Inspect every six months, plus once when the tenant moves in and once when they move out. Give at least 24 hours written notice. Photograph every room every time, even when nothing is wrong. Those dated photos are your evidence when the deposit is disputed later.

How often should you inspect?

Twice a year is enough for a long stay tenancy. More often feels like surveillance and costs you good tenants. Less often means a small leak becomes a large repair before you hear about it. For homestays, inspect between guests.

Notice: how long before?

Twenty four hours in writing is the minimum decent practice, and pick a time that suits them rather than your working hours. Letting yourself in unannounced, even though you own the place, is the fastest way to lose a good tenant. If your tenancy agreement states a longer notice period, follow the agreement.

What should you check?

Water: under sinks, around the toilet, the bathroom ceiling, damp patches on walls.
Electrical: the distribution board, scorched sockets, lights that do not come on.
Air conditioning: filters, drip marks, unusual noise.
Doors, windows and locks: everything closes and locks.
Smoke alarms and extinguishers, where fitted.

Photos: how to do it properly

One wide shot per room, plus a close shot of anything you noticed. Same angles every time. When the move in and move out photos are taken from the same angle, the difference is obvious without anyone having to argue.

What UrusPro does for you

Log each inspection with its date, so every house has a history.
Tenant complaints land in one place, so you know what to check first.
Repairs that come out of an inspection go straight to a vendor.

One expensive mistake

Inspecting and taking no photos because nothing was wrong that day. Six months later there is damage, and you have nothing that shows the earlier condition.