Room inspections in Australia what to check before you say yes is one of those things that many students rush through, but checking carefully saves you problems later. I’ve inspected many rooms, and I’ve watched friends inspect rooms. Some checked carefully. Others didn’t. The difference was understanding what to check and taking time to check it.
Three years later, I’m finishing my Master’s at the University of Melbourne. I’ve inspected rooms in share houses, studios, and apartments, and I’ve learned what to check. Some things are obvious. Others are less obvious. The difference was having a checklist and checking everything.
So here’s everything I know about what to check during room inspections in Australia, based on what actually matters.
The Room Itself: What to Check
Let me start with this, because the room is what you’ll live in.
Check: size, natural light, ventilation, storage space, and condition of walls, floors, and ceiling.
Look for: damage, mold, or problems that might affect your comfort.
But here’s what I’ve learned: the room itself matters. Check size, light, ventilation, and storage. Look for damage or problems. Don’t commit without checking the room carefully.
Common Areas: What to Check
This is important, because you’ll use common areas too.
Check: kitchen, bathroom, living room, and any shared spaces. Look for cleanliness, functionality, and condition.
Look for: working appliances, clean spaces, and enough space for everyone.
But here’s what I’ve learned: common areas matter, especially in share houses. Check kitchen, bathroom, and living areas. Look for working appliances and clean spaces. Don’t ignore common areas.
Facilities: What to Check
This is important, because facilities affect your comfort.
Check: heating, cooling, hot water, internet, and laundry facilities.
Test: if possible, test heating, cooling, and hot water. Ask about internet and laundry.
But here’s what I’ve learned: facilities matter. Check heating, cooling, hot water, and internet. Ask about laundry. Don’t assume everything works.
Location and Transport: What to Check
This is important, because location affects your daily life.
Check: distance to university, public transport, shops, and other places you need.
Consider: how you’ll get around, and whether the location suits your needs.
But here’s what I’ve learned: location matters. Check distance to university, transport, and shops. Consider how you’ll get around. Don’t ignore location.
Flatmates: What to Check
This is important for share houses, because flatmates affect your experience.
Check: who you’ll be living with, their lifestyle, and whether you’ll get along.
Ask: about house rules, cleaning schedules, and how conflicts are handled.
But here’s what I’ve learned: flatmates matter in share houses. Check who you’ll be living with, and whether you’ll get along. Ask about house rules and cleaning. Don’t ignore flatmates.
I’ve written about living with flatmates and handling conflicts if you want more detail.
Questions to Ask: What to Find Out
This is practical, and here’s what to ask.
Ask about: rent, bond, bills, lease terms, house rules, and anything else you need to know.
Don’t be afraid: to ask questions. It’s better to ask than to find out later.
But here’s what I’ve learned: asking questions is important. Ask about rent, bond, bills, and lease terms. Don’t be afraid to ask. It’s better to ask than to find out later.
I’ve written about what a lease is and whether you should sign if you want more detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I inspect in person?
Yes, if possible. Online inspections don’t show everything. If you can’t inspect in person, be extra careful and ask lots of questions.
What if I see problems?
Ask about them. Some problems are minor. Others are serious. Don’t ignore problems. Ask about them, and decide if they’re acceptable.
How long should an inspection take?
Take your time. Don’t rush. Check everything carefully. A thorough inspection might take 20 to 30 minutes.
Should I take photos?
Yes. Take photos of the room and common areas. This helps you remember and can be useful later.
What if I’m not sure?
Don’t rush. Take your time, ask questions, and think about it. It’s better to be sure than to regret later.
Can I inspect multiple times?
Sometimes yes, especially if you’re serious. Ask if you can inspect again if needed. Don’t be afraid to ask.
Final Thoughts
Room inspections in Australia: check the room, common areas, facilities, location, and flatmates. Take your time, ask questions, and don’t rush. It’s better to check carefully than to regret later.
Don’t rush inspections. Take your time, check everything, and ask questions. It’s better to be thorough than to find problems later. Your accommodation affects your whole experience, so check carefully.
I’ve made plenty of mistakes since landing in Melbourne, but each one taught me something. The biggest lesson? Check carefully. Don’t rush inspections. Check the room, common areas, facilities, location, and flatmates. Take your time, ask questions, and don’t commit without checking everything.
If you’re still inspecting, use a checklist, check everything, and ask questions. Don’t rush. Take your time, and make sure you’re happy with everything before committing.
