What Happens During a Rental Property Inspection?
The rental property inspection is one main factor that sometimes leaves tenants wondering a lot of things. Though it might occasionally feel like a scary procedure, it is a lot simpler to manage if one knows exactly what happens and why.
An inspection serves only to guarantee that the property is returned in excellent shape, therefore enabling both tenants and landlords to walk away peacefully.
One of the most important things to do to make sure the property passes inspection is to thoroughly clean it at the conclusion of the lease.
Let's explore what to anticipate from the inspection process, what the inspectors look for, and how to be ready, especially with regard to the sometimes misconstrued end of lease house cleaning.
Appreciating the goals of a rental property inspection
Why do landlords or property managers undertake these inspections? The straightforward answer is to find out in what condition the rental property is in before the keys are returned. The property is supposed to be kept reasonably in condition from the time a renter moves in.
Although normal wear and tear is inevitable, the inspection lets the property owner make sure there is no major damage or neglect going beyond what would be expected.
Consider it as a safety net for both parties. Knowing that their property hasn't been changed or harmed without authorisation gives landlords peace of mind.
Assuming all other rental responsibilities are fulfilled, passing this inspection indicates that tenants will most likely get their full deposit back.
Should the inspection find problems such as broken fixtures, stains on the carpet, or wall damage, the tenant might be accountable for repairs. Still, most of these possible hazards can be avoided with cautious preparation and extensive cleaning.
What does the inspection cover
Landlords or property managers usually evaluate a number of important areas of the house during the inspection. Everything is examined throughout this meticulous process, from the state of the walls to the carpets.
Cleanliness
The general state of cleanliness of the property will be among their first priorities. Maintaining a spotless home is crucial to keeping your deposit intact. This is the main situation in which end-of-lease house cleaning is necessary.
Making sure that the property is in the same state as when you moved in is more important than simply sweeping or mopping. Carpets, bathrooms, and kitchens are among the most crucial areas. Grease build-up, soap scum, and carpet stains will be scrutinised.
This portion of the process can be considerably less stressful if you hire cleaning professionals.
Walls and paintwork
Additionally, inspectors will be searching for any signs of wall damage, such as scratches or holes caused by picture hooks.
While some wear and tear is to be expected, significant damage to the paint or huge holes could result in a penalty from your deposit. Before you leave, you could occasionally be requested to repaint or make repairs.
Floors
Particularly in busy places, floors can deteriorate with time. Whether carpet, hardwood, or tile, the flooring's quality—for stains, chipping, or extreme wear—will be assessed during the inspection.
Particularly important are stains on the carpet as they are sometimes difficult to remove and can call for professional carpet cleaning.
Fixtures and fittings
From light bulbs to curtain rods, everything on the property when you moved in should still be there and in good form when you left. Inspectors will make sure that every fitting and fixture is operational and undamaged.
Frequent items to check are light bulbs, door handles, blinds and taps; therefore, before the inspection, make sure any that are broken or absent are fixed.
Outside areas
Your rental will also be assessed if it features an outside area or garden. Usually, tenants are expected to maintain the garden in good shape, so, bear in mind to cut the shrubs, mow the grass, and clear any rubbish.
What’s expected of an end-of-lease house cleaning
Although it can appear difficult, cleaning before an inspection is really necessary if you want to pass with great distinction.
More than simply a quick clean, end-of-lease house cleaning guarantees every nook and cranny of the property is perfect. What, therefore, should your main concentration be throughout this clean?
Kitchen
Often, one of the toughest places to clean completely is the kitchen. Clean all surfaces, including appliances, cabinets both inside and out, and counters. Give the oven, hob and any greasy sections extra special attention.
If the rental included a freezer and refrigerator, don't overlook their cleaning.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms also call for much thought. Clean the tiles, eliminate any soap scum and make sure the washbasin, bathtub and toilet are glistening. All taps and fittings should be gleaming; mirrors and other glass surfaces should be streak-free.
Carpets and floors
If your rental contains carpets, especially if there are stains or general wear and tear, think about paying a professional carpet cleaner a visit. Should necessary, the hard floor should be buffed and mopped.
Windows
Often disregarded, windows must be cleaned both inside and outside—if at all possible. During an inspection, clean windows may make a big impact since they let more light into the house and project a well-kept look.
General touch-ups
Look for little chores like dusting skirting boards, wiping light switches, and making sure no cobwebs are hiding in the corners could have a major impact. These minute elements taken together help to maintain general cleanliness.
Should you call a cleaner at the end of the lease?
One often asked issue is if you should pay professionals to clean your end-of-lease residence. While specialists know what landlords are looking for during the inspection, on the one hand, it is quite possible to do it yourself.
Expert cleaners will have knowledge of addressing the most difficult areas, such as light fixtures and window track cleaning or deep stain removal from carpets. Many cleaning firms also include a guarantee, which means should the landlord not be happy, they will come back and correct anything missed during the inspection.
Using a professional cleaner can bring peace of mind whether you're pressed for time or find the scope of cleaning required overwhelming. Given the possibility for deductions from your deposit should the cleaning fall short of expectations, many renters discover the expense is well worth it.
How to easily pass your renting property inspection
Here are some last suggestions to make sure everything goes according to plan now that you are aware of what the inspection will cover and how to handle the cleaning:
- Plan ahead - Don't put off cleaning and repairs until the last minute. Well in advance of the inspection date, start taking care of small problems like changing out lightbulbs or patching tiny cracks in the walls.
- Snap pictures - Take pictures of the property when it has been cleaned and repaired before you leave. If there are any disagreements with your landlord over the state of the property, these pictures might be used as proof.
- Be honest about damages - Notify the property manager or landlord in advance if there is any damage that you are unable to repair. They might value your honesty and collaborate with you to come up with a solution that doesn't require taking large amounts out of your deposit.
Conclusion
You don't always have to go through a challenging procedure in order to pass the inspection of your rental property.
You may be sure that you will leave the house in excellent shape before you leave if you give it a complete cleaning, make some preparations, and even get expert help. You will also be able to take your entire deposit with you, assuming everything goes as planned.
