What to check at a rental inspection
Fifteen minutes at an open home can save you a year of regret. Here's what to look at before you apply.
Open homes move quickly, and it's easy to fall for the light in the living room and miss the things you'll live with every day. Go in with a checklist.
Water, power and the basics
- Turn on the taps and shower — check the water pressure and how long hot water takes to arrive.
- Flush the toilet and look under sinks for leaks or water damage.
- Count the power points in each room, and check where they are.
- Check phone reception in a few rooms, and ask what internet connection the property has.
Damp, mould and ventilation
Look at ceilings, window frames and the corners of wardrobes and bathrooms. Mould, peeling paint or a musty smell usually point to a ventilation or leak problem that won't go away on its own. Check that bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans actually work.
Security and safety
- Do the doors and windows lock?
- Are there working smoke alarms?
- Is the entry well lit at night?
Storage and space
Bring rough measurements of your largest furniture. Check wardrobe depth, kitchen bench and cupboard space, and whether the fridge space fits your fridge.
Ask the agent
- How long is the lease, and when is the property available?
- Are pets considered?
- Which bills are the tenant's responsibility?
- Is anything being repaired or replaced before the new tenancy starts?
Take photos (with permission) so you can compare properties later — after three inspections in one Saturday they start to blur together.
This is general information, not legal or financial advice. Tenancy and lending rules differ between states and change over time — check with your state's tenancy authority or a licensed professional for your situation.