The most commonly missed items during routine inspections (and how to avoid them)
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 conducted hundreds of inspections myself — and I’ve missed a few along the way.
What’s easy to miss — even for the pros
Take mould, for example. On one of my very first inspections, I completely missed the mould growing behind a set of blinds. It had built up at the bottom where the blinds touched the glass of a sliding door. It’s easy to miss something small like that — but left unchecked, mould can lead to serious health issues for tenants and costly remediation for landlords.
Another time, a landlord had flagged that the tenant’s cat might be damaging the blinds in a bedroom. I checked the room, noticed the blinds looked off — but I forgot to take a photo. Sure enough, that came back to bite us when the landlord needed evidence for the Tribunal and couldn’t get access to the property in time.
Small things? Yes. But these are the kinds of issues that often slip through the cracks and later turn into bigger problems.
Why do things get missed?
There are a few common reasons:
Inspections get rushed. Life gets busy, and it's easy to skim through an inspection between other tasks.
Some spots are hard to access. Under sinks, behind appliances, or into ceiling corners — especially when lighting is bad.
You don’t know what you don’t know. If you’re not a trained inspector, you might not notice the warning signs.
Once, I visited a property where everything seemed fine. It was a windy day, and the tenant had every window and door open. But a few days later, I got a call — the smell of pet urine had returned once everything was shut. The tenant had successfully masked it during the inspection, and I’d missed it.
Areas that deserve a closer look
Some of the most commonly missed problems hide in plain sight. Here are a few I always pay extra attention to now:
Plumbing & Leaks – Look for water stains on ceilings, soft patches in floors near sinks, or mould around taps and toilets.
Electrical Issues – Flickering lights, loose sockets, or old switchboards might not seem urgent, but can be fire risks.
Ventilation Systems (like HRVs) – A dirty filter or faulty motor can quietly cause major moisture problems.
Pest Activity – Small chew marks, droppings, or hollow-sounding wood can be signs of rodents or termites.
Exterior & Structural Wear – Cracks in walls or foundations, rot in weatherboards, or damage to decks and steps are easy to overlook.
How to catch more (and stress less)
After doing this work for years, I’ve learned that the best inspections aren’t about perfection — they’re about consistency, attention, and the right tools.
Here’s what helps:
Use a checklist. You’ll stay focused, move systematically through each room, and avoid skipping over key areas.
Take photos — always. Even if you think it’s nothing, documenting everything helps if an issue arises later.
Pick the right time. Aim for daylight hours when visibility is better, and try to engage the tenant — they’ll often mention things you might not see.
A smarter way to manage inspections
Whether you're an experienced property manager or a DIY landlord, having the right tools makes a big difference. Digital inspection apps like myInspections are designed to streamline the process — offering customisable checklists, photo and note capture, report generation, and unlimited storage.
By using a tool built specifically for inspections, you can save time, stay consistent across properties, and reduce the risk of missing important details.
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Inspections aren’t about catching everything — they’re about doing your best to spot the warning signs before they become expensive problems. And sometimes, it’s the things we overlook that cause the most damage.
Slow down, pay attention, and learn from experience. I certainly have.
*** The information contained in this article is exclusively for promotional purposes. It does not in any way constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as the basis for any legal action or contractual dealings. The information is not and does not attempt to be, a comprehensive account of the relevant law. If you require legal advice, you should seek independent legal counsel. myInspections does not accept any liability that may arise from the use of this information.
