Improved inspection frequency controls
Over the last year, one of our most common feature requests has been more flexibility around inspection reminders.
Instead of adding more preset options, we’ve rebuilt this from the ground up. You can now fully customise your inspection schedule and choose exactly when you want to be reminded.
Let’s start on the web dashboard, where you can set everything up.
Set up your defaults
On the web dashboard, you can now define a default inspection schedule for all new properties. Whether you want in...
Balancing empathy and accuracy
On paper, inspections look simple. Test the smoke alarms. Take the photos. Write the report. In reality, inspections happen in people’s homes - and homes come with emotion.
They touch on where someone lives, how someone feels safe, and how someone protects their investment. That combination naturally creates tension. Tenants may fear being blamed. Landlords may worry about hidden damage. And sometimes, both sides want you firmly on their team.
But your role, as an inspector, isn’t to take...
Using video walkthroughs to capture what photos can’t
Photos are the backbone of property inspections.
They give us unbiased, time-stamped proof of a property’s condition. We document walls, fixtures, smoke alarms, water sources, and safety features. A strong photo set creates clarity. But after years of inspections, one thing is clear: a photo doesn’t always tell the full story.
Some issues move.
Some issues make noise.
Some issues only appear over time.
And that’s where video becomes powerful.
Where photos fall short
Photos are excellent...
Lighting, leaks, and latches: The 3 L’s every inspector should check twice
Routine inspections aren’t just about ticking boxes. They’re about safety, prevention, and protecting the long-term condition of a property. Whether you own, manage, or live in a rental, the biggest problems rarely start big. They begin as small, easily dismissed annoyances.
Over time, I’ve found that three simple areas consistently cause the most avoidable issues:
Lighting.
Leaks.
Latches.
They sound basic. That’s exactly why they’re often overlooked.
Lighting: more than just a bulb
We exp...
What to do when you don’t have all the answers
Property inspections aren’t always neat and predictable. You can have years of experience, a solid checklist, and a structured routine - and a property will still throw you a curveball.
There’s a common misconception that a “great” inspector can instantly diagnose every fault, leak, or structural issue on the spot. The truth? No one gets the full picture immediately, every time.
The real skill isn’t instant certainty. It’s knowing how to handle uncertainty with structure, honesty, and fol...
Why doesn't myInspections offer tenant-led inspections?
At myInspections, our focus is on on-site inspections carried out by property professionals, like property managers and inspectors, as well as DIY landlords. The app is designed to make inspections easy while physically visiting the property, helping document its condition with photos, videos, and notes.
Tenant-led inspections simply aren’t the niche we serve, so we stay focused on what we do best: supporting thorough, reliable, in-person inspections.
The one habit that separates good inspectors from great ones
Picture this.
You’re walking through a rental property with your inspection checklist. You test the smoke alarms, scan each room, note a small scuff on the baseboard. Everything looks fine. You thank the tenant, close your myInspections app, and generate the report.
A solid, professional inspection.
But what if behind the neatly closed blinds there’s a small patch of mould forming near the sliding door?
What if the reason all the windows are open isn’t “just a nice breeze”?
So what separates...
Wear and tear vs damage: Getting the balance right during inspections
One of the most common points of tension during property inspections isn’t major structural issues - it’s the small things.
A few scratches on a door.
Light carpet flattening.
Tiny nail holes in a wall.
Some oven buildup.
The question is always the same: Is this normal wear and tear, or is it damage?
Understanding the difference is critical for landlords, property managers, and tenants alike. Clear expectations protect relationships, reduce disputes, and ensure inspection reports stay obje...
The hidden impact of location on property inspections
Routine inspections aren’t just about condition - they’re about context.
Two homes can look identical on paper, yet require completely different inspection priorities based purely on location.
A property sheltered inland faces different risks than one exposed to salt spray on the coast. Climate, soil, wind exposure, and humidity all shape how a building ages - and where problems are likely to appear.
Understanding location isn’t optional. It’s part of conducting a thorough inspection.
Wh...
Feature update: Your inspection reports get a make over
At myInspections, we know the PDF report is the bit that really matters. We were surprised to see that in April alone, 55% of inspections resulted in a PDF being generated. It’s the thing you send to landlords, tenants, or clients — so it needs to be clear, reliable, and professional.
That’s why we’ve given reports a refresh. We fixed a few of the rough edges, and while we were at it, added some of the features you’ve been asking for.
What We Fixed
We heard you — some parts of the old rep...
What tenants should expect during a property inspection
If receiving an inspection notice makes you want to deep clean the entire house — you’re not alone.
Many tenants assume inspections are about judging housekeeping. In reality, that’s not the purpose at all.
A routine property inspection is a structured review of the property’s condition. It focuses on maintenance, safety, and identifying issues early — before they become costly problems for either party.
Here’s what inspections are really about.
Inspections are about condition — not cleanl...
How to stay neutral when everyone wants you on their side
Property inspections can feel like walking a tightrope.
As an inspector, you’re the neutral third party between landlords and tenants - and often, both sides want validation.
Routine inspections are essential. But when relationships are already tense, they can quickly become the flashpoint.
Neutrality isn’t passive. It’s a professional skill.
And when done well, it builds long-term trust on both sides.
Why neutrality matters more than you think
Inspections aren’t just about property conditi...
How to Complete an Inspection in Minutes with myInspections
Managing property inspections doesn’t need to be complicated. With the My Inspections app, you can go from start to finished report in just a few steps. In this tutorial, we’ll walk through the process of adding a property, running an inspection, capturing issues, and finalising a report.
📹 Watch the full demo video here, then follow along with the step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Add a Property
Start by adding the property you want to inspect.
• Enter the property name or address
• Choose the ins...
Setting up your team’s portfolio
If you’re new to myInspections on our Manager or Team plan, getting the right setup from day one really helps. Having your templates and properties ready before inviting the rest of your team makes it easier for them to get started and helps keep inspections consistent across the whole portfolio.
This guide will walk you through the setup order I recommend for teams on the Manager or Team plan.
1. Create checklist templates - These define what gets checked in each room or area.
2. Group check...
Why can’t I see my team’s properties in my account?
If you’ve just joined a team on myInspections and can’t see the properties you were expecting, don’t worry. This is a common question, and the fix is quick.
Why this happensWhen you’re invited to be part of a team, myInspections creates two portfolios in your account:
• Your personal portfolio: for any properties you manage yourself
• Your team portfolio: for the properties shared with you by your team
Some users land in their personal portfolio by default, so it may look like your team prop...
How to prepare a property for a routine inspection (Tenant & landlord tips)
Tenants sometimes scrub a property from top to bottom like royalty was about to arrive, only to find out a simple walkthrough would have been more than enough. Routine inspections aren’t meant to be judgement day — they’re about keeping the property in good shape for everyone. Here’s how both tenants and landlords can prepare without stress.
Set realistic expectationsRoutine inspections are not a white-glove cleanliness test, it’s not about catching people out. The real goals are:
• Recordi...
Should you take notes or photos first during an inspection?
Early in an inspector’s career, juggling a notepad and a camera can feel clumsy. At some point, everyone asks the same question: do you take notes first, or capture photos first? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but some approaches do make the job smoother than others.
Why some inspectors start with notesWriting notes first has its appeal. It slows you down, forces careful observation, and gives context before a single photo is taken. Some inspectors feel that notes add a level of profes...
Seasonal property inspection tips: what to check in summer and winter
Insights from a property inspector who’s completed hundreds of inspections
Every season has its own way of showing what’s wrong with a property. Summer heat, winter damp, or even snow and ice can reveal issues you might otherwise miss. Seasonal checks don’t just protect the property — they keep tenants comfortable and landlords at ease.
Summer inspections: heat, sun, and stormsThe summer sun can be as tough on a house as it is on your skin. Properties don’t get sunblock, so exterior paint can...
The most common excuses in property inspections (and what they really mean)
Everyone in property management and inspections has heard “that excuse” before. The truth is, excuses are part of the job — and most of them follow familiar patterns. Whether it’s a tenant or a landlord, people sometimes give explanations that don’t quite add up. Usually, it’s not about deception, but about avoiding blame or hoping a small issue won’t be taken too seriously.
Here are some of the most common excuses inspectors come across — and what they usually mean.
“That stain was alread...
6 lessons from inspecting 100 properties
By the time most inspectors reach their 100th property, they’re a lot more confident than on day one. The first few inspections often take longer, nerves get in the way, and mistakes are easier to make. But with time, certain lessons stand out as the ones that make inspections smoother, more consistent, and more professional.
Here are six of the biggest lessons learned from inspecting 100 properties.
1. Communication is everything
Tenants often downplay problems — not out of dishonesty, but...
What tenants really want you to notice during an inspection
Most tenants aren’t overly picky. Many are happy to take care of little things themselves — a squeaky cabinet door, a loose screw, or a minor scuff. But when something affects their comfort or safety? That’s when they really hope you’ll take notice.
At the end of the day, tenants want to feel heard. Paying attention to the right things builds trust, keeps tenants longer, and helps you catch problems before they become costly.
The 3 things tenants care most about1. Water-related issues
• Leak...
Photo evidence in property inspections: What’s acceptable, useful, and necessary
Not all photos are created equal when it comes to property inspections. Photo evidence is one of the most important parts of an inspection because it provides unbiased proof of the property’s condition. But not every photo adds value. Knowing what to capture (and what to avoid) makes all the difference.
Here’s a guide to the necessary, useful, and acceptable photos – plus some pitfalls to avoid.
Necessary photos (non-negotiables)Every inspection should include these, no matter what:
• Water ...
Things to look for at the beginning of an inspection
You don’t need to be a pro to spot the most common issues in a property. The first few minutes of an inspection can often tell you more than the rest of the walkthrough. Starting with the right mindset helps set the tone for the whole inspection.
There are certain signs that, if checked early, can quickly reveal a lot about a property’s condition. For example, checking the areas around a shower might show the first hints of mould before it turns into a major hazard. Similarly, a small crack ...
Advice for new property inspectors: What to focus on when starting out
Starting out as a property inspector (or self-managing landlord conducting your own inspections) can feel overwhelming. Inspections are more than just filling in a checklist - they require communication, consistency, and attention to detail. Here are some lessons that can save new inspectors time, stress, and misunderstandings.
1. Communication matters as much as documentation
It’s easy to think inspections are purely about recording details, but clear, respectful communication with both te...
Communicating inspection findings with property owners and tenants
When you are caught between a tenant who is upset and a property owner who believes everything is fine, communication can make or break the situation.
Clear communication matters. Inspections are routine, but misunderstandings during or after them can quickly create tension. An inspector’s role is not just to document issues, but also to communicate them in a way that builds trust, avoids disputes, and speeds up solutions.
Communicating with tenants
When speaking with tenants, avoid overly ...