Important Things To Check Before Your Townhouse Rental Inspection

The capital of Victoria boasts a booming real estate market with numerous housing and rental options to suit everyone's needs. Townhouses are among those options that offer affordability, flexibility and a great lifestyle preference. Families have been moving into rental townhouses in Melbourne for various reasons, such as affordable rent, proximity to schools and parks,  and low maintenance living.

However, living in a rental townhouse in Melbourne comes with a fair share of responsibilities. Regular upkeep is a crucial task to maintain the property's cleanliness and hygiene. This can help prevent major structural damage, pests, mould infestation, and other issues when moving out of your tenancy. If you want to secure your full bond money, ensure you pay attention to every nook and cranny because the landlord strictly conducts a thorough inspection. Worry not! In this guide, we'll unveil important things that every tenant must check before the final rental inspection of a townhouse. This can help you impress your fussy landlord, ensuring a seamless handover.

Let’s Get Started!

1. Check Your Lease Agreement

First things first! Review the lease agreement you signed before moving into the townhouse. This will help you understand underlined cleaning obligations and rights. It is good to follow specific requirements outlined in the agreement to avoid disputes. Ensure you adhere to cleaning and vacating duties to secure your full bond money. Reviewing the initial property condition report can also help avoid unwanted disputes and penalties.

2. Check Walls, Paint and Fixtures

Begin the process by thoroughly inspecting your walls from top to bottom. Make sure you look for scuff marks, scratches, dents and chipped paint. According to the tenancy laws, fair wear and tear is acceptable, but large marks and damage may lead to bond deductions and disputes. So, it is good to check for big holes due to picture frame hooks or wall anchors.

Apart from this, check all light fixtures and switches by referring to your Property Condition Report. After that, remove cobwebs, dust and stubborn stains from these surfaces using proven methods. For walls, always use non abrasive and mild supplies, such as soapy water and sponge. However, for light fixtures and fittings, end of lease cleaning Melbourne professionals recommend a damp cloth to effectively remove accumulated dust and dirt.

Tip: Be careful when cleaning painted walls. It is good to test the product in a hidden spot to prevent damage.

3. Pay Attention to the Kitchen

Townhouse kitchens are more compact than large houses and apartments. The layout is usually linear or L shaped for efficient functionality. This can make cleaning more challenging, as nooks and crannies may harbour disease causing germs and bacteria. However, when preparing your townhouse for a rental inspection, check the following things:

• Taps and Plumbing Connection: Make sure all taps are working properly without leaks. Also, check water pressure and unclog kitchen drains.
• Electrical outlets and switches: Check them properly to ensure the smooth functioning of appliances.
• Ventilation: Clean the exhaust fan and range hood filter inside and outside. Also, ensure they are fully operational or not.
• Cabinet doors and drawers: Make sure all cabinet doors are functional and damage free. Don’t forget to remove grease and grime using baking soda and other natural products.
• Appliances: Deep clean your fridge, oven, microwave, stovetop, dishwasher, etc, using all natural products.
• Countertops: Scrub and disinfect countertops using baking soda. Ensure they are free from scratches and stubborn marks.

4. Check For Bathroom Hygiene and Ventilation

As a responsible tenant, check your bathrooms thoroughly for cleanliness and sanitisation. It is good to remove limescale and rust stains from showers, bathtubs, toilets and sinks. You can use a white vinegar solution to dislodge hard water stains from surfaces (except for natural stone tubs). Don't forget to check for mould and mildew infestation, especially on walls, shower curtains and grout lines. As soon as you notice black or pinkish mould spores, spray hydrogen peroxide or vinegar spray. Also, remove stains from toilet bowls using natural cleaners.

For proper ventilation, deep clean the exhaust fan and keep doors open. However, if you are running out of time, book experts for a cheap end of lease cleaning Melbourne service and secure the full bond money.

5. Windows and Blinds

Don’t forget windows and blinds when preparing your townhouse for the final rental inspection. Remove the curtains and toss them into the machine. To achieve spotless windows, apply vinegar spray and wipe down with a sponge. You can use an old toothbrush to access nooks and crannies, including window tracks.

For window blinds, use a handy vacuum cleaner to remove dust from blinds. After that, spray vinegar solution and wipe down each slate for spotless results. Ensure you check the functionality of your windows if you want to pass your rental inspection without any dispute.

6. Check Heating and Cooling Systems

Make sure that the HVAC systems of your townhouse are working properly. Clean the filters using eco friendly products and remove dust from vents. Ensure you test the thermostat for effective functioning.

You can also replace filters with a new one if required before the rental inspection. It is because poor airflow can linger allergens and can indicate a maintenance issue, leading to bond deductions.

7. Carpets and Floors

Delicate carpets and hard floorings require special attention during a detailed end of lease cleaning Melbourne. Start by vacuuming your carpets to remove embedded dust and debris. Once you are done with basic vacuuming, tackle stains and grime using the blotting method. You can also use a steam cleaner to effectively remove pet stains, stubborn grime and bad odours without causing dullness or discolouration.

Hardwood floors, on the other hand, need gentle sweeping and mopping, covering every nook and cranny. This will help you pass the rental inspection easily.

8. Outdoor Areas to Consider

The outdoor area contributes to the overall look and feel of the townhouse. Make sure you sweep balcony floors, clean the yard, remove cobwebs from garages and sweep the floor to leave a great impression on your landlord. Ensure you thoroughly check the exterior areas, especially scuff marks on walls to secure your hard earned bond money.

9. Proactively Address Maintenance Issues

It is important to address maintenance issues before vacating the property. It is imperative to replace broken fixtures like door handles, light bulbs and other fittings. Report to your landlord for major issues and arrange for repairs before the rental inspection.

Things to Check before The Final Inspection Of Your Townhouse

Wrapping up

Preparing a townhouse for a successful rental inspection requires detailed cleaning and sanitisation. These are important things to check before moving out of your rental property. With a proper checklist and practical tips, you can impress your property manager and secure your full bond money at the end of your tenancy. This will help you meet the highest standards, ensuring a seamless experience for both parties.