For tenants: document everything when you move in to protect your bond when you move out.
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Photograph every room extensively
Take wide shots and close-ups of every wall, floor, ceiling, and fixture. Include timestamps. These photos are your evidence if the landlord claims damage at move-out.
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Test every light switch and power point
Flick every switch, plug a phone charger into every outlet. Note any that don't work on the condition report. Don't assume — test it.
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Run every tap, flush every toilet
Check hot and cold work, check water pressure, check for leaks under sinks. Note slow drains, dripping taps, and running toilets on the report.
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Count and test all keys
Front door, back door, garage, mailbox, laundry, windows. Record how many of each you received. Missing keys at move-out are charged at $150-$300 per lock.
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Note existing damage in detail
Scratches on floorboards, chips in benchtops, marks on walls, cracked tiles. Write it on the condition report with specifics: 'scratch 15cm long on kitchen floor near oven.'
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Check oven, rangehood, and dishwasher
Open the oven — is it clean? Check the rangehood filter. Run the dishwasher. Note the cleanliness level because you'll need to return it to the same standard.
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Check exterior — fence, garden, shed
Note the condition of the garden, any fence damage, shed contents, and clothesline. Photograph the garden to prove its condition at move-in.
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Record all meter readings
Electricity, gas, and water meters. Photograph each meter showing the reading. This prevents you being charged for the previous tenant's usage.
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Test locks, windows, and security
Every door lock, window latch, and screen door should secure properly. Note any that don't on the condition report — security is the landlord's responsibility.
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Sign and keep a copy of the condition report
Do NOT sign without completing your own inspection. You have 3-5 days (varies by state) to return the report. Keep your signed copy for the entire tenancy.