Step By Step Guide to the End-of-Tenancy Inspection Process

The end of a tenancy can be difficult for both renters and landlords. From documenting each and every detail to fixing potential damages to navigating potential rental conflicts, rental inspection can make you feel anxious and annoyed.

From a landlord’s viewpoint, the end-of-tenancy inspection is crucial as it helps them assess the property’s current condition before returning the deposited security to the tenant.

Failing to fulfill the required duties enables landlords to deduct the bond amount to cover repair and cleaning costs. Therefore, tenants hire experts for a professional end of lease cleaning Adelaide and successfully pass the final rental inspection.

However, to navigate the end-of-tenancy inspection process from a landlord’s perspective, consider this step-by-step guide and avoid potential conflicts and headaches. This includes everything to help you conduct a rental inspection like a pro.

Let’s Get Started!

1. Check the Residential Tenancy Agreement

Make sure you review the lease agreement before accessing the rental property. Most landlords and property managers breach the agreement while conducting the rental inspection, so it is good to familiarise yourself with the terms and conditions outlined in the agreement and inspect the property accordingly.

Moreover, landlords must notify the renter between 7 to 14 days before the property inspection. This allows tenant to plan their schedule and book professionals for a quality end of lease cleaning Adelaide.

2. Schedule the Property Inspection When the Tenant is Available

Though not mandatory, you should ask the renter to be available during the end-of-tenancy inspection. This enables them to identify the specific issues with the property, such as dirty windows, stained carpets, leaky taps, etc.

It is good to mutually schedule a date and time for the final property inspection with your tenant. This will streamline even the most complicated processes in a breeze.

Tip: Tenants much prepare home for move-out cleaning and secure the full bond money.

3. Navigate the Initial Property Condition Report

This is a crucial step that will help you compare the property and identify potential damages and cleaning issues caused by tenants. So, gather and thoroughly check a copy of the initial condition report.

It clearly details the condition of your property before the start of a tenancy. This includes existing wear and tear with photos and videos.

4. Create a Thorough End-of-Tenancy Inspection Checklist

Believe it or not! Preparing the right property inspection checklist will help you identify dirt-laden surfaces, leakage issues, mould infestation and other existing problems within the premises. So, create an inspection checklist by outlining the following key areas:

• Ceiling walls, fans and the air vents
• Light Fixtures and fittings
• Windows inside and outside
• Cabinets, shelves, and cupboards
• Kitchen appliances (including an oven, BBQ, microwave, fridge and dishwasher)
• Range hood, countertops, stovetops, sinks and faucets
• Bathroom fixtures and fittings
• Toilet seats and bathtubs
• Tiles and grout lines
• Electric outlets
• Plumbing systems
• Carpets and rugs
• Baseboards
• Floors
• Patio area, driveways and garage

This ensures a detailed inspection and prevents you from missing important areas. Tenants must follow the pre-approved checklist and do necessary repairs to prevent costly deductions at the end of tenancy.

5. Do a Walk-Through of a Property

Once you have completed the inspection checklist, you can walk through the property with a renter. Keep a copy of your checklist and initial condition report handy so you don’t miss out on any area.

It is always good to start with the living room and check every nook and cranny before returning the bond money.

6. Take Photos of Defects or Damaged Area

Make sure you take photos of the problematic areas during the rental inspection. It will help you claim the repair or cleaning amount from the tenant’s bond money.

Before that, it is important to differentiate between fair wear and tear and major damage caused by the tenant. Fair wear and tear include worn-out carpets, loose doorknobs and faucets, minor floor scratches, faded paint, etc. Skip this and focus on capturing serious defects and damage within the premises.

7. Prepare and Share Final Property Inspection Reports

This step is crucial for property managers, who share the property inspection report with the landlord and the renter. It must contain the clear outcomes of the inspection and addressed defects along with their evidence (photos and videos).

If you are a landlord, share the report with your tenant so that you have proof before deducting the rental bond at the end of a tenancy.

8. Make the Final Call: Pass the Rental Inspection or Deduct Bond Money

Landlords and property managers must decide on the bond amount retrieval depending on the property’s condition. They can calculate any deductions for outlined cleaning and repair issues beyond fair wear and tear and return the remaining deposited security.

If there is any disagreement between both parties, you can go to the SACAT (South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal), which offers a formal dispute resolution process. Show them the proof and resolve the dispute.

However, most tenants prefer to avoid disputes by hiring highly-trained end of lease cleaning Adelaide professionals and secure their hard-earned bond money.

In that case, return the bond money within 10-14 days after the tenancy ends.

Easy Guide to the End-of-Tenancy Inspection

Wrapping up

The end-of-tenancy inspection is a time-consuming and complicated process. However, this step-by-step guide can streamline it and simplify the process for tenants as well.