Rental inspection checklist: How to spot red flags in 15 minutes

When you attend a rental inspection it helps to be well prepared.

When it comes to securing a rental, time is of the essence. Most properties only come up for inspection once – and most agencies only allow a 15 minute window for prospective renters to walk through the property before they apply.

So how can you get the most out of each inspection to ensure the properties you apply for are the right ones for you while also being in good condition?

CHECK THE LIVING STANDARDS

It’s important to watch out for the three Ds when inspecting a rental – dirty, damp and dark, says The Rent Fairy founder and director Sarah Elkordi.

“If you’ve got a dirty, damp and dark property, the fourth D will be depression,” she says.

South-facing properties that get very little sunlight and poorly maintained properties with damage from water leakage should be avoided as they can be breeding grounds for mould.

Good ventilation is also important, including whether or not there are flyscreens on the windows, she says.

There are certain things you should always check when inspecting a property. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nikki Short

“It is also very important to check that you have enough pressure in the taps, so turning on the shower, turning on the taps and flushing the toilets,” she says.

Security is another crucial thing to check, including whether or not there is a working intercom for apartments and whether all locks and latches are in good working order.

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The Rental Specialists principal Jo Natoli says renters should make sure the lights are working and that water runs freely down the drains when you turn on the taps.

“Make sure there’s no terrible smells around,” she says. “Have a look at the paintwork. The paintwork can usually give a bit of an indication if there are any water ingress problems.”

Make sure there is plenty of natural light.

MEASURING UP

Ever moved into a home and realised your fridge doesn’t fit in the fridge space? This can be easily solved by measuring your fridge ahead of time and taking a small measuring tape with you to each inspection, says Natoli. In fact, you could do the same with your lounge and washing machine, she says.

Sydney Rental Search director Marcelle Wever says you can even get an app that measures fridge spaces. And while you’ve got your phone out, open up your compass app too.

“With the main windows in the property, do always take a compass reading,” she says. “Just so you know which way the windows are facing. That’s so important so you don’t get those issues with mould.”

See if you can do a virtual inspection first.

Another thing Wever recommends checking is the size of the garage. This is particularly important for old houses that were built long before modern SUVs were designed.

Another thing you might want to check while you are in the property, says Elkordi, is phone coverage.

“You could go into a property that is actually a black spot and end up with no phone reception,” she says.

QUESTIONS TO ASK

Natoli recommends renters try to avoid being hemmed into a 15 minute open by arranging a private inspection ahead of time. Not only does this give you more time to view the property without battling the crowd, it also provides an opportunity to build a rapport with the agent.

Director and founder of The Rent Fairy Sarah Elkordi. Picture: supplied

She says it’s also useful to ask about the long term plans of the owner in case they are planning to sell up or move in within the not too distant future.

TIPS FOR A STREAMLINED INSPECTION

Once you know what you’re looking for, it helps to be as efficient as possible in the 15 minutes you have. Here are three tips from the experts on how you can streamline the inspection process.

1. The seven minute rule – Sarah Elkordi suggests breaking your timeslot into seven minute intervals: one to check if the property meets your needs and the other to assess for cleanliness and working order

Buyers agent Marcelle Wever. Picture: supplied

The Rental Specialists principal Jo Natoli.

2. Take a video – This gives you something to refer back to and helps you remember each property more accurately – just make sure you seek permission first, says Marcelle Wever

3. Ask for a virtual tour first – Since not all agencies let you take videos, ask if they can provide a video or virtual tour first, says Jo Natoli. That way, you can decide if it’s worth checking out in person

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