Whether you're a tenant preparing for a routine inspection or a landlord wanting the property in good condition before an agent visits, the checklist is largely the same. Inspectors notice specific things — and addressing them before the visit avoids issues.
What Inspectors Are Actually Looking For
A rental inspection isn't a full structural assessment. It's a visual check of condition, cleanliness, and whether the property is being maintained. The main areas:
- Walls and ceilings — marks, holes, water staining
- Floors — damage, wear, scratched or marked surfaces
- Doors and windows — operation, locks, screens
- Wet areas — mould, silicone condition, tap drips
- Appliances and fixtures — working order, visible damage
- Outdoor areas — garden state, gutters, visible repairs needed
Interior Repairs Worth Doing First
Wall Marks and Minor Holes
Small scuffs from furniture movement and nail holes from pictures are the most common issues flagged. Touch up paint and fill small holes with Polyfilla before the visit. Larger damage should be repaired properly rather than covered.
Silicone in Bathrooms and Kitchen
Discoloured or cracked silicone around baths, basins, and showers looks worse than it is but is always noted. Removing old silicone and applying a fresh bead takes an hour and makes the bathroom look significantly better.
Loose or Sticking Doors
Any door that doesn't latch, a handle that's loose, or a sliding door that jams should be fixed before an inspection. These are flagged as maintenance issues and generate follow-up work.
Dripping Taps
A dripping tap is always noted and is a legitimate maintenance request. It's also a waste of water. Most drips are a washer replacement — a quick job.
Wet Area and Mould Management
Mould in bathrooms and laundries is common in Canberra during winter. Before inspection:
- Treat mould on grout and silicone with appropriate cleaner (diluted bleach on non-colour surfaces, or a tile mould spray)
- Improve ventilation — exhaust fans should be working and used during showers
- Re-caulk or re-silicone if the seal has lifted or cracked, which allows moisture into the wall
Outdoor Areas
In ACT properties, outdoor maintenance is part of the inspection:
- Lawns should be mown and edges trimmed
- Fences, gates, and outdoor fixtures in reasonable condition
- No obviously damaged or broken external fittings (lights, taps, hose fittings)
Pre-Inspection Maintenance Visit
If you have a list of small items to sort before an inspection — wall repairs, silicone, door adjustments, fixture tightening — a single pre-inspection maintenance visit can handle them efficiently. Send photos of what you've noticed and we'll give you a combined price and timeline.
ARY Property Maintenance works with tenants, property owners, landlords, and agencies across Canberra and Queanbeyan.