Routine vs Final Inspections: What's Different?
Routine Inspection
Conducted periodically during your tenancy (up to every 3 months in Queensland). The property manager checks:
- Overall cleanliness and maintenance
- Damage beyond fair wear and tear
- Maintenance issues to report
- Compliance with lease conditions
Final Inspection
Conducted at the end of your tenancy to assess bond return. More thorough — the manager compares against the original entry condition report:
- All rooms checked in detail
- Kitchen appliances inspected
- Carpet and floor condition
- Walls, marks, and damage
- Gardens and outdoor areas
What to Clean Before a Routine Inspection
You don't need to do a bond-clean standard for a routine inspection, but the property should be clean and in good repair. Focus on:
- Kitchen — benchtops, sink, stovetop, and inside microwave
- Bathrooms — remove visible soap scum, clean toilet, wipe mirror
- Floors — vacuum and mop throughout
- Remove any visible mould (and check exhaust fans are working)
- Tidy all rooms so the inspector can access and see clearly
- Report any maintenance issues proactively — this reflects positively
- Check outside — keep balcony, patio, and garden tidy
What Inspectors Commonly Flag
Bathroom mould
Grout mould and shower screen soap scum are among the most commonly noted issues at routine inspections. Regular cleaning prevents build-up.
Stovetop and kitchen buildup
Grease on the stovetop and splashback that has been allowed to build up.
Marks on walls
Scuffs, blue-tack marks, and crayon that have accumulated over time.
Dirty windows and window tracks
Windows that haven't been cleaned in the tenancy period, or tracks full of grit.
Carpet stains not reported
If a carpet stain occurred and wasn't reported promptly, it can become a problem at final inspection.
Professional Cleaning Before Inspections
For final inspections especially, professional cleaning is the most reliable way to ensure the property meets the standard required. Wave Solution provides bond cleaning and end of lease cleaning across the Gold Coast designed specifically around passing rental inspections — including attention to all the areas property managers check most carefully.
Need Help Preparing for a Rental Inspection?
Wave Solution provides bond cleaning and house cleaning across the Gold Coast. Tell us your property and timing.