Standards and Capability

Routine inspections are one of the highest risk areas in commercial property management. Not because they are technically difficult. Because they get skipped, not documented, or not followed through on. And that is where serious exposure starts.

The risks that keep coming up:

Inspections not completed at all
A busy portfolio, time pressure, competing priorities. It happens. But an uninspected property is an unmanaged property. If something goes wrong and there is no inspection history, the agency is in a very difficult position.

Inspections completed but no report provided to the owner
The inspection happened. But the landlord was never told what was found. Owners need to be across the condition of their asset. No report means no record and no accountability.

Issues identified but not actioned
This is perhaps the most serious pattern. The inspection was done, the report was written, the items were noted. And nothing happened. If an accident or incident then occurs, documented evidence of a known issue that was not addressed creates significant legal and insurance risk for the landlord, the tenant and the agency.

A smarter approach Using a qualified, insured external contractor to complete routine inspections is worth considering. The contractor attends the property, completes a thorough inspection and delivers a detailed report. The property manager reviews the findings, prioritises actions and manages follow through. Less time out of the office. Better documentation. Clearer accountability.

One important point: using an external contractor does not remove the property manager from the picture. You still need to know the property. The value is in having a consistent, professional inspection process that reduces time on the road and holds up if it is ever scrutinised.

Factor these fees into the managing authority from the outset. It positions the service correctly and ensures the landlord understands that proper inspection and reporting is part of how their asset is being managed.

Smarter process. Lower risk. Better outcomes for landlords, tenants and agencies.

Get in touch with the Australian Academy of Property if you would like to talk about how we can support your team on this and other areas of property management practice.

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