Resources

Most people think inspections are just about walls, windows, and checklists. But anyone who has done a few knows they’re also about people, emotions, and sometimes tension. Difficult tenant interactions are part of the job, and with the right approach they can usually be managed calmly and professionally. Take this scenario: during a routine inspection, an inspector walked in the door and was immediately met with harsh words from a very frustrated tenant. The issue? A ceiling leak that had go...

One of the most common questions new inspectors or landlords ask is how long a property inspection should take. The answer varies depending on the size of the property, its condition, and the purpose of the inspection. Rushing through inspections may feel efficient, but it often leads to mistakes, missed details, or communication issues that cause more problems later. Taking the right amount of time helps ensure inspections are accurate, thorough, and trusted by both tenants and property owne...

Not all marks found in a property are signs of neglect or malicious behaviour. Many are simply the result of everyday living. Recognising the difference between real damage and normal wear and tear can ease landlord–tenant tensions and help keep relationships positive. Here are five of the most common “false alarms” inspectors and landlords come across. 1. Furniture marks in the carpet Heavy furniture can leave indentations in carpet over time. Think about a big family couch - the legs car...

The first three minutes of an inspection can reveal more than the next thirty. Property inspections are one of those situations where first impressions matter for both landlords and inspectors. Paying attention to key signals right away can help you quickly assess whether a property is being well-maintained or neglected. Step 1. Scan the exteriorBefore even stepping inside, take in the exterior of the property. Are the lawns and landscaping neat? Is the paintwork intact? Is there visible dama...

Inspections aren’t always just about broken light bulbs and cracked tiles. Sometimes you stumble across something completely unexpected. These strange discoveries aren’t just quirky stories — they can be signs of deeper issues, overlooked maintenance, or unusual tenant behaviour. Here are some of the weirdest inspection finds (and the lessons behind them). Mushrooms in the bathroomYes, mushrooms. Not the kind that belong on pizza, but actual fungi growing from a mouldy shower door seal. Mois...

No matter how experienced you are, missing something during an inspection will happen eventually. The key is not to panic — what really matters is how you handle it. Here’s what typically happens when something gets missed, how to fix it, and how to prevent it in the future. Why things get missedEven seasoned inspectors slip up, especially when: • Rushing to be respectful of a tenant’s time • Navigating cluttered or staged spaces (like a blocked door) • Working in poor lighting or bad weather...

If you’ve ever tried juggling pens, clipboards, and forms during an inspection in the rain, you’ll know exactly how tricky it can get. Property inspections are all about details, and how you record those details is just as important as spotting them in the first place. The way you document can make the whole process faster, clearer, and a lot less stressful. So, what works better these days - trusty pen and paper, or modern inspection software? The classic way: pen and paperThere’s something ...

When it comes to rental property inspections, one room consistently tops the list for issues—and no, it’s not the kitchen. These insights come from a professional property inspector with hundreds of inspections under his belt, and over time, a clear pattern has emerged: bathrooms cause the most trouble. I’ve seen just about everything during inspections—worn carpets, dodgy garage wiring, chipped paint. But time and again, it’s the bathroom that causes the most fails. Here’s why bathrooms ar...

California’s Assembly Bill 2801 (AB 2801) is now in effect, bringing in new compliance requirements for landlords and property managers—especially when it comes to security deposit deductions. One key requirement? Photo documentation at every stage of a tenancy. If you’re using or considering myInspections, this change is especially relevant. Here’s what you need to know and how our app can help. Quick Overview of AB 2801AB 2801 introduces: • Limits on what landlords can deduct from security ...

As a property manager or inspector, you've likely been asked whether a property owner should attend an inspection. From my experience, having owners present can go either way. Here’s a breakdown of the pros, cons, and most importantly, how to manage the situation when property owners want to tag along. When Property Owners Are HelpfulThere are definitely times when having a landlord or owner present can be a big plus. 1. Context is everything - I once inspected a property where the kitchen ap...

Insights from a professional property inspector with hundreds of inspections under his belt Routine inspections are an essential part of rental property management. They help landlords stay on top of maintenance, ensure the property is being looked after, and pick up on issues before they become expensive problems. But one question that often comes up is: should tenants be present during the inspection? As a property inspector, I’ve seen both sides — from helpful and communicative tenants ...

Water damage is one of the most expensive and disruptive issues a landlord can face. Left unchecked, it can lead to structural damage, mould growth, and costly repairs. Unfortunately, tenants may not always report minor leaks or hidden water damage until it becomes a major problem. As a landlord or property manager, proactive inspections can save you thousands in repairs. Here's how to spot unreported water damage before it escalates.   1. Look for visible signs of moisture  Even if tenants h...

Insights from a property inspector who’s completed hundreds of inspections If you own or manage a rental property, you probably already understand why routine inspections matter. They’re not just about ticking boxes or making sure the place looks presentable — they help catch problems early, protect your investment, and ensure tenants stay safe and happy. But even experienced landlords, property managers, and yes, professional inspectors, can overlook things. I know this because I’ve conduct...

A clear and detailed move-in inspection sets the foundation for a smooth tenancy, ensuring both landlords and tenants are on the same page. Whether you’re a landlord or property manager, following these tips will help you conduct a well documented move-in inspection.  By taking the time to properly document the condition of the property, you can protect yourself from unnecessary disputes at the end of the tenancy. Here’s everything you need to know to get it right.  1. Preparation is Key  A ...

Managing your properties efficiently in myInspections is key to staying organised, and sometimes that means removing a property you no longer need. Whether it’s an archived property or one that’s no longer active, we’ve got you covered with this step-by-step guide. Step-by-step: Removing a property (via the app) Step 1 - Archive the property To tidy up your main property list, you can archive any property you no longer need to see. Archiving removes it from the main list while keeping all ass...

Sometimes, you might need to delete an inspection. This could be because you created a test inspection while trying out the app or decided it would be better to start fresh with a new inspection. Whatever the reason, here are step-by-step instructions to guide you through deleting an inspection. Step-by-step: Delete an inspection 1. Navigate to the property where the inspection is located. 2. Tap on the inspection you wish to delete. 3. Scroll down and select “Edit Inspection.” 4. Press the “...

Are you looking to personalise your inspection reports with your company logo? Follow these simple steps to add your logo and company name to your myInspections account! Step-by-Step: Branding your reports Step 1: Sign In to Your Account Head over to myinspections.com and sign in using your credentials. Step 2: Navigate to Settings Once you’re logged in, click on the ‘Settings’ page. This is where you’ll find various options to customize your account. Step 3: Go to Branded Reports In the ...

Checklist templates in myInspections are a powerful feature designed to save you time and ensure consistency across all your inspections. Whether you’re managing a few properties or a large portfolio, checklist templates allow you to standardise your processes, reduce manual input, and maintain professional reports. What Are Checklist Templates? Checklist templates are pre-defined inspection checklists you can create, save, and reuse across different properties. Instead of starting from scrat...

Managing multiple properties can feel overwhelming, but with myInspections, you can simplify your process by creating and using property templates. Available on the Manager and Team plans, this feature allows you to save time by standardising layouts, checklists, and settings for properties you inspect frequently. A great feature for property managers and property service businesses, this guide will walk you through how to set up a property template in no time. What Are Property Templates?...