Routine inspection checklist for ZA 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 plug points No issues Requires attention
• Floors and floor coverings No issues Requires attention

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

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention N/A
• Lights and plug 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 No issues Requires attention N/A

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

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention N/A
• Lights and plug 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
• Built-in cupboards No issues Requires attention
• Sink and counters No issues Requires attention
• Stove and oven No issues Requires attention
• Fridge No issues Requires attention N/A
• Extractor fan 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 plug 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

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

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention
• Lights and plug 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 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 plug 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 cupboards No issues Requires attention

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

• Refuse 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 plug 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 external walls and paintwork, gutters and downpipes. Note any signs of moisture or damage.

• External walls and paintwork No issues Requires attention
• Gutters and downpipes No issues Requires attention

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

• Lawns and gardens No issues Requires attention N/A
• Fencing No issues Requires attention N/A
• Washing line No issues Requires attention N/A
• Postbox No issues Requires attention N/A

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

• Floor surface and tiling No issues Requires attention
• Roof and supports No issues Requires attention
• Lighting No issues Requires attention
• Railings No issues Requires attention

Check the braai, chimney and surrounding surfaces.

• Braai and grid No issues Requires attention
• Chimney and flue clear No issues Requires attention
• Work surface No issues Requires attention
• Lighting No issues Requires attention
• Gas connection where fitted No issues Requires attention N/A

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

• Paving and driveway surface No issues Requires attention
• Automated gate and motor No issues Requires attention N/A
• Gate remotes working No issues Requires attention N/A
• Drainage No issues Requires attention

Test every security feature and confirm the alarm and armed response are still active.

• Burglar bars secure No issues Requires attention N/A
• Security gates and locks No issues Requires attention N/A
• Alarm system and panic buttons No issues Requires attention N/A
• Armed response account still active No issues Requires attention N/A
• Electric fence and energiser No issues Requires attention N/A
• Perimeter wall or palisade fencing No issues Requires attention N/A
• Intercom or gate motor No issues Requires attention N/A
• Remotes present and working No issues Requires attention
• Outdoor lighting and beams No issues Requires attention N/A

Check what is installed and whether it still works.

• Inverter and batteries No issues Requires attention N/A
• Solar panels and controller No issues Requires attention N/A
• Generator and fuel No issues Requires attention N/A
• UPS units No issues Requires attention N/A
• Surge protection No issues Requires attention N/A
• Water storage tank and pump No issues Requires attention N/A
• Borehole and pump where present No issues Requires attention N/A

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

• Pump and filter working No issues Requires attention
• Pool safety net or fence No issues Requires attention
• Pool surface and tiling No issues Requires attention
• Cleaning equipment present and usable No issues Requires attention
• Water level and clarity No issues Requires attention

Check the parking bay is in use as agreed and the access items still work.

• Parking bay in use as agreed No issues Requires attention
• Access tags and remotes working No issues Requires attention
• Visitor access arrangements No issues Requires attention

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

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

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

Record every meter number and reading. Leave a reading blank if the property has no such meter.

• Prepaid electricity meter number Text answer
• Prepaid electricity meter reading Number answer
• Water meter number Text answer
• Water meter reading Number answer
• Refuse and rates account status No issues Requires attention
• Body corporate levies where applicable No issues Requires attention N/A