{"id":168329,"date":"2023-11-27T10:19:51","date_gmt":"2023-11-27T10:19:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/businessyield.com\/?p=168329"},"modified":"2023-11-27T10:20:22","modified_gmt":"2023-11-27T10:20:22","slug":"what-landlords-look-for-in-end-of-tenancy-inspections","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/businessyield.com\/information\/what-landlords-look-for-in-end-of-tenancy-inspections\/","title":{"rendered":"What Landlords Look for in End-of-Tenancy Inspections","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"

You’re finally moving out of your rental property and heading towards new horizons! But before you fully close this chapter, there’s the final matter of the end-of-tenancy inspection to wrap up. As a tenant, end of tenancy cleaning<\/a> and having your rental unit in good shape for this inspection is crucial – not only for getting your deposit back, but also leaving on good terms with your landlord.<\/p>

As you prepare to hand over the keys, you may be wondering – what exactly are landlords looking for in these last reviews? What should you spend time on fixing or upgrading before the final walkthrough? Understanding their perspective can help you prepare your rental for a smooth inspection process.<\/p>

Why Landlords Conduct the Inspections<\/span><\/h2>

Before you get into the details, it helps to understand why landlords even bother with end of tenancy inspections in the first place. For them, it’s not about nitpicking every dust bunny – there are three main motivations:<\/p>

Assess Damages and Repairs Needed<\/span><\/h3>

First, landlords use the final inspection to catalog any damages that may have happened during the tenancy period. This includes things like stained carpets, broken appliances, holes in the wall – anything that deteriorates the condition of the rental. They’ll compare it to your original inventory check and see what requires repairs or replacements before new tenants move in.<\/p>

Check Cleanliness is Up to Par<\/span><\/h3>

Landlords also want to ensure the property is cleaned thoroughly from top to bottom when you move out. This means going beyond your usual sweeping and tidying to give every nook and cranny a proper scrub. Kitchens and bathrooms should look sparkling new. A dirty rental isn’t appealing for future tenants.<\/p>

Prepare for Next Occupants<\/span><\/h3>

Finally, landlords use the turnover between occupants to upgrade or refresh the space. They may fix nagging issues, replace worn amenities, install new floors – anything to entice the next renters. The final inspection gives them a repair checklist. A smooth handover also ensures consistent rental income.<\/p>

The Checkout Process Step-By-Step<\/span><\/h2>

Now that you know why your landlord is keen on a last inspection, it\u2019s time to walk through what actually happens. It’s a fairly straightforward sequence.<\/p>

Providing Sufficient Notice<\/span><\/h3>

First, landlords require notice that you plan to vacate so they can prepare for the changeover. Check your tenancy agreement’s clauses<\/a> on proper notice periods – usually around 30 days. This gives the owner time to list the unit and schedule viewings.<\/p>

Once you announce your departure, confirm your exact end date in writing. Reconfirm the date as you get closer to turning over the keys. Clear communication avoids misunderstandings.<\/p>

Reviewing Your Original Inventory<\/span><\/h2>

A key reference document for the inspection is your inventory check from when you first moved in. This cataloged the rental’s original condition room-by-room along with any furnishings or equipment included.<\/p>

Your landlord will use this to compare to the property’s end state. Significant discrepancies in cleanliness or damages would give them grounds for withholding a deposit refund. Having your copy on hand helps you dispute any unfair claims.<\/p>

What’s Inspected During the Final Walkthrough<\/span><\/h2>

When inspection day finally comes, your landlord will go through the unit with a fine-tooth comb. Here are some of the key areas and aspects closely reviewed:<\/p>

Room-by-Room Review<\/span><\/h3>

The landlord or rental agent will start in one room and progress through the entire property methodically. This includes interior living spaces and outdoor areas like decks, balconies, and gardens. For each room, they check:<\/p>

Cleanliness <\/strong>– Floors mopped and vacuumed, surfaces dust-free, tiles scrubbed, no grimy buildup<\/p>

Damages <\/strong>– Holes in walls, cracked tiles, leaky pipes, broken fixtures, etc. Anything broken by improper use or negligence<\/p>

Repairs Needed<\/strong> – Light bulbs out, squeaky hinges, flaky paint, dysfunctional appliances – maintenance issues you didn’t address<\/p>

If an issue comes up, discuss it immediately with your landlord rather than wait for the final report. You may be able to remedy problems on the spot rather than lose deposit funds<\/a> later.<\/p>

Appliance Functionality<\/span><\/h3>

Your landlord will turn on all electrical appliances and mechanical equipment included with the rental to test functionality. This includes:<\/p>

Kitchen Appliances<\/strong> – The oven, stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, and any small appliances need to be in working order without faults<\/p>

Laundry Equipment<\/strong> – Any washers, dryers or venting kits supplied should run through cycles without issue<\/p>

Electronics <\/strong>– TVs, sound systems, alarm systems, and smart gadgets will be switched on to test screens, buttons, remotes, settings, etc.<\/p>

If you performed standard maintenance while living in the property, appliances should operate smoothly during inspection. However, expect your landlord to thoroughly investigate any previous issues flagged.<\/p>

Furniture Condition<\/span><\/h3>

If your rental comes fully or partly furnished, your landlord will check that all included furniture remains in good shape without broken parts, deep scratches, or permanent staining. This could include:<\/p>