Property condition reports
Information for owners and tenants
It is important for both tenants and property owners that a property condition report be completed shortly after a tenancy starts.
The property condition report sets down, on a room-by-room basis, the exact contents and condition of the premises at the beginning of the tenancy. It should also point to anything that is broken or in poor condition, (e.g. a torn flyscreen in bedroom one; cracked wall; stained carpet in the lounge; broken door handle in the bathroom).
Both parties should sign the report when it's completed. If one or other party to the tenancy won't sign the document, an independent person can do it.
The property condition report prepared and agreed at the start of the tenancy can be compared directly with a report prepared when tenants move out, to avoid or minimise potential conflict.
Tenants are not liable for normal wear and tear.
Wear and tear vs. negligence
These examples may help to explain the difference:
Normal wear and tear - LANDLORD IS LIABLE
- Curtains faded from years of sun.
- Carpet in hall or other areas worn because it is used frequently.
- A lock broke because it was old and had worn out.
- Paint flaking because it is old or not applied properly.
Neglectful damage - TENANT IS LIABLE
- Your cat tears the curtains.
- Stains or burns from things you dropped or placed on carpets.
- You forgot the key and broke a lock to get in.
- Mould/mildew formed because you didn't properly air the dwelling.
A property condition report form that can be printed for your use is available here.