A condition report is a detailed written record of the state of a rental property at the beginning and end of a tenancy. It describes the condition of every room, fixture, and fitting: walls, floors, windows, appliances, carpets, blinds, and anything else in the property. Most condition reports include photographs alongside the written descriptions.
In every Australian state and territory, completing a condition report at the start of a tenancy is a legal requirement. It is the baseline document used to assess whether any damage occurred during the tenancy and whether the landlord has grounds to make a bond claim.
How It Works
At the start of the tenancy, the landlord or property manager prepares the condition report and gives a copy to the tenant. The tenant reviews it, adds their own comments if they disagree with any descriptions or notice additional issues, and returns their signed copy. Both parties keep a copy.
At the end of the tenancy, a final inspection is conducted and compared against the original condition report. Any new damage beyond fair wear and tear may be grounds for a bond claim. For a step-by-step walkthrough of the final inspection process, see our end-of-lease inspection checklist.
What Fair Wear and Tear Means
Fair wear and tear refers to the natural deterioration that occurs through normal use of the property. Scuff marks on walls from furniture, minor carpet wear in high-traffic areas, and faded curtains are examples of fair wear and tear. A hole punched in a wall or a burn mark on the carpet is damage, not fair wear and tear.
The distinction between damage and fair wear and tear is one of the most common sources of dispute between landlords and tenants at the end of a lease.
Why It Matters for Landlords
A thorough condition report with clear photographs is your strongest evidence if you need to make a bond claim. Vague descriptions or missing photos make it much harder to prove damage occurred during the tenancy. Take detailed photos of every room and include close-ups of any existing marks or issues at the start. For guidance on handling disputes, see our guide to how to handle a bond dispute.
propkt helps you manage property records and tenancy documentation so your condition reports and related evidence are organised and accessible when you need them.