“Even with the sticky fingers and small children, we are pretty good tenants,” says Lisa Coleman.

For her, a “long-term tenant” in Melbourne’s inner north who lives with her husband and two children, routine rental inspections have always gone better than expected, but often occur at the most inconvenient times.

“You’re very busy, or it’s your birthday weekend, or your mother-in-law is coming to visit.”

Lisa says she feels compelled to clean more than is probably necessary.

In the past, a routine check-up would involve hiding her pet cat Tito in a wicker basket and taking a walk at a strategically convenient time.

Today, Tito’s presence is common knowledge and for a conscientious property manager it means nothing more than frantic cleaning, driven by the “need to make a good impression and keep up appearances”.

Ben Cording, lawyer at Tenants Victoria, says routine inspections can be stressful and “quite intrusive” for tenants.

This is especially true if many people will be dependent on the property management company in the future when renewing a rental contract or providing a reference.

What are routine examinations for?

Regular inspections are important for property owners and managers, says Tim Castro, a real estate agent on the north coast of New South Wales.

They “ensure that the property remains in good condition over a longer period of time” so that “potential problems” are identified at an early stage.

“This helps to keep the property in good condition…but also ensures that you live in safe and well-maintained spaces.”

However, he admits that they “can be a bit inconvenient” for tenants.

How often do they have to take place?

Mr. Cording says the laws dictating how often a rental property can be inspected vary from state to state.

In Victoria, one inspection is permitted every six months, while in the Australian Capital Territory, a maximum of two inspections are permitted in any 12-month period.

Rental properties in South Australia, Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania and the Northern Territory can generally be inspected every three months or up to four times in a 12-month period.

Mr Cording says tenants in Victorian homes must be notified at least seven days before an inspection.

This is the case throughout Australia, except for Tasmania, where only 24 hours’ notice is required.

What do property managers and owners pay attention to?

Mr. Castro says routine inspections focus on making sure the property is well maintained and in good working order.

He is looking for:

• Signs of damage such as leaks, cracks and wear that may need to be repaired
• Make sure that “all basic things like smoke detectors, plumbing and electrical systems” are working properly
• Possible maintenance problems. For example, a door that doesn’t close properly or a dripping faucet.
• A “general walk-through” to check that the house is clean and tidy.

Attorney Cording says your home doesn’t have to look like a showroom during an inspection, but any blocked access will be taken “quite seriously” for security reasons.

Your pet’s droppings in the garden will also attract attention for the wrong reasons, he says, as will any damage.

Mr. Cording says he has noticed that inspections can vary slightly depending on the original condition of the home.

“With newer objects, every little scratch is often discovered,” but with older objects, a “quick look” may be enough.

What to expect

Mr Castro says that although he is allowed to take photographs during inspections, these are of a “general nature”.

“Unless there is specific damage or maintenance work, then we may take additional photos,” he says.

“Opening wardrobes or touching personal items” is a “no-go”.

“We will not search your belongings or touch anything that is not directly related to the inspection,” he says.

Mr Cording says that under Victorian law, agents and landlords “must not stay longer than necessary” and must carry out the inspection in a “reasonable manner”.

Searching every cupboard and drawer “doesn’t really make sense,” he says.

If you receive a reminder stating that you have caused damage or that the apartment is not clean enough, Mr Cording advises you to contact your local rental advice center if you have any concerns.

If you have general concerns about the conduct of your exams, you have come to the right place.

How to use it to your advantage

According to Mr. Cording, it is up to each tenant to decide whether or not he wants to be present at the inspection.

He says inspections can be a good way to address maintenance and repair issues, but cautions against relying on a verbal report when further action is needed.

“We strongly encourage people to email us afterward and say, ‘Hey, we’re just confirming that we told you about the rotting floorboards or the mold in the bathroom during the inspection.'”

This can be an opportunity to calmly explore your chances of extending your lease.

He says an inspection can also be a valuable opportunity to get to know your agent or landlord.

“It’s very romantic,” but knowing each other can be beneficial for both the tenant and the renter.