Moving out of a rental is busy enough without worrying about the final inspection. Many of the issues noted at end-of-lease inspections are small repairs that can be fixed in a few hours. This checklist covers the most common ones. It is general information only, so check your lease and condition report, and talk to your agent or landlord if you are unsure what is expected.

Start with the condition report

Your entry condition report records the property’s condition when you moved in. Compare each room against it. Fair wear and tear is generally not the tenant’s responsibility, but damage beyond fair wear and tear may be. Consumer Affairs Victoria has information about bonds and repairs.

Walls

• Picture hooks and adhesive hooks. Removing them can leave holes or torn paint. Small holes can be filled, sanded and touched up.
• Holes from TV mounts and shelves. Larger holes need a plaster patch.
• Scuffs and marks. Some marks clean off. Others need a paint touch-up to match the existing colour.

Doors and windows

• Door stops and handles. Doors without stops often leave a hole in the wall from the handle.
• Sticking or misaligned doors. These can usually be adjusted.
• Flyscreens. Torn mesh from pets or children is a common inspection item. Screens can be re-meshed.
• Window catches and winders. Broken catches can often be replaced.

Kitchens and bathrooms

• Silicone. Mouldy silicone around the shower, bath and sink may need replacing.
• Cupboard doors and drawers. Loose hinges and broken runners can be fixed.
• Towel rails and toilet roll holders. Loose fittings can be refixed.

Floors

• Damaged skirting and scotia. Small sections can be repaired or replaced.
• Floorboard damage. Some damage can be repaired; large areas may need a flooring specialist.

Outside

• Gutters. Check your lease to see whether gutter cleaning is your responsibility.
• Fences and gates. Report damage early.
• Rubbish. Remove everything you brought. Small loads can be taken away during a repair visit.

Timing

Book repairs a week or two before your final inspection so there is time for paint touch-ups to dry and for any extra work. Leave cleaning until after repairs are done.

How we can help

We repair the small damage commonly noted at final inspections. See end-of-lease and rental repairs and plaster and wall patching, or get a free quote. We cannot guarantee the outcome of an inspection, but we will do careful, tidy work.