The complete rental inspection checklist for Australian renters.

Why a rental inspection report is your strongest bond protection

Most Australian renters lose money at the end of their lease over things they didn't cause — pre-existing scuffs, marks, stains, or wear that the agent claims happened during the tenancy. The single best protection is a thorough, timestamped inspection report on the day you move in (and another the day you move out).

Tribunals — VCAT in Victoria, NCAT in NSW, QCAT in Queensland and equivalent bodies in every state — assess bond disputes based on evidence. A well-documented entry condition report with photos is the kind of evidence that wins.

RenterIQ's free rental inspection tool walks you through every room with a guided checklist, captures timestamped photos automatically, and produces a professional PDF you can email to your agent or store in your vault forever.

What's covered in the checklist

How it works

1. Open RenterIQ on your phone — no install required, it's a free progressive web app.
2. Enter the property address — one tap to start.
3. Walk through each room — the checklist guides you through the order. Take photos as you go; they're timestamped automatically.
4. Add notes — flag any pre-existing damage, scuffs, or unusual wear.
5. Generate the PDF — one tap. Email it to yourself, send it to your agent, save it to your vault.

What renters often miss

Even careful renters skip these — and they're the spots agents scrutinise hardest at exit:

• Window tracks — dust and grime build up here. Photograph them clean (or noted as dirty) at entry.
• Behind the toilet — hard to clean later, easy to forget at entry.
• Range hood filter — agents check this. Document its state on day one.
• Inside the oven — open it, photograph it. If it's already greasy, you don't want to be charged for it.
• Skirting boards — scuffs and marks here are common. Capture them.
• Shower grout — discolouration from previous tenants is normal but easily blamed on you.
• Carpet edges — corners near doorways and against walls.
• Light fittings — note any missing covers, bulbs, or fans.

State-specific tenancy info

Tenancy laws differ across Australia. RenterIQ's renter rights hub covers all states and territories — we automatically detect yours from your lease address.

Frequently asked questions