nsw rental inspection checklist for landlords
  • January 28, 2025
  • Effective Building
  • 0

Rental inspections in Australian states such as New South Wales help landlords ensure that their residential rental properties continue to meet habitation standards, like those outlined in the NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010. Through this law, landlords have a legal obligation to maintain their residential rental properties to specific standards that allow for comfortable living.

How Often Should Routine Rental Inspections Be in NSW?

Routine rental inspections in New South Wales should be conducted by the landlord at a minimum of once a year and a maximum of 4 times a year. 7 days or more before the inspection date, NSW landlords need to give their tenants adequate written notice that a routine rental inspection will be conducted. 

Before deciding on an inspection date, the landlord has to ensure that the routine rental inspection does not occur on a Sunday or a public holiday. Even if the inspection date isn’t on a Sunday or a public holiday, the routine rental inspection should only be within 8 am to 8 pm.

These limits and the 7-day minimum notice can be waived if the tenant explicitly agrees to a routine rental inspection occurring on Sundays, public holidays, beyond 8 am to 8 pm, or without prior 7 days notice.

The Essential NSW Rental Inspection Checklist for Landlords

This rental inspection checklist for landlords only includes what is required by the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 and the NSW Government:

  • Each room in the residential rental property (aside from those used only for storage or as a garage) has functional lights which provide sufficient brightness for the entire room.
  • Each room in the residential rental property has sufficient ventilation (e.g., from a fan or a central ventilation system).
  • There are no signs of mould or of possible built-up moisture that can cause mould.
  • Bathroom and kitchen heaters have unobstructed ventilation.
  • Heaters are not creating soot deposits.
  • Heater flue pipes do not have any holes or restrictions.
  • No discoloration observed on or around the flue and heater.
  • The residential rental property has constant and safe access to a sufficient supply of electricity or gas.
  • There are enough outlet sockets (gas and/or electrical) for the lighting and heating needs of the residential rental property and for the needs of each appliance and its safe and dependable use.
  • Gas heaters, stoves, and ovens are all working, safe to use, and compliant with the applicable regulations.
  • All utility connections and services (including appliances) are fully compliant, safe, and functional.
  • The residential rental property has access to hot and cold water for drinking, washing, and cleaning.
  • The residential rental property has adequate toilets and washing facilities (e.g., sinks and showers) that can be used privately.
  • The residential rental property has a functional, safe, and compliant plumbing and drainage system that is sufficient for its needs and specific requirements.
  • The floors of the residential rental property are in a reasonable state of repair, not subject to significant dampness, and not at all likely to collapse due to any defect or damage.
  • The ceilings of the residential rental property are in a reasonable state of repair, not subject to significant dampness, not at all likely to collapse due to any defect or damage, and don’t permit water penetration into the residential rental property.
  • The walls of the residential rental property are in a reasonable state of repair, not subject to significant dampness, and not at all likely to collapse due to any defect or damage.
  • The roof of the residential rental property is in a reasonable state of repair, not subject to significant dampness, not at all likely to collapse due to any defect or damage, and does not permit water penetration into the residential rental property.
  • The supporting structures (including foundations) of the residential rental property are in a reasonable state of repair, not subject to significant dampness, and not at all likely to collapse due to any defect or damage.
  • The windows of the residential rental property are in a reasonable state of repair, not subject to significant dampness, not at all likely to collapse due to any defect or damage, and don’t permit water penetration into the residential rental property.
  • The doors, stairs, balconies, balustrades, and railings of the residential rental property are in a reasonable state of repair and not at all likely to collapse due to any defect or damage.
  • Each storey of the residential rental property has at least 1 fully-functioning smoke alarm.
  • All smoke alarms have been checked by the landlord to verify their continued functioning and effectiveness.
  • The batteries of all smoke alarms have been replaced by the landlord.
  • Old smoke alarms have been replaced with working smoke alarms at most 10 years after their manufacture or earlier if specified by their manufacturer.
  • The residential rental property is clean and free of pests and vermin.
  • There is a sufficient number of adequately-maintained locks to ensure the residential rental property is secure.
  • Nearby tenants of the landlord don’t interfere with the privacy, comfort, or peace of the tenant/s using the residential rental property.
  • The residential rental property does not have any damage resulting from the negligence, irresponsibility, or intentional actions of its tenant/s.
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About Elie Farah

elie

Elie Farah is a Building Consultant with over 25 years of experience in the property industry. Elie has specialised knowledge in development acquisitions, blue-chip properties and inspections, as well as flood-affected and waterfront properties, heritage buildings, bushfire management and existing use rights.

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