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Inspecting rental property

What to look for when inspecting rental properties

You will probably be looking for a property within walking distance of your campus. However, be prepared to accept that you may not be able to find a suitable property for rent near your campus. You should consider the following:

Location

  • Is the property within walking distance to the campus? If not –
  • Is the property within easy walking distance to public transport (train, tram or bus)?
  • Does the transport stop close to the campus?
  • Is the property close to shops and other facilities? If not –
  • Is the property close to transport to take you to the shops and other facilities?

Condition of the property

  • Does the property smell fresh and clean, or musty and dirty?
  • Are the walls clean and freshly painted or dirty with painting peeling off?
  • Are the sink, stove, cupboard and exhaust fan in the kitchen clean?
  • Does the kitchen have an exhaust fan?
  • Are the blinds and curtains clean, and are they in good condition and do they work?
  • Is the bathroom clean, or is it dirty, and does it have a problem with mould?
  • Is there an exhaust fan near the shower, and does it work?
  • Is the toilet clean? Does it leak? Is the toilet cistern working properly? Are the toilet bowl and seat damaged or in good condition?
  • Can you open all the windows? Are there any broken or poorly repaired windows?
  • Is there at least one good fly-screen on the window of each main room?
  • Do all the doors on the wardrobes and to the rooms look in good repair and are they working?
  • Can you see any evidence of window or roof leaks or water damage from under the front and backdoor?
  • Does the property have a security screen door on the front and back doors, and are they in good repair and working?
  • Does the property have deadlocks on the external doors, and do they work properly?
  • Does the property have smoke detectors and do they work?

When you are viewing properties, and you see something you are not sure about, ask the landlord/real estate agent to explain it to you.

  
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