issues Requires attention
• Toilet No issues Requires attention
• Exhaust fan No issues Requires attention N/A
• Tiles, grout, and caulking No issues Requires attention

Test the washer and dryer and check the utility sink for damage or leaks.

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention
• Lights and outlets No issues Requires attention
• Floors and floor coverings No issues Requires attention
• Windows No issues Requires attention N/A
• Blinds and drapes No issues Requires attention N/A
• Washer No issues Requires attention N/A
• Dryer No issues Requires attention N/A
• Utility sink 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 outlets No issues Requires attention
• Floors and floor coverings No issues Requires attention
• Windows No issues Requires attention
• Blinds and drapes No issues Requires attention N/A
• Closet No issues Requires attention N/A
• Ceiling fan 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 the garage door and opener 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 outlets No issues Requires attention
• Floor No issues Requires attention
• Garage door and opener 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 siding and paint, gutters and downspouts, and the roof as far as it can be seen from the ground. Note any signs of moisture or damage.

• Siding and paint No issues Requires attention
• Gutters and downspouts No issues Requires attention
• Roof, as seen from the ground No issues Requires attention
• Porch, deck, or patio No issues Requires attention N/A

Check lawns, gardens and fencing are in reasonable condition. Confirm the mailbox and trash cans are present and usable.

• Lawns and gardens No issues Requires attention N/A
• Fencing No issues Requires attention N/A
• Mailbox No issues Requires attention N/A
• Driveway and walkways No issues Requires attention
• Trash and recycling cans No issues Requires attention N/A

Run the heating and cooling through a full cycle and check the water heater for leaks or corrosion.

• Furnace or heating system No issues Requires attention
• Air conditioning No issues Requires attention N/A
• Thermostat No issues Requires attention
• Air filter clean No issues Requires attention
• Water heater and temperature setting No issues Requires attention
• Pressure relief valve and drain pan No issues Requires attention

Check screens are present and free of tears, and that weatherstripping and caulking seal around doors and windows.

• Screens present and intact No issues Requires attention N/A
• Storm doors and windows No issues Requires attention N/A
• Weatherstripping and caulking No issues Requires attention

Look for water intrusion, musty smells and any sign of pests. Test the sump pump if there is one.

• Sump pump No issues Requires attention N/A
• Signs of water intrusion or staining No issues Requires attention
• Foundation cracks No issues Requires attention
• Insulation No issues Requires attention
• Ventilation No issues Requires attention
• Pest activity 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

Test every alarm and confirm it is still installed and sounding. Placement and carbon monoxide requirements vary by location, so check the rules that apply where the property is.

• Smoke alarm on every level, including the basement Yes No
• Smoke alarm inside and outside each sleeping area Yes No
• Carbon monoxide alarm where there is a fuel-burning appliance or attached garage Yes No N/A
• Alarms tested All sounding Some not sounding Not tested
• Every alarm within its expiry date Yes No
• Batteries fresh in any battery-powered alarm Yes No N/A