Turning over a rental property is always a rush — but the landlords who invest a few hours in preparation between tenancies avoid the issues that lead to maintenance calls, bond disputes, and tenant frustration further down the track.
Here are five jobs worth doing before the next tenant moves in.
1. Check and Repair All Doors, Locks, and Handles
Doors that stick, handles that rattle, and locks that require a firm jiggle are the kind of small frustrations tenants notice immediately and report quickly. Before handover:
- Test every external door for smooth operation and proper latching
- Check window locks, sliding door handles, and fly screens
- Confirm deadbolt and key set operation on all entry points
- Check internal door alignment — particularly bathroom and bedroom doors
These are quick adjustments in most cases, but if left, they become maintenance requests in week one.
2. Patch Walls and Touch Up Paint
Marks, holes from picture hooks, scuffs on skirtings, and chips around door frames all accumulate over a tenancy. A fresh touch-up makes the property feel looked after and sets the standard for how tenants are expected to leave it.
Focus on:
- Hallways and high-traffic areas
- Around light switches and power points
- Near doorframes and skirting boards
- The kitchen and bathroom if there's any visible splashback or steam damage
3. Check All Light Fittings and Replace Bulbs
A burnt-out bulb seems minor, but it signals a property that hasn't been properly checked. Go through every room and test fittings. Replace any faulty globes and note any fittings that flicker, hum, or have worn fittings that should be replaced.
4. Inspect and Service Tapware and Plumbing Fixtures
Dripping taps, slow drains, and loose toilet seats are among the most common early maintenance requests. Before handover:
- Check all tap washers for drips
- Test bath, basin, and kitchen drain flow
- Confirm toilet cisterns fill and flush correctly
- Look under sinks for any moisture or minor leak staining
Addressing these before the property is occupied avoids them becoming the tenant's first impression.
5. Silicone Sealing Around Wet Areas
Old or cracked silicone around bath edges, shower recesses, and kitchen splashbacks is a common source of water ingress and mould growth. Reapplying silicone takes an hour and prevents far more costly repairs later.
Look for:
- Yellowed, cracked, or lifting silicone in bathroom and kitchen areas
- Gaps at bath-to-wall joints and shower tray edges
- Around sink cutouts in benchtops
Getting the Work Done Efficiently
If you have multiple small jobs across a property, a single maintenance visit handles them all in one go. Send through photos of what you've noticed and we can scope the work, confirm a price, and arrange a day that suits your changeover timeline.
ARY Property Maintenance works with landlords and property managers across Canberra and Queanbeyan for pre-tenancy and ongoing maintenance support.