Frequency and Legal Requirements
Under Queensland tenancy legislation, a landlord or property manager is entitled to conduct routine inspections, but not more than once every three months except in specific circumstances. The first inspection can be conducted any time from the fourth week of the tenancy.
These limits exist to protect tenant privacy and quiet enjoyment. Within those limits, a property manager should be conducting inspections on a regular schedule, not skipping them because they are time-consuming or because the tenancy seems to be going well.
What a Thorough Inspection Covers
An inspection that simply walks through the property and notes that it looks 'generally good' is not a useful inspection. A thorough inspection examines the condition of walls, ceilings, and floors in every room; checks under sinks for leaks and moisture; tests that smoke alarms are functioning; checks the condition of windows, doors, and screens; examines external areas including the garden, fencing, and any outbuildings.
In Townsville specifically, the wet season preparation inspection should also check drainage, roof condition, and any external structures that may be vulnerable to cyclonic conditions.
The Report as a Legal Record
Every inspection should produce a written report with photographs. The report should be shared with both the owner and the tenant. Any issues identified should be followed up with clear action within an appropriate timeframe, and the outcome documented.
In any dispute at the end of a tenancy, the series of inspection reports creates an objective timeline of the property's condition throughout the tenancy. A landlord who can produce well-documented inspection reports is in a much stronger position than one who cannot.
At The Rental Managers, every routine inspection results in a written, photographed report provided to the owner with any required follow-up actions clearly identified.
