Useful information for both Tenants and Landords

What Is A Condition Report And Why Should You Take It Seriously?

A Property Condition Report (PCR) is prepared to assess the property's condition, presentation and repair. Every rental agreement must include a property condition report, which the landlord must complete at the start and end of a tenancy.

The tenant will receive a copy of the Ingoing PCR prior to signing their lease and will be able to dispute any item and request the inclusion of additional items. At the end of the lease period, the landlord will compare the initial and final condition reports.

Why Is A Condition Report So Important?

A property condition report describes a property's condition at the beginning of the lease. When the tenancy expires, and there is a dispute about property damage or disrepair, the condition reports are reviewed by the Tribunal or Court to determine who is liable.

A condition report is also essential for determining how the rental bond should be returned or whether the landlord should be compensated. If a PCR accurately describes the property's condition at the beginning and conclusion of the lease, it might lessen the chance of disputes between the landlord and renter.

How Does A Condition Report Work At The Start Of The Tenancy?

The landlord must prepare a condition report based on a thorough property inspection prior to the tenant signing their lease. When a condition report is created, the landlord must provide copies to the renter.

The renter should then do a thorough property inspection after getting the PCR. If the tenant opposes any aspect of the report, they must state their objection in the document and return it to the landlord / agent within seven days. Don't forget to take many photos of the property; you can use them to back up your claims in your condition report.

What To Expect From A Condition Report At The End Of A Tenancy

The landlord is required to prepare a second condition report at the end of the tenancy. Upon completion, the landlord must provide a copy to the tenant. The tenant should carefully examine the landlord's report and express any disagreement.

The landlord may complete the condition report without the tenant's participation however the tenant will be given a reasonable opportunity to attend also. It is preferable however, that the tenant makes time to be in attendance when the Outgoing PRC is being done.

Conclusion

A condition report is the document relied up for a record of the condition of a property at the start and end of a tenancy. Landlords and tenants should follow the appropriate procedures to ensure that the condition report is delivered in accordance with the agreed-upon deadlines.

Tips To Prepare Your Rental Property For A Routine House Inspection

As a rental property tenant in Australia, it's inevitable that you’ll experience if not one then multiple routine house inspections. How do you prepare for them and what should you expect?

What Is A Routine House Inspection?

A routine house inspection is when your landlord, or more likely their property manager, comes to look over the property. This is done to ensure the rental is being taken care of and that all maintenance or repair issues are reported as well as fixed.

The inspection will include but is not limited to ensuring the rental property is maintained and cared for, checking that there is no damage to the property, confirming the number of people and/or pets inhabiting the rental is not above what is allowed, and identifying maintenance issues.

How To Prepare

As a general rule you should notify your landlord of changes to your contact and banking details to guarantee you always have a line of communication with them. Secure any pets during the inspection and log any maintenance issues prior to the inspection via the Tenant Conceirge on the home page. Ensure that you present the rental property well to ensure the report sent to the Landlord gives them the best possible impression.

Helpful Tips on how to Prepare for a Routine Inspection

Start early:
Once you know the date of your routine inspection, start to do little things to prepare for it. Clean the shower one day, then the verandah another day. It is much easier to clean incrementally, rather than spend an entire evening cleaning.
Make arrangements for your pets:
Rental inspections can be very stressful for pets, especially if you’re not present while the landlord or agent is there. If you can, arrange for your pets to visit a friend or family member for the day of your inspection if you cannot be home. Alternatively have them put outside.
Full Clean:
Cleaning the kitchen and bathroom grit, sweeping and vacuuming, dusting and everything that comes in between should be at the top of your list when preparing for a routine inspection.
Maintenance Concerns:
Please report ALL maintenance prior to the Routine Inspections via our Tenant Concierge service on our Website at www.prdmaintenance.com - Whislt our Property Managers will have a brief moment to discuss the maintenance with you at the property they are on a tight schedule and will not be able to action anything on the day. They will not be taking any maintenance reports at the property. ALL maintenance MUST be reported via our TENANT CONCIERGE service. Thank you.

Routine Inspection Checklist

Lawns and gardens are well maintained and free from weeds
Paving, driveways and car spaces are swept clean and free from stains
Verandas, patios, courtyards, balconies, garage/carport, storerooms, driveway and paving to be swept or washed so they are clean and tidy
Outdoor areas free from spiderwebs and excessive dirt and dust
Swimming pool to be clean and useable (if applicable)
All flooring to be cleaned and free of stains
All windows and glass doors to be cleaned, including tracks
Kitchen bench tops, cupboards and wall tiles/splash backs are clean
Stove top, oven shelves, grill, drip trays, hot plate, control panel and oven surrounds are clean
Ceiling fan blades and air conditioning units/outlets are clean and free of dust
Walls, skirting boards, doors, doorframes, light switches, control panels and power points to be clean and free of hand marks, stains and scuffs
De-clutter the property to ensure easy access to all areas
Clean bathroom vanity, bath, shower and toilet of any soap scum
Laundry sink, bench top, exhaust fan and tiles clean
I have completed any Maintenance via the Tenant Concierge prior to my routine inspection (if applicable)