Whether it is a routine check, a lease renewal or the final move out walkthrough, an inspection goes better when the home is clean and anything broken has been reported. Here is what landlords look at and how to get ready in about two hours.
What landlords look at
- Kitchen: grease on the stove and hood, inside the oven and fridge, signs of leaks under the sink
- Bathrooms: mold or mildew, grout, caulk around the tub, slow drains, leaks
- Walls and floors: holes, large marks, stains and water damage
- Safety: smoke alarms present and working, nothing blocking exits
- AC: a clean filter and no water around the unit
- Pests: signs of roaches or rodents, and food left out
- Outside: trash cleared, patio and entry tidy
A two hour plan
| Time | Job |
|---|---|
| 20 minutes | Clear clutter and take out all trash |
| 35 minutes | Kitchen: stovetop, hood, counters, sink, wipe the fridge inside |
| 30 minutes | Bathrooms: toilet, tub, tiles, mirror, any mildew |
| 20 minutes | Dust surfaces, fans and vents, wipe switches and marks on doors |
| 15 minutes | Vacuum and mop floors, open blinds and let light in |
Report repairs before the inspection
If something is broken or leaking, tell your landlord in writing before the visit, and keep a copy. It shows you reported it, rather than leaving it to be found.
When to book a professional
For a final move out inspection, or if the home needs more than a couple of hours, a deep clean or move out clean saves time and gives you a record of what was done.