Routine Inspections in NSW: Rules, Notice and What to Check
- Posted by Future Nexus Legend Real Estate in Landlord Guides
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Routine inspections are one of the best ways to protect your investment property. They help you spot small problems before they become expensive ones, and they give you a clear record if there’s ever a dispute about the property’s condition. Here’s how routine inspections in NSW work and what a good inspection report should include.
How often can a landlord inspect a rental property in NSW?
In NSW, a landlord or agent can carry out a routine inspection up to four times in any 12-month period. Most Sydney property managers inspect every three to six months, depending on the property and the tenant.
How much notice must be given?
The tenant must receive at least 7 days’ written notice before a routine inspection. Different notice periods apply for other types of entry. For example, shorter notice applies for agreed repairs, and urgent repairs or genuine emergencies can require no notice at all.
The three types of inspection
1. Entry condition report
Before the tenant moves in, the property’s condition is recorded room by room. This is the most important document in any tenancy. At the end of the lease, it’s the benchmark used to decide whether there’s damage beyond fair wear and tear.
2. Routine inspections
During the tenancy, routine inspections check that the property is being looked after and identify any maintenance needs.
3. Exit inspection
When the tenant moves out, the property is compared against the entry condition report before the bond is finalised.
What should a routine inspection check?
- General cleanliness and care of each room.
- Signs of water leaks or damp, especially in bathrooms, laundries and under sinks.
- Damage to walls, floors, doors and fixtures.
- Smoke alarms present and working.
- Appliances and fittings working as they should.
- Outdoor areas, including gardens, gutters, fences and lawns.
- Signs of unauthorised occupants or pets not covered by the agreement.
- Any repairs the tenant wants to raise.
What a good inspection report looks like
A useful report is more than a tick-box form. It should include:
- Clear, dated photos of every room.
- Notes on anything that needs attention, and anything to monitor.
- Recommended next steps, with an estimate where a repair is needed.
Some agencies now go further with 360° inspection imagery. Instead of a handful of photos, you can explore each room from every angle, which is especially valuable if you live interstate or overseas. At Future Nexus Legend Real Estate, entry, routine and exit inspections all include 360° reports, so you can see your property in 3D from anywhere.
Routine inspections in NSW: tips for landlords
- Read every report, even when everything looks fine.
- Act on small issues early. A dripping tap or blocked gutter is cheap to fix now and expensive later.
- Keep every report. They form your record for the whole tenancy.
- Respect your tenant’s privacy. Stick to the notice rules and reasonable times. Good relationships keep good tenants.
Let us take care of it
Our fixed monthly fee includes entry, exit and routine inspections with 360° reports, plus maintenance coordination when something needs fixing. See everything that’s included, or get a free rental appraisal.
Need help with your rental property?
Future Nexus Legend Real Estate manages rental properties across Western and Northern Sydney, including Penrith, Ryde, Lane Cove and Blacktown. Every property is managed for one fixed fee from $69 a month + GST, with leasing, inspections, repairs and rent collection included. Book a free rental appraisal or see how our property management works.
This article is general information only and isn’t legal advice. Check current requirements with NSW Fair Trading.
