Rental Inspection Checklist and Guide for Tenants

Conducting a thorough inspection is a vital process before buying or renting a property. The landlord or a property manager conducts an inspection to see the current position of the premises.

Any deficiency found during the inspection phase could be used as a benefit for negotiating a lower sale price, rent or even deposits. That’s the reason why landlords pay special attention and thoroughly check the premises before the end of the lease period.

Being a responsible tenant, you have to keep your rental property clean and in a pristine state. At the end of your tenancy, make sure you thoroughly spruce up every corner so that you can claim your bond money back.

To make that happen, you should follow the rental inspection checklist, which covers everything from top to bottom. The checklist will help you know whether any cleaning or repairs will be needed.

What is Rental Inspection Checklist?

It is a form used between the landlord or property manager and a tenant(s) for the inspection of the property condition. It is conducted when a tenant moves out of the property. The landlord inspects the premises and ensures everything is in original state.

You will be given a tenant move-out checklist form while signing the lease agreement. The checklist provides instructions on the right procedures and the tasks that may need to complete when you vacate the property.

For the sake of your security deposit, you can hire professionals for a thorough end of lease cleaning in Adelaide. They strictly follow the pre-approved end of lease cleaning checklist and give their best in returning the premises in a clean state.

If you are new and moving out of the rental property, then this guide will help you know the right tricks of cleaning the premises according to the rental inspection checklist. Let’s Get Started!

A Living Room

Tackle your next inspection phase without any stress with the following end of lease cleaning checklist for your living room:

Ceilings and Walls

• As a tenant, it is your responsibility to repair all the wear and tear and cracks on the walls. Look for any rising dampness and mould so that you can treat it before the final inspection.
• A landlord always inspects the ceiling walls and fans during the final property inspection. So, make sure you remove cobwebs, small nests and insect marks from the ceiling areas.
• Also clean the fan blades, air conditioners and filters. This is an important step which can help you save your deposited money.

Light Fittings, Fixtures and Switches

• Check all the lights. Switch them on and off so that you can repair any fuse bulb. Also, look at the light fittings for any loose cables.
• You should also give your light fittings, fixtures and switches a deep-clean.
• Get rid of dust and grime using a clean microfiber cloth.

Spot Cleaning

• Clean the walls and remove all the stains and stubborn grime.
• Spot clean the skirting board, doors, doorknobs, and architraves.
• Prepare the all-purpose cleaning agent (hot water and white vinegar) to treat tough stains, spills and splatters from different surfaces.

Drawers, Cabinets and Cupboards

• Make sure all your drawers and cupboards are in intact condition.
• Remove all the contents and clean your drawers and cabinets inside and out
• Wipe down the top of the cupboards as well as shelves for better results.

Windows and Blinds

• Check all your windows and clean both the sides using a good quality of cleaning agent.
• First, remove the dust from the window edges, sills and tracks.
• Spray the solution and wipe down using a clean microfiber cloth.
• Wipe down the window glass using a paper towel to avoid streaks.
• You can either change or dust off all your blinds. Use a feather duster to get rid of collected dust between each blade of your blinds.

Floors

• If you have floorboards, make sure you check for creaks and fix them as soon as possible.
• Vacuum the floors, carpets and rugs.
• Mop the floor to remove tough stains and spills.

Tip: According to the rental inspection checklist, you need to remove all your personal belongings and accessories. Make sure you do it before the final inspection.

A Bedroom

Walls

• Just as you did in the living area, look at the condition of your walls and fix it as soon as possible.
• Spot clean your walls
• Remove dust from fan blades and air conditioner vents.

Light Fixtures and Fittings

• Replace all the fuse lights and get rid of dust from light fixtures and fittings.
• Clean the switchboards and switches.

Windows and Doors

• Check all your bedroom’s windows and doors, their handles, locks – everything.
• Clean them up to remove dust, dirt and stains.
• Disinfect doorknobs and handles.
• Remove dust from blinds and curtains.

Drawers and wardrobe

• This is an important step. Get rid of thick layers of dust from the top of the drawers and closet.
• Wipe down them using a mild cleaning agent and a microfiber cloth.

Floors

• Vacuum clean your floors and carpets.
• Remove stains using a floor cleaner
• Mop the floors.

Tip: You can also hire trained and dedicated end of lease cleaner in Adelaide who can assist you in getting your bond money back.

The Kitchen and Bathroom

Sinks and Plumbing

• Check all your taps. They should be in working condition before the rental inspection. Fix all the dripping taps.
• Check your kitchen sink for leaks and get them fixed.
• Keep all faucets clean and disinfected
• Spruce up your sink.

Kitchen Appliances

• Keep your oven, microwave, fridge and dishwasher clean.
• Remove burnt food particles and grease from the oven and microwave.
• Scrub off spills and stains from the refrigerator.
• Get rid of leftover food particles from your dishwasher.

Tiles and walls

• Clean away debris and make your tiles look sparkling.
• Treat stains, mould and mildew from your bathroom and kitchen tiles.
• Grout cleaning is also important.
• Also, clean the shower screen, shower head, mirror and bathtub.

Kitchen Countertops, Stovetop and Shelves

• Wipe off all the dust, dirt and food residues from your countertops. Apply a homemade cleaner to remove stains, spills and splatters.
• Scrub hard to remove build-up grease and tough splatters of oils from the stovetop
• Dust your shelves inside and out.

The Toilet

• Clean and disinfect your toilet bowl.
• Thoroughly clean the tank – its surrounding.

Other Areas of your Rental Property

• Don’t forget to clean up the patio area. Sweep and mop the floors.
• Sweep floors and remove dust and cobwebs from garage
• Thoroughly clean your laundry room.
• Clean your washing machine as well.

Conclusion

This is a complete guide for those tenants who are planning for a move-out. You can clean up your entire premises according to the rental inspection checklist and get your bond money back.

If you don’t have enough time, you can also hire experts for thorough end of lease cleaning in Adelaide. They know how you clean the property from top to the bottom with precision.