In Australia’s fast-moving rental market, it’s not always possible to inspect a property in person before applying. Whether you’re relocating interstate, moving for work, or simply struggling to make inspection times, many renters are left wondering: Do you have to physically view a property before renting it?
Here’s what you need to know about the legalities, risks and best practices when it comes to inspecting a rental property in Australia.
Is It a Legal Requirement to View a Property Before Renting?
In most Australian states and territories, there is no legal requirement that forces you to view a property before signing a lease. However, many property managers strongly encourage inspections, and some agencies will refuse to accept an application unless you, or someone on your behalf, has inspected the property.
This is often done to avoid disputes. If a tenant later discovers problems that were visible during a routine inspection, like wall damage, mould, or faulty fittings, the property manager can argue the tenant accepted the property “as is.”
If you’re new to renting or unsure about what to look for during an inspection, check out our rental checklist for first-time tenants for helpful tips.
What If You Can’t View the Property in Person?
Virtual Inspections
Thanks to technology and the impact of the pandemic, many real estate agencies now offer virtual inspections. These can include live video walk-throughs, pre-recorded tours or even 360-degree interactive experiences. This option has become more common in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Appointing Someone to View on Your Behalf
If you’re unable to attend in person, you may be able to nominate a friend, family member or colleague to inspect on your behalf. Alternatively, some renters hire professional services that specialise in relocation or inspection reports.
We’ve written more about this in our guide to moving interstate for a rental, which includes tips on remote applications and navigating property viewings from afar.
Signing a Waiver
Some agencies may allow you to proceed without an inspection by signing a waiver. This is a legal acknowledgement that you’re choosing to rent without seeing the property and agree to accept it in its current condition.
While this can speed things up, it does limit your ability to raise minor issues once the lease begins. Make sure you weigh the risks before signing anything.
What Are the Risks of Renting Without Inspecting?
Choosing not to view a property before renting can save time, but it comes with several potential downsides.
Hidden Issues
Real estate photos are often taken with wide-angle lenses and good lighting, and they don’t always show the full picture. Without inspecting, you could miss problems like water damage, poor ventilation, broken appliances or noise from nearby roads.
Neighbourhood Considerations
The inspection isn’t just about the house, it’s also your chance to assess the local area. Is the street quiet? Are there noisy neighbours? Is there parking or access to public transport nearby? Skipping an inspection means you might only find out once you’ve moved in.
Limited Opportunity to Negotiate
Viewing the property lets you flag issues, request repairs, or ask for changes before signing the lease. If you skip this step, you lose valuable leverage and may be stuck with things you could have negotiated.
If you’re unsure about how to raise concerns before signing a lease, refer to our guide on negotiating rental conditions for practical advice.
Are There State-by-State Differences?
While there’s no federal rule requiring inspections, some state guidelines offer slightly different advice:
Victoria
According to Consumer Affairs Victoria, tenants are encouraged to inspect the property before renting but it’s not mandatory.
New South Wales
NSW Fair Trading advises that prospective tenants should inspect properties before agreeing to a lease, but again, it’s not a legal requirement.
Queensland
The Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) allows applications without an inspection, provided you sign a written acknowledgment that you’re aware of the risks.
Always read your lease agreement thoroughly and check with your local tenancy authority if you’re unsure.
Final Thoughts: Should You View It?
You may not have to inspect a property before renting, but in most cases, it’s a smart idea. If you can’t inspect it yourself, make every effort to have someone else do it for you or request a detailed virtual inspection.
Make sure to:
- Ask for up-to-date videos or virtual tours
- Get any existing issues documented in writing
- Understand the limitations of signing a lease sight unseen
- Know your rights under local tenancy laws
Being proactive now can save you from major headaches down the track.
Need help finding a rental or understanding your rights as a tenant? Check out our renter’s resource hub for more expert advice and local property insights.
