Booking and attending property inspections
Most real estate agents require you to register before you show up. This helps them track how many people are coming and notify you if the time changes or the property is leased early.
How to book: On the realestate.com.au listing, scroll to the 'Inspections' section and tap "Register" or "Add to plan".
Be on time: Inspections often only last 10–15 minutes. Arriving late might mean you miss out on seeing the property entirely.
First impressions: You don't need a suit, but appearing neat, tidy, and polite to the agent helps them remember you as a "low-risk" tenant.
Comprehensive inspection checklist: what to look for
While a place might look great in photos, you need to check that it is safe, functional, and fits your life.
Use this checklist during your 15-minute walk-through:
Security and safety
- Locks: Check for deadlocks on external doors and latches on all windows.
- Safety switches: Look in the electrical box for modern circuit breakers and safety switches (RCDs).
- Smoke alarms: Confirm there are working smoke alarms installed.
- Entry lighting: Check if there is a light at the main entry for safety at night.
Kitchen and bathroom
- Plumbing: Turn on taps to check water pressure and how long it takes for hot water to arrive.
- Toilet: Give it a flush to ensure it works correctly and doesn't leak.
- Appliances: Check the condition of the stove, oven, and dishwasher. Ask if they are in working order.
- Mould and damp: Look for dark spots or "bubbles" in paint on the ceilings and inside cupboards, especially in wet areas.
General living
- Heating/cooling: Check if there is a fixed heater in the main living area (a legal requirement in some states) and test any air conditioning.
- Power and connectivity: Count the power points in each room and check your phone for mobile signal. Ask where the NBN/internet connection point is.
- Storage: Open built-in wardrobes and kitchen cupboards to see if your belongings will fit.
- Measurements: If you have a large fridge or bed, bring a tape measure to ensure they will fit through the doors and into the designated spaces.
Questions to ask the agent
Don't be afraid to ask questions; it shows you are a serious and diligent applicant.
The Property and utilities
- "Are any white goods (like a fridge or washing machine) included in the lease?"
- "Is the property separately metered for water, or is that included in the rent?"
- "Who is responsible for the garden maintenance?"
The lease and management
- "What is the preferred lease length—6 months or 12 months?"
- "What happens at the end of the fixed term? Does it go month-to-month or do you prefer a new lease?"
- "How do I report repairs, and what is the process for urgent maintenance after hours?"
- "Will I have a dedicated property manager I can contact directly?"
History and rules
- "How long did the previous tenants stay, and why did they leave?"
- "Are there any special conditions in the lease, like restrictions on where pets can go or hanging pictures on walls?"
- "When is the property officially available for move-in?"
Submitting applications online
Most Australian agents use digital platforms like 2Apply or Ignite (via realestate.com.au).
Complete every field: Agencies often discard applications with missing information because they have so many others to choose from.
The "Apply Now" button: You can often start your profile before you even go to an inspection. This allows you to hit "Submit" the moment you walk out the door.
Honesty: Always be truthful about pets or who will be living with you. Finding out later can lead to your lease being cancelled.
Following up professionally
If you haven't heard back within 48 hours, it is a good idea to follow up.
- The check-in: Send a brief, polite email or make a quick phone call.
- What to say: "Hi [Agent Name], I'm just checking in on my application for [Address]. I'm very interested and wanted to see if you needed any further documents from me."
What to do if you're rejected
Rejection is common and often has nothing to do with you—it might just be that someone else offered a longer lease or applied earlier.
- Ask for feedback: While they aren't required to give it, some agents will tell you if a reference was hard to reach.
- Keep going: Don't let one "no" stop you. Keep your documents ready and head to the next inspection.
