Inspections are a critical component for those who rent or buy property in Perth. A quality inspection offers peace of mind, protects your investment and ensures compliance with Western Australian standards. The process should be addressed from three sides: tenants and landlords fulfilling rental responsibilities, home buyers being able to identify potential risks, and businesses being able to maintain secure, efficient commercial premises. If you want a hand, read our home inspection checklist and get everything right.
Note: Even though do-it-yourself checklists can help to identify potential areas of concern, they’re a first step. It’s always best to contact licensed professionals who work under AS 4349 directly for a comprehensive and accurate assessment.
Go into every property visit prepared. Carry a printed or digital house inspection checklist, a torch or flashlight and a phone or camera with sufficient charge to take photos. Give about 30 to 60 minutes so you can explore each spot without feeling hurried.
Routine rental inspections are legislated in Western Australia to ensure the balance between landlord entitlement and tenant privacy, convenience and comfort. Key rules include:
Adhering to these principles ensures a good owner/tenant relationship, minimum wear and tear and compliance with the Western Australia Residential Tenancy Act.
The following is a complete rental home inspection checklist for tenants and landlords to follow. It includes preparation, interior and exterior checks, compliance and documentation. Each section outlines specific things to look for so that the property is well-maintained and no breaches of WA renting rules take place.
Bring a copy of the prior inspection report so that if there are differences or you have questions about these issues, they can be addressed. Carry a printed list or use something on your phone to keep track. Show up on time, with a smile, and be clear in your communication with the tenant or landlord. Organisation is really the key to everything flowing easily and not missing any important aspects.
Gently look at walls for damage, scuffs or marks. Hiring painting contractors in Perth can help give walls a new look. Check that ceilings and cornices are clean, free of cobwebs and fungus. Floors need to be vacuumed or mopped – and grout should not be missing. Dust skirting boards, door, picture frames and built-in furniture, switches and handles. Room cleanliness and lack of clutter are important for thorough examination as well as access to all areas.
Clean window sills, tracks and glass. Test the condition of all blinds and curtains. Check that windows open, close and lock soundly for safety and security.
Check smoke detectors and note the inspection date. Check whether light fittings and power points are operational or safe for use. Call a handyman in Perth for any kind of fixings.
Check if the stove, oven, grill and rangehood are clean and in working condition. Degrease rangehood filters and check the refrigerator cavity if one was provided. Cupboards and drawers must be clean both inside and outside. Landlords should also get kitchen cabinet repair done if required. Ensure that the sink, tapware and under-sink plumbing are not leaking. Benches and splashbacks need to be whole and without damage.
Shower heads, screens and doors should be clear of soap scum and limescale. Anything that’s tiled with grout must be free of mould and cracks. Dust and test exhaust fans. Mirrors, faucets, sinks, bathtubs, and toilet bases should be clear. The laundry trough and taps must be in working order. Call Perth plumbers if required.
Check that air-conditioning units are running and filters are clean. Test any supplied appliances, such as dishwashers and washing machines, to ensure they are operational.
Inspect external walls, paint, fences, and gates for signs of wear or damage. If required, schedule fence and gate repairs. Ensure the roof, gutters, and downpipes are clear of debris and intact. Look for pest activity, including wasp nests or droppings. Test outdoor lights and power points for functionality.
Lawns should be mowed, edges trimmed, and garden beds tidy. Remove weeds and cobwebs from eaves or corners. Paths, paving, and driveways should be swept and free from weeds. You can hire a Perth paving contractor to take care of all these. Note oil stains on driveways and ensure bins are clean and stored correctly.
Check verandas, porches, and balconies are swept, safe, and free from hazards. Ensure outdoor taps are leak-free and that garage or carport doors operate smoothly. Storage areas should be tidy and hazard-free.
Confirm there are no unauthorised pets or occupants. Look for signs of smoking if prohibited and unapproved modifications. Assess general cleanliness and respectful upkeep of the property.
Take photographs or video of the property to document its condition. Record all these issues and their level of importance. Document the date of a smoke-alarm test, schedule trades if necessary and provide tenants with a summary. Optional form fields on your rental inspection checklist can feature tenant and landlord information, property address, room-by-room notes, and space for photos.
This is the final house inspection checklist for a prospective home buyer. It points out the critical areas to inspect before making an offer, thereby helping you avoid otherwise costly problems while keeping your safety and that of your family in mind.
Bring a torch and a phone. Take lots of photos and notes. Expect to spend between 30 minutes and an hour examining a typical home. Do not go into roof spaces unless you are confident that you can do so safely. Professionals frequently employ thermal imaging, moisture meters and pest-detection devices to find hidden problems.
Look at the exterior of the property for wall cracks, rusted gutters, loose or broken roof tiles and how water is drained away from the house. If you can, check the area for pooling or draining issues after heavy rain. Ensure subfloor vent openings are not obstructed by garden beds, mulch or debris to assist with ventilation underneath the home and minimise dampness.
Notice any sloping floors, sticking doors or spaces between the skirting boards and the walls. Clay soils in Perth can move quite a bit over the years, so this is an important step to take, even more so on newer estates like Baldivis and Ellenbrook. Discovering movement early on can prevent expensive remedial works.
Look out for bubbling or peeling paint, musty odours, or visible water stains. All these are early signs that a property isn’t managing moisture properly. Look at ventilation in wet areas, such as bathrooms and laundries. Poor ventilation can result in timber decay, mould growth and have long-term consequences. Good drainage around the home is necessary to avoid water-related issues.
Press timber with a screwdriver to check for hollow-sounding wood, and search for mud tracts that are telltale signs of termites. Make sure that you have termite shields in place and that they are in the best condition. Early detection can save thousands on carpentry services for repairs.
Check ceilings for sagging, inspect walls for significant damage, and ensure windows and doors operate smoothly. Examine bathroom seals, run taps, and closely review all wet areas for leaks or signs of water ingress. Keeping an eye on these details helps identify maintenance issues before purchase. Another important requirement is electrical appliance test and tagging.
If it is safe to access, inspect the roof space for water stains, damp insulation, and timber members. Ensure the timber is straight and free from pest damage. Any signs of water penetration or structural weakness should be noted for further assessment.
Contact licensed inspectors if you see structural cracks more than 2 mm wide, active termite activity, high moisture readings or movement in floors and walls. They will do more than what is included in a simple home inspection checklist for buyers.
It is also important to perform a proper evaluation for commercial properties. Some prefer to hire building inspection services. But if you want to do it yourself before a professional steps in, this section highlights the key things to do:
Inspect the roof and roof membrane for any signs of damage or wear. Ensure gutters and downpipes are clear and functional, and check the façade for paint condition or structural issues. One should also check if there is any need for tile repairing.
Check public common areas and tenant spaces for floor, ceiling and wall damage. Inspect doors and hardware. Restrooms and kitchens must be sanitary and watertight.
Home air quality testing is also important. So be sure to double-check that HVAC units are functioning properly and filters are clean. The electrical panels have to be nicely labelled. All lighting systems have to work. Check all plumbing systems for leaks and pressure.
Ensure fire extinguishers and hoses are within their service dates, exit signage is clear, and pathways are free from slip or trip hazards. Check accessibility at entries and amenities, and verify the stability of loading docks, roller doors, storage areas, and racking. Another important thing is looking for electrical repairs to guarantee uncompromised safety.
Maintain comprehensive records, including HVAC and fire system maintenance logs, test tags, recent repairs, and lease clauses regarding make-good or repair responsibilities. Use a photo log and action list with priorities to track issues and plan follow-up.
Here are some key Perth-specific considerations and practical tips regarding what to check when buying a home in Perth.
Inspect stormwater drainage after heavy rain. Check for pooling on or around the property and make sure downpipes don’t run water right next to foundations or paths. Inadequate drainage causes dampness and erosion problems.
A building inspector would ask you to pay attention to signs of structural movement in suburbs with reactive clay soils. Sloping floors, sticking doors, and gaps between skirting and walls are more common in these areas and can indicate foundation stress.
Those buying properties near bushland often look for a “house inspector near me” for advice. They will ask you to inspect for mud tubes and ensure termite barriers are intact to protect timber structures.
The perfect checklist form should contain header elements like tenant/landlord information, property address, date and type of inspection or the name and number of your inspector. The home inspector and the tenant or owner can sign off to provide more clarity.
A DIY pre-purchase new home inspection checklist ensures your peace of mind before making an investment and keeps commercial operations up and running to avoid risks. Remember that DIY inspections are a first check and should not substitute for professional assessment by someone who is qualified under AS 4349.
Usually, include things like roof condition, windows/doors functionality, plumbing & water pressure, electrical systems, pest/damp issues, structural integrity (walls, ceilings), and if any appliances included are working properly.
Basic checks for tenants: property condition report, any existing damage, functionality of fixtures, cleanliness, locks/windows/doors, water leaks, smoke alarms, and ensuring the property meets minimum safety & health conditions.
In WA, landlords typically need to give tenants 7-14 days notice, and inspections are limited in frequency (often no more than 4 per year).
Buyers can request a condition for property & pest inspections as a special contract clause. Also, smoke alarms and safety devices (like RCDs), structural faults or unsafe renovations need to be assessed.
Use photos/videos (date stamped), note down details in writing, compare with condition reports, test fixtures (taps, doors, appliances), inspect under sinks/floors/roof, maintain copies of all reports.
Signs of damp/mould, cracks in walls or ceilings, sags in roofs, uneven floors/doors not closing properly, odours, smells, leaks, windows/doors that don’t lock or function correctly.
For commercial properties, also inspect compliance (fire safety, exits, signage), condition of electrical wiring and load capacity, HVAC systems, structural integrity under heavier usage, accessibility, parking & external areas, and site drainage & safety aspects. (Though specific commercial FAQs weren’t all found in the same source, this is drawn from trends in property inspection checklists in Australia.)
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