Routine inspections - why and how often?

As an investor, you understand that your property is one of your greatest assets, so it is crucial to take care of it. Routine inspections play an important role in keeping your property in good condition, ensuring it remains safe, is clean and is being cared for. It's a great way to check for any repair requests in person and ensure the tenant is looking after property and adhering to the conditions of the lease agreement, and to ascertain any maintenance that may be required to retain the value. A routine inspection is a visual inspection that a Property Manager conducts at your property.

We aim to help our property investors achieve the best rental returns and to make the property more attractive to prospective tenants. A property that is more attractive to potential tenants also attracts a better-quality tenant and a better chance of a long-term tenant. In this video, we outline not just why you need to have rental routine inspections conducted, but also how often.

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Why have a routine inspection?

Having a routine inspection not only protects the property, but encourages open communication between the landlord, the tenant and the Property Manager. These inspections allow the tenant to advise the Property Manager of any maintenance issues, which can be sighted by the Property Manager, allowing for the right trade person to be engaged.

As a routine inspection is a visual inspection, and Property Managers are not licensed builders, they are not able to advise on any structural defects. Should any our property investors require a more thorough assessment of their property we can assist in organising a building inspector to attend and provide a report.

When we conduct routine property inspections, we not only assess the condition the tenants are keeping the property, but the “overall” condition of the property, looking particularly at the following:

• Do the gardens need a mulch top up or larger trees trimmed?
• Could the property do with a repaint, new carpets, and or/window furnishings?
• Are there any cracks in the plaster in the walls or ceilings?
• Are all appliances in working order?
• How does the cabinetry look throughout the home?
• Does the driveway and pathways/stairs need a high-pressure clean?
• Do all boundary fences look stable and intact?
• Are there any rust marks or deterioration in the guttering and downpipes?
• Is there any visible water damage or water marks?
• Are there any chips or cracks in any of the windows?
• Is there any exposed wiring or lighting?
• How does the grout and silicon look in wet areas (especially shower bases)? Is there any mould growing?
• When was the last time the air conditioning and garage door motors were serviced?
• Is the property safe? Is the property compliant?

It is important for a property investor to be kept updated on what property improvements could be actioned, what could keep the property looking its best, and ultimately give the best chance of a great rent return and potential increase in value. This does not mean that a lot of money needs to be spent, but a property will require money spent on it from time to time to ensure it is comparable and competitive in the market.

How often should routine inspections be conducted?

Every time One Agency JD Property Agents places a new tenant into a property, we conduct a routine inspection three months after the start of the lease agreement. This allows us to ensure that the tenant is keeping the property to the right standard and that they understand the lease requirements, along with how we expect them to maintain the property. If that inspection is satisfactory, we will arrange for another routine inspection in six months’ time, and then again, every six months throughout the tenancy, unless there is a problem, where we will return earlier.

In New South Wales, according to Fair Trading NSW, a property can be inspected up to four times in a 12-month period and seven days written notice must be given to the tenant(s).

Routine inspections and rent reviews

Routine inspections are an ideal opportunity to assess the property for an up-to-date rental appraisal and, based on comparable properties, possibly a rental increase may be recommended along with a lease renewal option. For tenants, a routine inspection is an opportunity to raise any questions and discuss their future plans at the property.

If you're ready to discover how you can rent out your property with confidence, download our free Step By Step Checklist to Renting Your Property with Confidence.

YES, DOWNLOAD MY CHECKLIST

At One Agency JD Property Agents, we are available to discuss any queries you may have about routine inspections. We invite all of our landlords to attend our scheduled inspections of their properties. Along with this, we provide a detailed report and photos on the outcome to ensure you are updated with the tenancy and upkeep of the property.

We hope you have found this helpful. If you feel you could benefit from our experience with property management, we’d love to hear from you. Simply reach out.  We hope that has helped you today. If you have any questions, we’d love to talk to you. Our number is 0426 264 771 or 0455 147 755. We look forward to talking to you soon.