Rental Inspection
Inspection performed for landlords before, during or after occupation
As a landlord, ensuring your rental property is well-maintained and compliant with South African regulations can be challenging, especially if you lack the time or expertise. Our comprehensive Rental Inspection services provide you with detailed reports and peace of mind, ensuring your property is in optimal condition before, during, and after a tenancy.
What is a Rental Inspection?
A Rental Inspection serves to evaluate the condition of the rental unit, ensuring that it complies with the agreed-upon terms and conditions of the lease. Rental Inspections can occur before a tenant moves in (pre-occupancy inspection), periodically throughout the lease (mid-term inspection), or when the tenant is moving out (post-occupancy inspection).
The purpose is to document the property’s condition, identifying any existing damage, necessary repairs, or potential issues. This process helps establish accountability, ensures that the property remains well-maintained, and can play a key role in resolving any disagreements about its condition throughout the leasing period.
Who would benefit from a Rental Inspection?
A Rental Inspection is an essential service for property investors, landlords, and homeowners who privately lease their properties. It offers peace of mind by documenting the property’s condition at the start (ingoing), during (mid-term) and end (outgoing) of a tenancy, helping to protect both the landlord’s investment and the tenant’s rights. Our detailed, impartial reports are agreed upon by both parties, reducing the risk of disputes and ensuring transparency.
For property owners, a Rental Inspection confirms that the lease terms are being upheld and that the property is being looked after appropriately. For tenants, it provides a fair and accountable record of the property’s condition, ensuring they are not held responsible for pre-existing issues.
In fact, ingoing and outgoing inspections are a legal requirement under the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA). Our Rental Inspections help you remain compliant with these regulations, while also maintaining a smooth and harmonious tenancy process for everyone involved.
What is the Value of a Rental Inspection?
The value of a Rental Inspection conducted by Discover Home Inspections is twofold. First, it offers the cost-effective benefit of a one-time fee, in contrast to the ongoing commission fees typically associated with estate agents. This upfront investment ensures that property owners can enjoy a comprehensive assessment without incurring repetitive expenses.
Second, Discover Home Inspections approaches each inspection with a level of care and thoroughness as if the property were our own. This commitment to a meticulous evaluation guarantees that every detail is examined, giving property owners and tenants confidence in the accuracy and reliability of the inspection. It is a cost-efficient and quality-driven solution for all involved in the rental process.
What does our Rental Inspection cover?
Pre-Occupancy Inspection:
Recording of the exact condition of the property prior to occupation.
01
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Exterior condition
✔ Boundary walls, gates, paving, garden, outdoor taps, lights, swimming pool
02
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Security features
✔ Locks, alarm system, burglar bars, intercoms
03
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Doors & Windows
✔ Condition, locks, handles, glass, frames, seals
04
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Walls, Ceilings & Floors
✔ Paintwork, stains, cracks, chips, scuff marks
05
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Lighting & Electrical Points
✔ Bulbs, plug points, switches, ceiling fans
06
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Kitchen
✔ Cupboards, countertops, sinks, taps, tiles, hob/oven condition
07
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Bathrooms
✔ Basins, taps, toilets, showers, tiles, extractor fans
08
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Bedrooms & Living Areas
✔ Cupboard doors, shelving, flooring, fireplaces, air conditioners
09
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Fixtures & Fittings
✔ Curtain rails, towel rails, shelves, mirrors
10
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Appliances (if furnished)
✔ Fridge, stove, dishwasher, washing machine, microwave
11
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General cleanliness
12
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Meter Readings
✔ Water, electricity and gas supply recorded
Mid-term Inspection:
Usually conducted halfway through a lease to ensure the property is being maintained as agreed.
01
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Cleanliness & General Upkeep
✔ Neatness, excessive wear or misuse
02
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Damage
✔ New or unreported issues such as holes, stains, cracked tiles
03
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Plumbing & Water Damage
✔ Leaks under sinks, damp, mould, water stains
04
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Outdoor Maintenance
✔ Lawn, garden, pool (if applicable)
05
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Geyser & Drains
✔ Basic operational checks for signs of leaks or damage
06
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Tenant Concerns
✔ An opportunity for tenants to raise any issues
Post-Occupancy Inspection:
Conducted after the tenant vacates to assess any changes or damage during the tenancy. Assessed and compared against the ingoing report.
01
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Cleanliness
✔ Full property check (interior and exterior)
02
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Damages or Missing Items
✔ Beyond fair wear and tear
03
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Fixtures & Fittings
✔ Any replacements, damage, or misuse
04
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Appliances
✔ Condition and cleanliness
05
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Floors, Walls, Ceilings
✔ Marks, cracks, holes, damage
06
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Plumbing & Electrical
✔ Check for post-tenancy issues, like blocked drains
07
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Outdoor Areas
✔ Garden upkeep, rubbish removal, cleanliness of swimming pool
08
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Meter Readings
✔ Final water, electricity and gas usage
Know More, Risk Less
The Power of a Rental Inspection
Protects Your Investment
Regular inspections help you monitor how your property is being looked after. By identifying damage early, you can prevent small issues from becoming costly repairs, ensuring the property retains its value.
Ensures Legal Compliance
Ingoing and outgoing inspections are legally required under the PPRA for all lease agreements. Proper documentation protects both the landlord and tenant, helping you remain compliant and avoid legal disputes.
Reduces Disputes Over Deposits
A clear, signed inspection report—complete with photos—makes it easier to determine what is normal wear and tear versus actual damage. This ensures fairness and transparency when it comes to deposit deductions.
Builds Trust and Accountability
When tenants know inspections are handled professionally and fairly, it encourages responsibility and open communication. This leads to better tenant relationships and often longer, more stable leases.
Supports Proactive Maintenance
Mid-term inspections help catch plumbing leaks, appliance issues, or safety concerns before they escalate. This keeps your property in good condition and avoids emergency repairs.
Our Inspection Process
We follow a thorough and methodical approach to ensure no detail is overlooked
Scheduling and preparation
We work with you to schedule a mutually convenient time for the inspection. We encourage your presence during the inspection to address any questions or concerns you may have. Before the inspection, we gather information about the property to ensure a thorough evaluation.