Rental property inspections: What landlords need to know

By Carolyn Parrella | Published 22 November 2024 | Last Updated 19 October 2026

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Regular rental property inspections can be an important part of managing an investment property. They may help landlords and property managers monitor a property’s condition, identify maintenance issues early, and support a safe and well-maintained rental home.

Inspection rules, notice periods and tenant entry requirements vary by state and territory, so check the current rules that apply where your rental property is located and consider seeking professional advice if you are unsure. Use the guide below as a starting point for planning inspections and understanding the kinds of issues commonly checked during a routine visit. Note that the information in this article is general only.

Why are rental property inspections important?

Conducting routine inspections can help landlords:

Ensure that the property is being maintained

This allows you to identify normal wear and tear or gradual deterioration that may require attention. Regular inspections can help preserve the value of the investment property and reduce the likelihood of more expensive maintenance in the long run.

Detect health and safety risks

Property inspections can uncover issues that may affect the safety or liveability of the home, such as water leaks, mould, damaged flooring, faulty ventilation or signs of structural deterioration. Early identification allows you to arrange repairs before they become more serious.

Give tenants an opportunity to discuss concerns

Inspections are also an opportunity for tenants to raise maintenance issues. Open communication ensures that repairs are addressed promptly, which can improve your tenant’s living experience and make them more likely to stay long-term.

If a tenant is unable to attend the inspection, it's good practice to contact them afterwards to discuss any findings and outline any maintenance or follow-up actions.

Reduce the risk of costly repairs

Small maintenance issues can quickly become costly if left unresolved. A minor plumbing leak, damaged roof tile or blocked gutter may eventually lead to water damage, mould growth or structural problems. Regular inspections help identify these issues early, potentially saving you significant repair costs in the future.

How often should rental property inspections be conducted?

How often inspections can be carried out depends on the tenancy rules in the state or territory where the property is located, as well as the circumstances of the tenancy. Some jurisdictions limit the number of routine inspections that can occur within a set period and require written notice before entry. Rather than relying on a general timeframe, landlords and property managers should check the current requirements with the relevant state or territory tenancy authority before arranging an inspection.

Rental inspection rules and where to check current requirements

Check notice requirements before entry

Before entering a rental property for an inspection, landlords or property managers generally need to give the tenant notice in the form and timeframe required under the applicable residential tenancy laws. Notice periods, delivery requirements and permitted reasons for entry vary across Australia, so use current government tenancy resources for the relevant state or territory before taking action.

Conduct inspections at reasonable times

Routine inspections should be arranged for times that are permitted under the relevant state or territory rules and are reasonable for the tenant where possible. Confirm the current requirements before issuing notice or attending the property.

Tenants’ rights and how to respect them

Although landlords own the property, it is the tenant’s home during the tenancy. Inspections should be respectful, professional and limited to purposes allowed under the relevant tenancy rules. For current information about tenant rights and entry requirements, check the government tenancy authority for the state or territory where the property is located:

What to check during a rental property inspection

A routine rental property inspection should focus on the property's condition, maintenance needs, and safety, rather than general housekeeping.

Exterior

Roof, gutters, and downpipes
Walls, fences, and gates
Driveways, paths, and outdoor areas
Gardens and lawns

Interior

Walls, ceilings, and flooring
Doors, windows, and locks
Signs of damage, leaks, or mould

Kitchen

Benchtops, cupboards, and appliances
Sink, taps, and plumbing
Signs of water damage or pests

Bathrooms & laundry

Toilets, showers, and taps
Exhaust fans and ventilation
Seals, grout, and water damage

Safety & maintenance

Smoke alarms
Evidence of pests
Repair or maintenance issues
Potential health and safety hazards

General condition

Any damage beyond normal wear and tear
Unauthorised alterations to the property
Tenant-reported maintenance concerns
Areas requiring follow-up or repairs

Don’t forget to take photos and notes during each inspection to maintain accurate records and track any changes to the property's condition over time.

What happens after a rental inspection

Following an inspection, landlords or property managers may document any maintenance issues or tenant-related concerns identified during the visit.

If an issue is identified, the next step will depend on the type of issue, the lease terms and the applicable tenancy rules. Keep inspection records, communicate clearly with the tenant or property manager, and check the relevant state or territory process before issuing notices or setting timeframes.

Urgent repairs should be addressed promptly to help protect the property and the wellbeing of the occupants.

Considering landlord insurance

Rental property inspections can help landlords identify maintenance issues, but they do not prevent every loss or unexpected event. Landlord insurance may be worth considering as part of broader risk management, depending on your property, tenancy arrangements and personal circumstances. Any cover is subject to the policy terms, conditions, limits, exclusions and eligibility criteria.

Terri Scheer has specialised in Landlord Insurance for decades, offering cover designed specifically for Australian residential investment properties. Explore your options or get a quote today.

Learn more about Terri Scheer Landlord Insurance

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