Property Maintenance Checklist for Landlords

Aug 23, 2023

As a landlord in Australia, you are responsible for ensuring your rental property remains safe and well-maintained for tenants to enjoy. Regular maintenance and repairs are key for preserving property and keeping it functioning to a high standard. This article offers a quick guide on what maintenance tasks you should regularly perform and why it’s important.

Preparing for Tenants

Before tenants move into your property, you should always prepare for their arrival with a full inspection and maintenance report. This should include:

Smoke alarms: Smoke alarms are legally required for all rental properties in Australia to keep tenants safe. Be sure to check the batteries are charged and that all alarms are fully functioning.

Plumbing: Ensure that all plumbing is operating correctly and that there are no blocked drainage systems or appliances.

Electrics: Replace any damaged plugs or switches and check all circuits for any dangerous faults.

Windows and doors: Make sure all windows, vents and doors are secure. Check for any signs of damage and repair as needed.

Surface maintenance: To avoid mould and damp, pay extra attention to surfaces like carpets, curtains and floors.

Notifying Tenants of Repairs

It’s important to keep tenants informed of any repairs or maintenance that you are completing. Ensure that they are aware of any potential safety risks and that all repairs are carried out swiftly and to a high standard.

Responding to Emergencies

In the case of an emergency, such as a fire, flooding or a broken pipe, you should always be prepared to respond quickly. Make sure that you have the contact details of a qualified and experienced tradesperson at hand to carry out any repairs as soon as possible.

Periodic Checks and Maintenance

It is important for landlords to carry out regular periodic checks and maintenance to keep the property in a good state of repair.

We recommend carrying out the following periodic tasks:

Gardening and outdoor areas: Keep any gardens and outdoor areas maintained with regular trimming, weeding and tidying.

Pest checks: Make sure that tenants are aware of the steps they should be taking to avoid pests, such as keeping food sealed and disposing of rubbish correctly. Carry out pest control checks at least once a year.

Fire safety: Fire safety checks should be carried out every 6 months. Replace any faulty appliances and fittings, and check all smoke alarms are in working order.

Main plumbing and drainage: Ensure all drains are free from blockages and that toilets, sinks and showers are in good condition.

Landlords in Australia should be aware of their responsibility to keep rental properties maintained for their tenants. Carrying out regular checks and responding to emergency repairs is key for keeping properties safe and secure, ensuring that their tenants can enjoy a high standard of living. For easy property maintenance and management, contact Home 2 Home. We’ll help you get the most out of your property.

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