Rental Inspection Checklist: How to Pass Every Time (2026)
Last updated: March 2026 | Reading time: 7 min | Pillar: Smart Renting
This information is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, contact a tenancy advocate or solicitor in your state.
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Routine rental inspections are one of the more stressful parts of renting — even when you've done nothing wrong. The property manager is walking through your home, taking notes, and deciding whether you're looking after the place.
Here's the thing: passing a rental inspection isn't about having a show-home. It's about demonstrating that you're a responsible tenant who maintains the property reasonably. This checklist tells you exactly what property managers look for — and how to make sure you're ready.
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Quick Answer
To pass a rental inspection: clean the property thoroughly (focus on kitchen, bathrooms, and floors), address any maintenance issues you're responsible for, ensure the property is tidy and free of damage, and report any issues you've noticed to the property manager before they find them. Proactive communication is your best asset.
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Your Rights During a Rental Inspection
Before we get to the checklist, know your rights:
- Notice required: Your landlord or agent must give you proper written notice before an inspection (usually 24–48 hours minimum, depending on your state)
- Frequency limits: Inspections are limited in frequency — typically no more than once every 4 weeks in most states (check your state's specific rules)
- You don't have to be home: You can choose not to be present, but being there lets you raise issues directly
- You can refuse entry without proper notice: If they show up without notice, you can refuse entry (except in genuine emergencies)
| State | Minimum Notice | Maximum Frequency | |-------|---------------|-------------------| | NSW | 7 days | Once per 4 weeks | | VIC | 24 hours | Once per 6 months (first 3 months), then once per 6 months | | QLD | 24 hours | Once per 3 months | | SA | 7–14 days | Once per 4 weeks | | WA | 7 days | Once per 4 weeks | | TAS | 24 hours | Once per 3 months | | ACT | 7 days | Once per 4 weeks | | NT | 24 hours | Once per 4 weeks |
⚠️ VIC note: Victoria significantly restricted routine inspections — landlords can only conduct one inspection in the first 3 months, then one every 6 months. Check current VIC rules as these have been subject to updates.
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The Rental Inspection Checklist
### Kitchen
- [ ] Benchtops — clear, clean, and free of stains
- [ ] Stovetop — clean burners, grates, and surface
- [ ] Oven — reasonably clean inside and out (doesn't need to be spotless, but not caked in grease)
- [ ] Rangehood — clean filter and exterior
- [ ] Sink — clean basin, no dirty dishes
- [ ] Cupboards — tidy inside (inspectors sometimes open them)
- [ ] Dishwasher — clean filter, no dirty dishes inside
- [ ] Floors — swept and mopped
- [ ] Bins — emptied and clean
### Bathroom(s)
- [ ] Shower/bath — clean, no soap scum or mould
- [ ] Toilet — clean bowl, seat, and base
- [ ] Vanity and mirror — clean and tidy
- [ ] Floors — swept and mopped
- [ ] Towels — hung neatly (or removed if you prefer)
- [ ] No mould — check grout, silicone, and ceiling
### Bedrooms
- [ ] Beds — made or tidy
- [ ] Floors — vacuumed or mopped
- [ ] Wardrobes — tidy (inspectors may open them)
- [ ] Windows — clean and able to open/close properly
- [ ] No damage — walls, doors, and fixtures in good condition
### Living Areas
- [ ] Floors — vacuumed or mopped
- [ ] Surfaces — dusted and tidy
- [ ] Windows — clean
- [ ] No damage — walls, doors, and fixtures in good condition
- [ ] Air conditioning — filters clean (if you're responsible for this)
### Outdoor Areas (if applicable)
- [ ] Lawns — mowed and edged
- [ ] Gardens — weeded and tidy
- [ ] Paths — swept
- [ ] Bins — in correct location, lids on
- [ ] No rubbish or clutter
### General
- [ ] No damage — check walls, doors, windows, and fixtures
- [ ] Smoke alarms — working (test them)
- [ ] No unauthorised modifications — nothing added without permission
- [ ] No undisclosed pets — if you have a pet, make sure it's approved
- [ ] No subletting — only approved occupants living there
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What Property Managers Actually Look For
Understanding the inspector's perspective helps you prioritise. Here's what they're really checking:
### 1. Cleanliness (Most Important) The property doesn't need to be immaculate — it needs to be reasonably clean. Focus on: - Kitchen (especially oven and stovetop) - Bathrooms (especially mould and soap scum) - Floors throughout
### 2. Damage They're looking for damage beyond fair wear and tear — holes in walls, broken fixtures, damaged appliances. If you've accidentally damaged something, it's better to report it proactively than have it discovered.
### 3. Maintenance Issues Good property managers use inspections to identify maintenance issues — not just to check on you. If something is broken or needs attention, mention it. This is your opportunity to get things fixed.
### 4. Unauthorised Modifications Anything added without permission — shelving, hooks, paint, garden structures — will be noted.
### 5. Undisclosed Occupants or Pets If someone is living there who isn't on the lease, or you have a pet that wasn't approved, this will be a problem.
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Before the Inspection: Your Preparation Timeline
### 2–3 Days Before
- Deep clean the kitchen and bathrooms
- Vacuum and mop all floors
- Address any maintenance issues you're responsible for
- Mow lawns and tidy outdoor areas
### The Day Before
- Wipe down surfaces and benchtops
- Clean mirrors and glass
- Empty bins
- Do a final walkthrough — check every room
### Morning of the Inspection
- Make beds
- Tidy living areas
- Put away clutter
- Open blinds and curtains (natural light makes the property look better)
- Air out the property if possible
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Proactive Communication: Your Secret Weapon
The best thing you can do before a rental inspection is report any issues you've noticed — before the inspector finds them.
Send a brief email to your property manager a few days before the inspection:
"Hi [Name], just a heads up before the inspection on [date] — I've noticed [brief description of issue, e.g., 'a small crack in the bathroom tile' / 'the kitchen tap is dripping']. Happy to discuss at the inspection or beforehand."
This does three things: 1. Shows you're a responsible, communicative tenant 2. Demonstrates you're not hiding anything 3. Creates a paper trail that the issue pre-existed or was reported promptly
Property managers remember tenants who communicate well. It affects how they write their inspection report.
💡 RentWize Tip: Use RentWize's Maintenance Tracker to log issues as you notice them — with photos and timestamps. When inspection time comes, you have a complete record of everything you've reported. [Log a maintenance issue →](https://rentwize.com.au)
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If the Inspection Report Raises Issues
After the inspection, you'll usually receive a written report. If it raises issues:
- Legitimate issues: Address them promptly and confirm in writing when done
- Issues you disagree with: Respond in writing, politely but clearly, with your evidence (photos, maintenance records)
- Maintenance issues the landlord needs to fix: Follow up in writing if they're not addressed within a reasonable timeframe
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I refuse a rental inspection? A: You can refuse entry if proper notice wasn't given. However, if proper notice was given, refusing entry is a breach of your tenancy agreement. If you have concerns about the frequency or conduct of inspections, contact your state's tenancy authority.
Q: What if the property manager wants to inspect more frequently than allowed? A: Write to them citing the relevant section of your state's Act and the maximum frequency. You are not obligated to allow inspections beyond the legal limit.
Q: Do I have to be home for the inspection? A: No. You can choose not to be present. However, being there lets you raise issues directly and respond to any concerns on the spot.
Q: Can the property manager take photos during the inspection? A: Yes, in most states — but they must handle any photos containing your personal belongings with appropriate privacy considerations. Check your state's rules.
Q: What if the inspection report is inaccurate? A: Respond in writing within a few days, clearly disputing the inaccurate items with evidence (your own photos, maintenance records). Keep a copy of your response.
Q: Can I be evicted based on an inspection report? A: A poor inspection report alone is not grounds for eviction. However, if it documents a breach of your tenancy agreement (e.g., damage, unauthorised pets, subletting), your landlord can issue a breach notice. Address any legitimate issues promptly.
Q: What if I have a pet that wasn't approved? A: This is a serious issue. An undisclosed pet is a breach of your tenancy agreement. If discovered at inspection, you'll likely receive a breach notice. The best approach is to seek approval before the inspection — even if you're nervous about the response.
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Related Articles
- [Exit Inspection: How to Leave Your Rental Spotless →](/exit-inspection-checklist)
- [How to Get Your Bond Back: The Complete Guide →](/how-to-get-bond-back)
- [What to Do When Your Landlord Won't Make Repairs →](/landlord-wont-make-repairs-australia)
- [How to Handle a Rental Bond Dispute →](/how-to-handle-bond-dispute)
- [Tenant Rights in Your State →](/tenant-rights-australia)
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Stay Ahead of Every Inspection.
RentWize's Maintenance Tracker logs every issue you report — with photos and timestamps. When the inspector arrives, you have a complete record of everything you've flagged. No surprises. No disputes.
[Track your maintenance with RentWize — it's free →](https://rentwize.com.au)
RentWize, Live Wiser.
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This information is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Tenancy laws vary by state and are subject to change. For advice about your specific situation, contact a tenancy advocate or solicitor in your state.
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