Renter left “violated” after routine inspection
An Australian renter has sought advice after a routine rental inspection left them feeling violated and uneasy.
The tenant, who lives in Western Australia, revealed that the agent took “a ton” of photos, including some of the toilet and inside the oven.
Taking to Reddit, they asked whether that level of documentation was allowed.
“I’m new to renting in australia (sic) – just had my first routine inspection which involved a ton of photos including inside the oven and the toilet,” they wrote.
“Is this legal? I genuinely feel violated. (WA if that matters).”
Some responded with suspicion and confusion, questioning whether the number of photos was “intimidation” or whether finding “crumbs in the oven” or “a skid mark in the toilet” would be enough of an issue to inform the landlord.
One user explained that the photo of the oven could be used to ensure the tenant was keeping it clean, given the risk of fires starting as a result of grease buildup in dirty ovens.
“The photos of the oven be about making sure you’re keeping the oven in a clean order. “Which you should be because having to clean an oven that hasn’t been clean in years is horrible,” they wrote.
However, one user revealed that photography was a common practice during inspections and that real estate agents find the task just as much of a chore as renters.
“Don’t take it personally, it is common practice among most rentals to take photos of anything and everything, I don’t know about the toilet bowl, that might be specifically related to the photographer, questions you might not want answers to,” they said.
“The photos and the completed condition report is then sent to the owner, but they can’t open cupboards or wardrobes and take photos, unless there is visible damage.
“Side note.. Friend works in real estate doing inspections, it’s no party for them either.”
Western Australian law states that, if photos need to be taken during routine property inspections both the agent and the tenant should sight the photos and sign them, as reported by Domain.
But, WA’s Consumer Protection also notes that photos shouldn’t “depict anything beyond what is necessary” and that tenants can ask the property manager if photos will be taken so that they can put personal items away.
Image: Getty Images