A: While there is no provision in the Residential Tenancies Act that covers inspections, we have a fiduciary duty to our owners to carry out a thorough inspection of the property after the tenancy has terminated. This provide us with scope to negotiate with a tenant should there be damages or cleaning required. SACAT will also heavily rely on inspection reports if any claims are disputed through the tribunal process.
Make sure all photos are clear and reflect any of your associated comments clearly
Was there any power on at the property when the inspection was being done (this could influence the reporting if the property is particularly dark as it can be difficult to see the true condition, particularly in the standard of cleanliness)
Did you have trouble getting in i.e. any keys missing from the agents set of keys
Take a photo of the water meter reading and enter the location of the meter. If there are several water meters grouped together, you will need to get the meter number either from SA Water or an invoice to make sure you are checking the right meter
Take a photo of the water meter showing the reading
Furniture/Inventory: check that all furniture is in the property and in reasonable condition.
Make sure all photos are in portrait and the right way up
Take photos from different angles (it doesn’t matter if you take 5 photos of the same thing)
Take photos of electricity and gas meters, bins, pool pumps, rainwater tanks, all fences.
Appliances – if photos weren’t taken of the appliance sticker at the ingoing inspection, which shows the make, model and serial number, take a photo at the final
Take photos of wall controls (air conditioning, alarms). Open the doors and take another photo – this will show the door is not broken
If the blinds are rolled up – close them to make sure they work and are not damaged. Venetian blinds – open & close them using the wand and cords to open & shut them
Exterior blinds – make sure they go up & down and take a photo of them in down position to show any damages/state of cleanliness
It is difficult to take photos of marks on walls or dusty areas. Best practice to show dust, would be to run your finger along the area and take a photo of your finger as well.
Before leaving, walk back through the property to make sure you haven’t missed anything