The condition report is a simple form that makes moving in and moving out easier for everyone. Here is how it works in WA, for tenants and owners.
A property condition report is one of the most useful pieces of paper in a tenancy. It records what a home looks like on the day a tenant moves in, and is used again for reference when they move out. Done well, it keeps everyone on the same page from the first day to the last. Here is how it works in WA, whether you are moving in or renting out your home.
What the report is
In WA a property condition report, often shortened to PCR, is a required part of renting a home. It lists the contents and condition of the property and notes anything in, on or around it that is broken or in poor condition. The form used is Property Condition Report (Form 1).
Its job is simple. It shows what the property looked like at the start and at the end of the rental period, so everyone is working from the same picture.
Moving in
Before a tenant moves in, the landlord or their property manager inspects the home and completes the report. The tenant is then given two copies within seven days of moving in.
Tenants, this is a good moment to take your time. Read the report carefully and complete your part. Walk through the home and check that fixtures and fittings are there and working, such as the TV aerial, air conditioners, dishwasher, oven and hot water. Check which services are connected, like internet and phone. If the home came with furniture, have a look over that as well.
Note anything you see on both copies. Then return one completed copy within seven days of receiving it, and keep the other for your own records. Photos help too. Owners and tenants are both encouraged to take them with the date shown, and a tenant can include photos with the copy they return.
How much detail is enough
Consumer Protection WA gives four examples of the sort of thing worth noting: a torn flyscreen in bedroom one, a crack along the left side of the northern wall in the kitchen, a circular brown stain on the carpet in the lounge room, and a broken door handle in the bathroom.
Specific and plain is the aim. A short, clear note on day one saves a lot of guesswork later, for everyone.
For owners
Owners, a well kept report is one of the easiest ways to look after your investment. If your tenant adds notes to it, read them through, and if anything is unclear the simplest step is to go through it together. Your property manager can talk you through anything in the report.
Moving out
At the end of the tenancy the home is checked again and the report is used one last time to complete the Final Bond Inspection. The tenant and owner are given a copy within 14 days of moving out. The best approach is to do the final inspection together, so any questions can be answered on the spot.
A good start makes the finish easier
Whether you are settling into a new rental or welcoming a new tenant, a few careful minutes with the condition report is time well spent. If you are a tenant with a question about your report, or an owner who would like to talk it through, get in touch with us at SOCO and we will go through it with you.