Landlord Essentials Checklist
Looking after a rental takes more than just physical maintenance. From upkeep to compliance, insurance and tenancy paperwork, there are important checks to stay on top of over time. Here’s a list of essentials to help you stay organised, with a clear view of what needs attention and when.
Plus, of course, our expert Property Management team is here to help at any time.
| 1. Property maintenance | Frequency |
| Exterior painting | 8–10 years |
| Interior painting | 4–5 years |
| Exterior house clean (chemical wash) |
Annually |
| Gutter and downpipe clean | Annually |
| Roof check (damage, moss, wear) |
2–3 years |
| Paths, decks, driveways cleaned | Annually |
| Tree pruning and garden control | Annually |
| Fence maintenance | 3–4 years |
| Replace curtains | 2–5 years |
| Replace blinds | 6–10 years |
| Replace carpet/vinyl | 6–15 years |
| Upgrade appliances | 8–10 years |
| Chimney / flue clean (pre-winter) | Annually |
| 2. Compliance and safety checks | Frequency |
| Check smoke alarms are in place and in working order |
Annually + start of tenancy |
| Heat pump / air con service | Annually |
| Plumbing and electrical checks | 1–2 years |
| Healthy Homes compliance check | Ongoing |
| Check outdoor lighting, steps and trip hazards | Annually |
| 3. Insurance and financial checks | Frequency |
| Insurance policy and cover review | Annually |
| Confirm sum insured reflects rebuild costs | Annually |
| Rates and water charges check | Annually |
| Rent review | Annually |
| Long-term maintenance planning and budgeting | Annually |
| Mortgage review | Annually |
| 4. Tenancy management and records | Frequency |
| Routine property inspections | Every 3-4 months or as required by the insurer |
| Maintenance issues and repairs | As needed |
| Tenancy agreement and paperwork | Each tenancy |
| Bond lodged with Tenancy Services | Each tenancy |
| Record keeping of inspections and maintenance | Ongoing |
| Update tenant contact and emergency details | Annually |
| 5. Between tenancies | Frequency |
| Professional clean (if required based on condition after previous tenants vacate) |
Each tenancy change |
| Carpet clean (if required based on condition after previous tenants vacate) |
Each tenancy change |
| Test appliances | Each tenancy change |
| Check smoke alarms are in place and in working order |
Each tenancy change |
| Healthy Homes compliance check | Each tenancy change |
| Check locks, keys and remotes | Each tenancy change |
| Touch-up paint and minor repairs | Each tenancy change |
Download a copy of the Landlord Essentials Checklist here.
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