Inspection tips for renters

With the rental market mighty tight at the moment, it can be tempting to quickly inspect a property, decide it’s for you and go ahead and apply to become the rental occupier.

But during any inspection, there are a few key things to look out for to ensure the property you are considering is one you will enjoy calling home.

Here is a brief list of inspection tips for renters…

Any signs of damage?

As you inspect any potential rental property, cast your eye over the walls, ceilings, floors and exterior of the home to assess for any damage.

This includes any wall cracks, signs of leaks or other potential problems. What might look like a small issue now could become a pesky problem you need to live with, so ensure the home is in good condition.

Is there mould?

Mould is a telltale sign that a property has water issues, such as leaks, rising damp or a lack of ventilation.

Importantly, it’s not good for your health, so check bathrooms, taps, sinks and showers for any signs. Don’t forget to look up as you assess for mould. Ceiling mould can be a sign of poor ventilation or a potential roof leak.

Where’s the sun?

While you might inspect the property at a specific time of the day, do consider where the sun is in relation to the home.

The direction the property faces and how much sunlight it receives all play a role in heating, cooling and comfort, so consider where the sun will be and how much sunlight you will receive at the property throughout the day.

What about parking?

Some properties will have dedicated parking or, better yet, a garage, but others will not. And if you have a car and live in a built-up area of a city, this will be important.

Check out the parking options around the property, and make sure you do so at different times of the day.

Are there any conditions?

A rental property might have conditions attached to it, such as clauses excluding pets, or areas of the property that the rental occupier cannot access.

Before applying, check to see if there are any conditions that apply to the home, and if so, consider whether they will impact your ability to enjoy living in the property.

Check the neighbourhood

When you rent a home, you also need to ensure the neighbourhood where it is located suits your needs. Before signing any lease, Google the suburb, check out the nearby amenities, and ensure it’s the type of area where you feel safe and comfortable to live.

This might also see you drive past the property at night or at different times of the day to see what the area and street is like.

Are there sufficient powerpoints?

People often forget this, but we live in a tech-driven world where sufficient powerpoints are a must. As you inspect the property, keep an eye out for powerpoints to ensure there will be enough to suit your needs.

This is particularly important in older or heritage properties as you don’t want to be overloading powerpoints just to get by.

What’s the water pressure like?

We know this might seem strange, but there’s nothing worse than showering without sufficient water pressure.

Where possible, run a tap or ask the property manager to so you can ensure the water pressure is enough to meet your needs.