Rental Property Maintenance Checklist

📋 NSW Tenant Compliance 0 / 5

All smoke alarms hardwired or 10-year battery type NSW LAW

Mandatory under NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010. Must be installed before tenancy commences.

RCD protection on power and lighting circuits NSW LAW

Mandatory for all new tenancies. Safety switches protect tenants from electrocution — non-compliance voids insurance.

All windows and doors have functioning locks Landlords must ensure the property is secure at commencement and throughout tenancy. Ground floor windows especially.

Water efficiency fixtures installed (WELS rated) WELS

Required to pass on water usage charges to tenants. Showerheads must be 3-star WELS rated or better.

No exposed asbestos or safety hazards WHS

Homes built pre-1990 may contain asbestos. Any disturbed or friable asbestos must be remediated by a licensed removalist.

🔄 Between Tenancy 0 / 5

All reported maintenance issues from outgoing tenant resolved Outstanding maintenance reduces appeal to new tenants and can affect rent achieved. Fix before advertising.

Condition report completed with photographs Mandatory in NSW. Must be completed before tenant moves in and signed within 7 days of move-in date.

Carpets professionally cleaned Professionally cleaned carpets present well in photos and set a standard you can hold outgoing tenants to.

All keys and remotes accounted for Keep a log. If keys are not returned, arrange re-keying — the cost can be claimed against the bond.

Pest inspection completed Annual pest inspection protects the structure. Termite damage is not typically covered by home insurance.

📅 Annual Landlord Checks 0 / 5

Smoke alarm system tested and documented ANNUAL

Document the test date and result. Required annually — failure to maintain smoke alarms can result in fines.

Hot water system serviced (if over 5 years old) A failed hot water system is an urgent repair under the Residential Tenancies Act. Prevention is far cheaper.

Air conditioning filters cleaned Dirty filters reduce efficiency by up to 25% and void manufacturer warranty. Clean quarterly, inspect annually.

Garden and grounds maintenance current Check who is responsible per the lease. Overgrown gardens affect kerb appeal and can attract vermin.

Exterior paint assessed for deterioration Exterior paint protects the structure. Once it starts peeling, timber deterioration accelerates — costly to repair.

💰 Financial 0 / 4

Rental yield calculated against current market Rents move with the market. Review annually — an undermarket rent costs you money every week.

Maintenance reserve fund adequate (1% of value/year) Rule of thumb: budget 1% of property value per year for maintenance. This covers reactive and preventative work.

Insurance policy current and adequate Ensure landlord insurance covers loss of rent, malicious damage and public liability. Review sum insured annually.

Depreciation schedule current for tax purposes A Quantity Surveyor's depreciation schedule can save thousands in tax. Update when improvements are made.

Rental Property Maintenance Checklist

Rental Property Maintenance Checklist