Property condition reports are a requirement when renting a home. They show what the property looks like at the beginning and end of the rental period.

They can be used to check fair wear and tear or damage and who is responsible for maintenance or repairs. They are important evidence if there is a dispute about releasing the bond.

Property condition report form

 Property Condition Report (Form 1) must be used. It lists the contents and condition of the property. It should state if anything in/on/around the property is broken or in poor condition.

Moving in

Landlord’s responsibilities 

A landlord must:

• do an inspection and complete a PCR before a tenant moves in.
• give the tenant(s) two copies of the PCR within seven days of moving in.

Landlords and tenants are also recommended take photos as evidence. The photos should include date stamps.

Tenants’ responsibilities 

Tenants should:

• review the PCR carefully and complete their part
• take photos of the home to go with the condition report. Make sure to include dates on the photos.
• Check all fixtures and fittings are available and working e.g TV aerial, air conditioners, dishwasher, oven and hot water systems.
• Check what services are installed and working e.g. cable TV, internet, NBN, phone.
• Check any furniture you were provided eg. rips or stains on couches, scratches on bookcases.
• note any damage or items needing repair on both copies
• return one completed copy to the landlord within seven days of receiving the PCR
• include any photographs of any problems so the landlord can address them.
• keep the other copy for their records.

What should be noted in the report

Some examples of what to include in this report are:

• a torn flyscreen in bedroom one
• crack along left side of northern wall in kitchen
• circular brown stain on carpet in the lounge room
• broken door handle in the bathroom.

When tenants make changes to PCR 

Landlords should review amendments a tenant makes to the PCR carefully.

Landlords should address any requests for maintenance or repairs e.g. kitchen tap drips, pool gate does not lock into place etc.

Some repairs may need to be dealt with quickly if they pose a health or safety risk to the tenant or their guests.

If the landlord doesn't understand or agree with the changes the tenant made, they should arrange to review those changes together.

For more information about responsibility for the home’s general upkeep or if something needs fixing see maintenance or repairs pages.

Moving out 

When the tenant moves out, the landlord must check the property again and complete a PCR. The landlord must give a copy of the PCR to the tenant within 14 days of moving out.

The report should be filled out with as much detail and accuracy as possible.

The landlord and tenant should try to do the final inspection together to prevent issues. However, it can be done without the tenant if they have been given a reasonable opportunity to be present. Reasonable means what most people would think is fair. Such as the inspection may need to take into consideration a tenant or landlords work commitments if they are a FIFO or shift worker.

The PCR will be used as evidence if there is a disagreement or dispute about missing items or damage.

Timing for notices 

When sending notices or reports through the mail, allow enough time for delivery. How to serve notice correctly is covered in more detail in using rental notices.