So you’re applying for a rental property for the first time and viewing the listing. Or perhaps it’s your second or third? Either way, when you’re inspecting a rental property, there are several things you should be looking out for.
Almost everyone will agree that finding a rental property can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. You’ll have your neighbourhoods in mind, you’ll like some homes more than others, and you have to make your application stand out.
While rentals are less of a commitment than buying a property, you still want to make a smart move both financially and emotionally. You want to make sure that the home you’re moving into will be a safe haven for you.
So once you’ve scheduled that inspection, here’s a list of what to look out for when inspecting the rental property:
Related articles:
- How Long Does a Rental Application Take to Be Approved?
- 2022 Guide: How to Write a Cover Letter for a Rental Application
- The Best Way to Answer “Why is This Rental Property Right For You”
Prioritise condition over aesthetics
When you’re doing inspections, arm yourself with a list of questions to ask the real estate agent when renting the new property.
Aesthetics can be important but there are key factors that make a property liveable. Of course you want the home to look good. So do most landlords, this is where they can up the price of rent. But remember that the priority shouldn’t lie in how beautiful the home is.
Sometimes the interiors can be a distraction from factors that are more important, so if you’re viewing a furnished apartment that will be empty and vacated, make a note that your belongings will change the way it looks.
Consider making a checklist of all the things you can’t live without in your rental home, followed by any extras you’d be open to paying more for. Then when you’re inspecting the rental, look over it again to see how it matches up.
Location
Where the rental property is located along with the size will be the deciding factors for you. But avoid making rash decisions and instead, see how living in the home will work with your lifestyle, and how you live your day-to-day.
Is it near public transport, grocery stores or restaurants and bars? What’s more important to you?
Upkeep
How has the place been looked after? Here are questions you can ask when inspecting a rental property:
- Is it a newly renovated rental?
- Or does it still need work and repairs?
- Is the heating and/or air-conditioning new or due for an upgrade?
- Is the oven working well?
All these modern appliances should be in good working order to avoid any nasty surprises later.
Storage
Feeling out storage space when inspecting a rental property is particularly difficult if there is no furniture. The home will look open and large, giving the illusion of lots of space. In reality, you will need storage areas like built-in wardrobes and cupboards, kitchen cabinets both above and below eye-level, as well as backyard storage like a garage or shed.
If it isn’t there already, it means you’ll have to buy it. That means more money spent on what might be a temporary living situation.
A good practice might be to have a proper look at your current home and see what you’re using to store all your belongings.
Bathrooms
One bathroom for one person is ideal, but when you have roommates in the picture, consider how many you need to be comfortable.
Your flatmates might have opposite schedules from you, which would avoid bathroom run-ins, but if they’re working from home or have similar timetables, no one will want to wait in line.
Outdoors
Check out the backyard or garden. While you’re renting the property, you will be responsible for the maintenance of the outdoor areas. This can require quite a bit of time and effort. So if there’s a large backyard, ask yourself if you’re willing to put in the hours.
General Condition
Seeing a good-looking apartment in photos is one thing, you should inspect it in person if possible to check on whether the property is well-maintained.
Do check on the house, making sure appliances like air-conditioning and heating are working properly. Look in damp areas like kitchen and bathroom cupboards to check for mould. Spot checks like these are super important to complete first before you move in and have to take it up with your landlord.
Extra amenities like broadband or WiFi should also be in good working order if they’re included.
If there are any concerns or issues, raise them with your landlord or property manager. Try and get it fixed before you move in, or at least get in writing that it will be sorted out soon.
Safety
It’s important that the rental property is secure and safe.
While you’re inspecting, ensure the locks on all doors and windows function properly. Other things to think about are:
- Are there security cameras anywhere?
- Is your letterbox locked and secure?
- For apartments, is there an access gate with additional security? Is the gate secure?
And when you’re inspecting the rental property:
Remember that rental inspections are both for you and the landlord/property manager. It’s for you to assess whether the rental property is right for you, and for the landlord to see if you’re a good fit as a tenant.
There can be a lot of competition when applying for a rental, so you should put your best foot forward. They will be looking out for a tenant that appears polite and responsible.
Arrive early to the inspection and bring your documents with you. This way, if the property suits, you can beat the line and apply on the spot. If you can come dressed smartly, even better. It will usually take around half an hour to tour the property.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Now is the time to find out everything you can about the property, which is why making a list of your needs and wants is helpful. You can also potentially negotiate the length of the lease or the move-in date at this point.
Can I inspect a property online?
Yes, you can inspect a property online in Australia.
After the lockdowns during the pandemic, property agents began to shift towards digital solutions like virtual inspections. While seeing a property is better in person, this is a safer way.
Have a look on the listing pages to see if virtual inspections are being held in the place of live ones. And get in touch with the agent to be sure.
There are a few other ways to do online rental property inspections, including:
- Virtual tours: Many real estate agents now offer virtual tours of their properties. These tours typically involve a video walkthrough of the property, providing a 360-degree view of each room and highlighting the key features and amenities.
- 3D floor plans: Some real estate agents also offer 3D floor plans of their properties. These floor plans can be helpful for visualizing the layout of the property and for getting a sense of the size and proportions of the rooms.
- Photos: Real estate agents typically post a number of photos of their properties online. These photos can be helpful for getting a general sense of the property’s condition and for identifying any potential problems.
It is important to note that a virtual inspection is not a substitute for an in-person inspection. There are some things that you simply cannot see in a virtual tour, such as the condition of the roof, the foundation, or the plumbing. If you are serious about buying or renting a property, it is always best to arrange an in-person inspection.
Here are some additional tips for inspecting a property online in Australia:
- Ask the real estate agent for as many photos and videos as possible. The more photos and videos you have, the better you will be able to visualize the property.
- Pay attention to the details. Look for any signs of damage or wear and tear.
- Ask questions. If you see something that you are not sure about, ask the real estate agent for more information.
By following these tips, you can get a good sense of a property even if you cannot inspect it in person.
Wanna get into your dream home faster?
Download the soho app. With the app, you can contact agents quicker, browse through your property matches and ultimately find your dream home even sooner. We are finding you homes we think you’ll love, so don’t forget to shortlist or swipe left on our listings so we can send you others that better match what you’re looking for.
