Occupancy information

A pre-vacation inspection (PVI) occurs prior to you vacating the property. We will contact you to arrange a suitable time. It is a requirement that the Defence member is present at the PVI so you understand your obligations for maintenance and to accept any potential tenant charges.

If you are unable to attend the PVI, you may appoint someone to attend on your behalf.

To appoint an Agent:

• Log into online services
• Click on My Account
• Click on Manage Agents
• Click on Appoint an Agent

Periodic inspections are carried out to ensure the property is well cared for by the occupant and to check if there are any repair, maintenance of health and safety issues. The first periodic inspection can be carried out at any time after the occupancy has commenced.

The occupant should have the property in good condition on the day of inspection and should consider the following items such as:

• cleaning and tidying the property
• routine cleaning (e.g. dusting, sweeping/vacuuming and cleaning kitchen and bathroom surfaces)
• removing any mould from surfaces
• repairing occupant damage
• lawn mowing and gardening
• tidying up outside areas (e.g. decks, patios).

As part of the periodic inspection the inside and outside of the property will be inspected for items such as:

• water leaks, evidence of pests, damage or deterioration to the property
• ensure any inclusions and property fixtures are working
• look at any future maintenance items that may need to be addressed.

In order to maintain and monitor the quality of housing we provide, we conduct periodic inspections of your property during business hours. The inspection is carried out by a property manager and arranged by Defence Housing Australia. If you need to change the date/time of this inspection, please submit an enquiry via Online Services.

The purpose of the inspection is to identify any maintenance requirements and any non-fair wear and tear. Read about how we define non-fair wear and tear and the standards of repair required. We may conduct additional periodic inspections of the property to help maintain the quality of our housing.

If you are residing in a property which has recently constructed/upgraded a defect or structural inspection may be required during your occupancy to identify any defects and facilitate the necessary repairs that may exist.

The owner of a leased property is entitled to reasonable access to inspect the property or facilitate a 3rd party inspection such as a valuation. Landlord inspections will be facilitated by DHA.

We sell some of our properties to private investors. If your residence is to be included in this program, we will notify you and arrange for prospective investors to view the property at a mutually convenient time.

• The prospective purchaser will be accompanied through the property by a contracted Sales Consultant, or Defence Housing Australia staff member
• No photos will be taken.
• No cupboards, drawers etc. will be opened.
• Additional inspections may be required by the prospective purchaser for the purpose of building/pest inspections and bank valuations. These will be coordinated with you at a mutually convenient time.

• Photos may need to be taken to assist the company with its report.
• Inspections may be required by the purchaser for the purpose of a building, pest, or bank valuations. These will be coordinated with you at a mutually convenient time.

When you move out of your Service Residence it is your responsibility to ensure that it is cleaned to the standard as detailed below

You need to pay particular attention to certain aspects of your final clean. For example, it is your responsibility to make sure the oven and grill have no burnt-on grease or carbon deposits. You also need to remove any mould, mildew or soap scum from bathrooms. After uplift you do not need to clean the area where your large appliances or pieces of furniture were placed during your tenancy.

You must ensure that:

• You continue to water all gardens and lawns until the day of uplift, subject to local water restrictions
• All garden beds, lawns and paths are weeded
• Shrubs and trees are trimmed back from the house, gutters, clothesline and pathways (if required)
• Lawns are mowed and the edges trimmed
• Garden clippings and house-hold rubbish are removed
• Wet grease and oil stains are to be cleaned off the driveway and parking areas
• Arrangements are made for the collection of any skips and trash packs etc
• Rubbish is removed and the bins are cleaned and secured in the garage or garden shed
• The residence and grounds are free from pest infestations stemming from pets
• The garage is swept out, and
• You clean all gutters that can be reached with a standard 1.8 metre step ladder (contact your local regional office for assistance with high set gutters).

You are required to:

• Vacuum carpeted floor areas
• Sweep and mop any non-carpeted floors
• Remove all rubbish from the Service Residence and surrounding grounds
• Clean heating and cooling filters
• Remove food residue and grease from sinks, splashbacks and bench tops
• Remove burnt on deposits and grease from appliances including filters
• Remove mould, mildew and soap scum from wet areas
• Replace all blown light globes, and
• Replace batteries in smoke detectors and all remotes.

You do not need to re-clean the floors after your uplift.

It’s important to know that when you’re relocating at your own expense as a Defence tenant you are not entitled to a Defence funded clean when vacating an SR and you are responsible for cleaning the residence to the Defence standard. This cleaning advice is not to be used when conducting a government funded removal, please refer to the Tenant Handbook (via the Tenancy Information menu) when this is occurring.

DHA will provide and offer you access to our contractors for cleaning if requested and you will be required to pay the full costs of the clean and any additional cleaning charges. 

If you have any concerns or questions please ensure to discuss these matters with your Property Manager at the time of your Pre-vacation Inspection.

View the Self-Move Checklist to assist in the requirements needed when you have decided to conduct a self-move.