Wrong notice type = illegal entry
Issuing the wrong Notice of Entry format or insufficient notice period creates legal risk before you've even arrived at the property.
No documentation = no evidence
Without on-site photos, notes, and a formal report, you have no evidence trail if a tenant or landlord disputes your findings.
Unapproved maintenance = unpaid invoice
Completing maintenance without written owner approval first makes it very difficult to collect payment afterwards.
Why property inspections go wrong before you even arrive
Most property inspection disputes don't start at the inspection itself — they start in the days before. Insufficient notice, the wrong documentation, unapproved maintenance quotes, and unclear fees all create the conditions for tenant complaints and landlord disputes before you've even turned the key. This checklist gives property managers and self-managing landlords a complete pre-inspection process: confirm the visit type and legal notice requirements, prepare all documentation, confirm pricing and approvals, and send a professional pre-inspection message to all parties. Use the two AI prompts to check your notice requirements by state, or to generate a professional Notice of Entry in seconds.
What You Get
6-Section Pre-Inspection Checklist
Confirm the inspection type and legal basis for entry, verify Notice of Entry compliance, review documentation from previous visits, confirm pricing and any maintenance approvals, and prepare the pre-inspection message.
Pre-Inspection Message Template
A professional copy-paste pre-inspection notice to send to tenants and landlords before every visit — confirming the date, time, purpose, and any access requirements.
Two AI Prompts + 7 FAQs
Prompt A - checks your state-specific Notice of Entry compliance.
Prompt B - generates a professional entry notice. The 7 FAQs cover Notice of Entry laws, pet policies, safety checklists, Sole invoicing, and what to do if a tenant refuses entry.
preview
A preview of what's inside
Here are the first three items from Section 1 of your free checklist:
Confirm the type of visit: routine inspection, entry inspection, exit inspection, or maintenance call-out.
Confirm the legal basis for entry and that the correct type of Notice of Entry has been prepared.
Confirm the date and time of the visit comply with your state's tenancy legislation notice period.
+ 5 more sections, pre-inspection message template, two AI prompts, and 7 FAQs — all inside the free download.
Who It’s For
Built for self-managing landlords, boutique property managers, and maintenance contractors in Australia.
Self-managing landlords
Boutique property managers
Maintenance contractors
Property investors
NDIS housing providers
ATO & Compliance Note
Important
Travel to and from property inspections as a sole trader property manager may be deductible at the ATO's current motor vehicle rate. All management fees, inspection fees, and maintenance income must be declared. Keep records of every inspection, invoice, and expense in Sole for at least five years.
Download your free checklist
Enter your details and we'll send the Pre-Inspection Checklist for Property Managers straight to your inbox.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
How much notice do I need to give a tenant before a routine inspection in Australia?
Notice requirements vary by state. In most states (QLD, NSW, VIC, SA, WA) the minimum notice for a routine inspection is 24 hours, with some states requiring up to 7 days’ written notice for the first inspection of the year. Always check your state’s specific residential tenancies legislation before issuing a Notice of Entry.
What safety items should I check on every property inspection?
At minimum, check that smoke alarms are installed, functional, and not expired; that safety switches (RCDs) are present on power circuits; that the hot water system temperature is set correctly to prevent scalding; and that there are no obvious structural or electrical hazards. Keep a documented safety checklist in Sole for every property.
Can a tenant legally refuse entry for a routine inspection?
If you have provided the correct type and amount of notice under your state’s tenancy legislation, the tenant is generally required to allow entry. If a tenant refuses or prevents entry, document the refusal in writing and seek advice from your state’s tenancy authority (e.g. QCAT, NCAT, VCAT) about your next steps.