Rental Property Inspection Checklist – Free PDF

Rental property inspection checklist template

Prevent costly repairs and tenant disputes with a detailed rental property inspection checklist for assessing key aspects of your rental unit. This template walks you through examining general safety elements, kitchen functionality, emergency preparedness, external structures, and more, creating a comprehensive picture of your property’s condition.

Research by Porch.com shows landlords receive around six repair calls from tenants every year, highlighting the importance of proactive inspection practices. By documenting property conditions thoroughly with this checklist, you create a clear record that protects both your investment and tenant relationships. The template includes clear yes/no/not applicable options for each item, making inspections straightforward yet meticulous.

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Preview of the template

Audit

General Area

Standard fire orders (RACE) sign clearly visible

First aid signs clearly visible

Lighting adequate and operational

Temperature is comfortable

Area is free from odours

Noise level is acceptable/adequately controlled

Ventilation is adequate

Stair treads in good condition

Handrails present, safe and secure

Electrical equipment tested, tagged and safe

Electrical switches/sockets in good condition

Furniture safe and undamaged

Emergency

Access and egress paths clear

First aid kit accessible

Fire fighting equipment easily accessible

Fire fighting equipment checked in last 6 months

Kitchen

Drains (floor and sink) clear and free flowing

Taps free from drips

Fridge clean, good condition

Microwave clean and maintained

Oven/stove safe and clean

Area free from pests or evidence thereof

External

Seating available and safe

Tables safe and clean

Waste and cigarette butt bins available

Washing line safe and in good condition

Boundary fences safe and secure

Overhead structures safe and secure

BBQ area

Cooking area clean and free from waste/rubbish

Area around BBQ free of grease

BBQ safe and in good condition

Gas supply secured to gad cooker/heater

Laundry

Electrical equipment tested and tagged and current

Lighting operating as designed

Floor/area free from water and being wet

Dryer filter clean

Other comments

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most critical areas to focus on during a rental property inspection?

Focus primarily on safety features, structural elements, and systems that affect habitability. Check smoke detectors, electrical outlets, plumbing fixtures, heating/cooling systems, and entry/exit points. These areas present the highest liability risk and most expensive repairs if neglected. Document everything thoroughly with photos to establish a clear record of the property’s condition.

What documentation should you maintain during rental property inspections?

Take date-stamped photos of each area, noting specific conditions on your checklist. Document all findings in writing with detailed descriptions of any issues. Make sure to store these records securely with your lease agreements for at least the duration of tenancy plus your state’s statute of limitations.

How should you handle maintenance issues discovered during an inspection?

Categorize issues by urgency—address safety concerns immediately, schedule necessary repairs within 1-2 weeks, and plan for cosmetic improvements during turnover periods. Communicate findings to tenants in writing, including your timeline for addressing each item. Follow up after repairs to ensure proper completion and document the resolution with photos. |

What’s the difference between normal wear and tear versus tenant damage?

Normal wear includes faded paint, minor scuffs on walls, worn carpet in high-traffic areas, and loose door handles. Tenant damage shows clear negligence or misuse, such as large holes in walls, broken fixtures, pet damage, or excessive dirt beyond regular cleaning. Document the property’s condition thoroughly at move-in to establish a baseline for comparison at move-out.

This template, developed by Lumiform employees, serves as a starting point for businesses using the Lumiform platform and is intended as a hypothetical example only. It does not replace professional advice. Companies should consult qualified professionals to assess the suitability and legality of using this template in their specific workplace or jurisdiction. Lumiform is not liable for any errors or omissions in this template or for any actions taken based on its content.