Property Condition Report

Condition Reports protect both landlord and tenant in the event of future disputes.  This post uses information from Consumer Affairs Victoria, check with your own local body for specific legalities in your area.

What is a Condition Report? 

When a bond is paid, a landlord or owner must prepare a Condition Report for the tenant or resident, which notes the general condition of the property, room or caravan, including fittings and fixtures.

The Condition Report is important because it can be used as evidence if there is a dispute about who should pay for cleaning, damage or replacement of missing items.

Tenants and landlords, or residents and owners, should agree on the contents of the Condition Report before signing it.

Even if no bond has been paid, Consumer Affairs Victoria recommends completing a Condition Report.

Information for tenants and residents

Your landlord or owner must give you two copies of the signed Condition Report before you move in.

Fill out and return one Condition Report to your landlord or owner within three business days of moving in. Keep a copy until the end of your tenancy or residency.

Your landlord or owner may claim some or all of the bond for cleaning, repairs, or replacement of missing items at the end of the tenancy or residency.

If the Condition Report states that there was preexisting damage, that the property required cleaning or that items were not present before you moved in, this can help you to prove the bond should be returned to you.

If possible, take photos of the property before you move in, to further show its condition.

Information for landlords and owners

You must give your tenant or resident two copies of the signed Condition Report before they move in. You may be fined if you do not do this.

If the tenant or resident agrees with the contents of the Condition Report, they must also sign and give you a signed copy of it.

If a tenant or resident has damaged the property, room or caravan park during their stay, or if items are missing, you may be able to use the Condition Report to claim part or all of the bond.

These claims may be made through the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal and are free if they are only for the bond amount.

If possible, take photos of the property before the tenant or resident moves in to further show its original condition.