Five things to remember when inspecting a rental
In a tight rental market, finding the right place in the right property in the right location at the right price can be tough. But that doesn’t mean you should overlook the little things that could really impact your lifestyle while living there.
What are those exactly? Well, depending on your needs, they can range from not so obvious but annoying building problems right through to a lack of available public transport, and noisy neighbourhoods.
With that in mind, here are five things to remember when inspecting a rental…
Potential problems
An in-person inspection reveals a lot about a property’s general condition, including any obvious defects and whether the property has been properly maintained.
But while you’re there, don’t forget to look a little deeper, keeping an eye out for more serious issues like mould or ongoing leaks.
Also, it pays to be aware that up until the mid-1980s asbestos was a commonly used building material in many Australian homes. If left undisturbed, asbestos isn’t much of an issue and there are regulations pertaining to how its managed in rentals.
But it is worth keeping an eye out for potential issues which could affect the livability of the property.
Powerpoints and temperature control
The reality is you don’t get to spend a lot of time in a rental property before you have to make a decision on whether it’s right for you.
That’s why it’s a good idea to have a list of things to look out for during an inspection. And on that list should be powerpoints and temperature control.
Are there enough powerpoints in the property to suit your needs, and is there adequate temperature control in the form of fans, air-conditioning, and/or heating, depending on where the property is located?
Storage space and cupboards
As you walk around the property, chances are you’re envisaging what it would be like to live in the home. As part of this don’t forget to consider the available storage and whether it suits your needs.
During an inspection, you should double check the number of cupboards just to see if there’s enough space available to accommodate the items you need to store.
Carparking and transport
When it comes to considering what you need from a rental property, don’t forget to factor in things like access to public transport and car accommodation.
If you have a car, is there off-street or secure parking? Or will on-street parking suffice? If you’re going to be using public transport, is the property located near a public transport route with enough services to suit your schedule?
Position
In a similar vein, what’s the position of the property like? Does it get enough sun? Is it located in a safe neighbourhood? And is it likely to be noisy due to nearby roads, train lines, air traffic, or even ambulance, fire or police stations?
Take the time to assess and research the property’s location, including driving by it at different times of the day and night.
How we can help
Our experienced property managers pride themselves on establishing great relationships with both rental occupiers and owners.
We manage every property as if it were our own and you can learn more about our property management services here.
Alternatively, if you are looking to rent a property, you can view the properties we currently have available here.
