If you’ve just started or are about to end a tenancy, you will have received a property condition report. This is a crucial document that you need to know what to do with, so we’ve put together an easy to follow guide for tenants.

What is a property condition report?

Your property condition report is an essential element of your tenancy. Simply put, it’s a report that outlines the condition of the property at the start of your tenancy and the end.

The report sets out the exact condition and contents of the property room-by-room. It will also state if there is any existing damage or anything is in poor condition. This helps to protect you against losing your bond and being blamed for the damages. Your property condition report will also assist in resolving any disputes if they arise.

How to do a property condition report

The steps for completing a property condition are as follows:

1. The property manager will do an inspection prior to the tenancy. They will then prepare a property condition report and provide two copies to you before you move in. It is required to be sent within seven days of moving into the property.
2. Review the property condition report by checking the condition of the property. If you have any disagreements with the report, you have seven days (after receiving the report) to note these and return one copy to the property manager.
3. If you don’t provide your property manager with an amended copy of the report within seven days, it is assumed that you agree with the property’s condition as outlined.

Once your tenancy has ended, you will need to complete the following steps:

1. Within 14 days of vacating the property, your property manager needs to carry out a final inspection and prepare an outgoing property condition report. They will provide you with a copy.
2. You must be given a reasonable opportunity to be present at the final inspection.
3. If you disagree with the final property condition report, it is important to communicate this to your Property Manager and work together using the Property Condition Report to compare the damage and come to an agreement.
4. In the event of an unresolved dispute, the courts will ultimately decide the allocation of bond monies.
5. If you make every effort to return the property to the owner in the best possible manner at the end of the tenancy, you are in a good position to have your bond refunded in full.
6. Once you and your property manager have agreed, the bond disposal is arranged. Your property manager may deduct a portion of money from the bond to cover any expenses for damages or broken items.

Our tips for completing your property condition report

It’s important that you take the time to complete your property condition report correctly, and pay attention to all the details. At the end of your tenancy, the report can help safeguard your bond and even help resolve disputes in the unfortunate event that any arise.

Here are some of our tips for properly completing your property condition report.

• Make sure you inspect the property as soon as possible after you have received it. This means your report will contain the most accurate description and information.
• Take as many photos as you can of everything in the property to include them in your report.
• Be as specific as possible and don’t skip any seemingly minor details.
• Don’t forget to sign and date both copies.
• Return the property condition report within the respective timeframes, otherwise, it won’t be deemed valid.

Still not sure about what to do with your property condition report? Get in touch with our friendly team, and we’ll help in any way we can. For more information on your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, click here.