At Real Property WA, we take property inspections seriously, because they matter. A rental routine inspection isn’t just a calendar task; it’s a key part of protecting your investment, supporting your tenants, and preventing costly surprises.
We often get asked why inspections happen so often. While they might seem a little frequent, there’s a solid reason behind it: things change with the seasons, and so do the needs of your property.
Why So Often?
Properties don’t sit still, especially over time. Whether it’s summer sun drying out seals or winter rain highlighting a roof issue, problems can arise at any point. Routine inspections allow us to catch these early, when they’re small and manageable.
Blocked gutters, leaking taps, pest activity, or invasive roots are all things we can spot before they turn into major, costly repairs. It’s all about preventative maintenance, and it’s a whole lot cheaper than dealing with damage after it’s too late.
A Matter of Insurance
Here’s something many landlords don’t realise: insurance companies expect routine inspections to be carried out regularly. And if they’re not? You could be left footing the bill.
Insurers often require inspection reports to support claims for things like:
- Gradual water damage
- Accidental tenant damage
- Pet-related issues
If an issue would have been spotted during a routine inspection and wasn’t because no inspection was done, or not documented properly, the claim can be declined. That includes serious things, like a ceiling collapse that started as a water stain months earlier.
At Real Property WA, we ensure inspections are timely, detailed, and fully documented, so you’re covered when it matters most.
It’s Not a Cleanliness Test
A rental routine inspection is not about checking how clean the place is. We understand that tenants live in these homes. It’s not about judging their lifestyle, it’s about protecting the property.
That said, tenants are expected to keep the property in good condition for inspection day. During a routine visit, we’ll usually:
- Check for leaks, mould or pest activity
- Test fixtures, lights and appliances
- Look for wear and tear or early signs of damage
- Inspect outdoor areas, fences and gutters
- Flag upcoming maintenance needs
And because we believe in building strong tenant relationships, we also use these inspections as a chance to check in and communicate. If a tenant plans to move, or if they have concerns, we want to hear about it early, so we can plan ahead and minimise vacancy time.
A Checklist Helps Everyone
To make things easier for tenants, we often provide a simple pre-inspection checklist. This might include reminders to:
- Tidy up living areas and outdoor spaces
- Report any damage or needed repairs
It’s a small step that helps make the inspection smooth and stress-free for everyone.
Protecting Your Investment Long-Term with Rental Routine Inspections
Ultimately, rental routine inspections are about protecting your property’s condition and value. When done consistently and with care, they:
- Help avoid costly repairs
- Keep tenants safe and happy
- Provide proof for insurance claims
- Strengthen landlord-tenant relationships
- Support long-term growth of your investment
At Real Property WA, we believe that nothing replaces the value of regular, in-person inspections. They’re not just about ticking boxes, they’re about showing up, documenting things properly, and staying ahead of potential issues. It’s all part of how we protect your investment and make sure there are no nasty surprises down the line.
Want to know more about how we manage routine inspections at your property?
Contact the Real Property WA team today, we’re here to help make property ownership easier, smarter, and more secure.
