For many first time renters getting a notice to advise you of a routine inspection can be daunting. You might wonder why the agent is coming to inspect your new home.

There are a number of reasons agents carry out routine inspections and it’s not really to check up on you. It is more important for the agent to assess if there is any maintenance work that needs to be done, check the property for cleanliness and overall to ensure the property is being well maintained.

Inspections are usually carried out three months after you move into the property and then every six months following. This is a good time to point out any concerns or maintenance items you have with your property with the agent.

Most likely the agent will take notes and some photos of the property to provide a report to the Landlord, on some occasions the Landlord will attend the inspection with the agent.

You don't need to go overboard with getting the place spotless, but tidying up and making the beds is a good start. Also if you have a garden mowing the lawn and keeping weeds to a minimum is a good idea as maintaining the garden is just as important and maintaining the inside of the property.

If the agent is happy with the inspection they will usually tell you so when they are onsite, if there are areas of concern they will let you know and possibly issue you with a notice to rectify the issue. For example if your grass is very overgrown they will issue you a notice and then arrange a time to reinspect once it has been attended to.

Keep in mind routine inspections are as important for you the Tenant as they are for the Landlord, it is a time to show how well you look after the property which goes towards your rental history as well as making sure the property is in good repair for you to enjoy.

Feel free to comment or let us know if you have any questions on this topic.