Routine inspection checklist for ZA rental properties
A routine inspection checklist for South African rental properties, for landlords and agents checking in during a lease.
What to inspect
Give the tenant reasonable notice as set out in the lease. Work through each room and photograph anything of concern, and check the geyser, security and backup power equipment while you are there.
Entrance
Check the front door operates smoothly and locks securely. Note the condition of the doorbell and entry lighting.
- Front door
- Lock and hardware
- Doorbell
- Lighting
Hallway
Check walls, doors and floor coverings along the hallway. Note any marks, scuffs or trip hazards.
- Walls
- Doors
- Lights and plug points
- Floors and floor coverings
Lounge
Check walls, doors, windows and heating. Test that all lights and plug points work.
- Walls
- Doors
- Lights and plug points
- Floors and floor coverings
- Windows
- Blinds and curtains
- Heating
Kitchen and dining
Test all appliances, taps and lights. Check cupboards open and close properly and note any damage to counters or surfaces.
- Walls
- Doors
- Lights and plug points
- Floors and floor coverings
- Windows
- Blinds and curtains
- Built-in cupboards
- Sink and counters
- Stove and oven
- Fridge
- Extractor fan
Bathroom
Test taps, shower pressure and toilet flush. Check for leaks, mould or damage to fittings.
- Walls
- Doors
- Lights and plug points
- Floors and floor coverings
- Windows
- Blinds and curtains
- Mirror and cabinet
- Bath
- Shower
- Basin and vanity
- Toilet
- Extractor fan
Laundry
Test the washing machine and check the laundry sink for damage or leaks.
- Walls
- Doors
- Lights and plug points
- Floors and floor coverings
- Windows
- Blinds and curtains
- Washing machine
- Laundry sink
Bedroom
Check walls, doors, windows and floor coverings.
- Walls
- Doors
- Lights and plug points
- Floors and floor coverings
- Windows
- Blinds and curtains
- Built-in cupboards
Stairs
Check the handrail is secure and treads are free of damage or hazards.
- Handrail
- Treads and risers
- Lighting
General
Check refuse bins, locks and insulation. Confirm smoke alarms are present and working throughout the property.
- Refuse bins
- Locks
- Insulation
- Smoke alarms present and working
Garage
Check the garage door and remote operate correctly. Note the condition of the floor and any damage to walls.
- Walls
- Doors
- Lights and plug points
- Floor
- Door and remote
Carport
Check the roof and supports are sound and free of damage.
- Roof and supports
- Floor
- Lighting
Exterior
Check external walls and paintwork, gutters and downpipes. Note any signs of moisture or damage.
- External walls and paintwork
- Gutters and downpipes
Garden
Check lawns, gardens and fencing are in reasonable condition. Confirm the postbox is present and usable.
- Lawns and gardens
- Fencing
- Washing line
- Postbox
Stoep or veranda
Check the floor surface, roof and any built-in seating for damage.
- Floor surface and tiling
- Roof and supports
- Lighting
- Railings
Braai area
Check the braai, chimney and surrounding surfaces.
- Braai and grid
- Chimney and flue clear
- Work surface
- Lighting
- Gas connection where fitted
Paving and driveway
Check the driveway surface, gate and any damage to paving.
- Paving and driveway surface
- Automated gate and motor
- Gate remotes working
- Drainage
Security
Test every security feature and confirm the alarm and armed response are still active.
- Burglar bars secure
- Security gates and locks
- Alarm system and panic buttons
- Armed response account still active
- Electric fence and energiser
- Perimeter wall or palisade fencing
- Intercom or gate motor
- Remotes present and working
- Outdoor lighting and beams
Backup power and water
Check what is installed and whether it still works.
- Inverter and batteries
- Solar panels and controller
- Generator and fuel
- UPS units
- Surge protection
- Water storage tank and pump
- Borehole and pump where present
Swimming pool
Check the pump, the safety barrier required by the local by-law, and the equipment on site.
- Pump and filter working
- Pool safety net or fence
- Pool surface and tiling
- Cleaning equipment present and usable
- Water level and clarity
Parking and access
Check the parking bay is in use as agreed and the access items still work.
- Parking bay in use as agreed
- Access tags and remotes working
- Visitor access arrangements
Geyser and hot water
Check the valves, drip tray and overflow carefully, and photograph the installation.
- Geyser and mounting secure
- Pressure control valve
- Temperature and pressure safety valve
- Drip tray and overflow pipe clear
- Insulation blanket fitted
- Element and thermostat working
- Geyser timer where fitted
- No leaks or water staining
Electrical compliance
A valid electrical Certificate of Compliance is required under the Electrical Installation Regulations 2009, made under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993. A gas CoC and an electric fence CoC are needed where those installations are present.
- Valid electrical Certificate of Compliance on file
- Distribution board and circuit labelling
- Earth leakage tested and tripping
- Plug points and light fittings undamaged
- No exposed or temporary wiring
- Gas Certificate of Compliance where a gas installation is present
- Electric fence Certificate of Compliance where an electric fence is installed
Municipal accounts and meters
Record every meter number and reading.
- Prepaid electricity meter number and reading
- Water meter number and reading
- Refuse and rates account status
- Body corporate levies where applicable
Run your Routine on your phone
Start from this template in the myInspections app, work through each area, and capture photos and video as you go.
Consistent, professional reports
Share a secure link that opens in any browser, or download a polished PDF.
Ditch the paper on your next inspection.
Finish the report before you get back to the car.