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LANDLORD GUIDE

Rental property condition reports

A condition report creates a shared starting record; it is most useful when specific, complete and open to corrections from both parties.

By RentSeekr editorial teamPublished 1 September 2026Reviewed 1 September 2026

Key points

Use the current jurisdiction form or required format.
Describe condition rather than using vague ticks alone.
Both parties’ completed report
Pre-filling “good” without inspection

What rental property condition reports involves

A condition report creates a shared starting record; it is most useful when specific, complete and open to corrections from both parties.

Use the current jurisdiction form or required format.
Inspect clean, accessible rooms and supplied items.
Agree a secure image-sharing method.

Prepare before taking action

Set the decision criteria, responsibilities and jurisdiction checks before the time-sensitive work begins.

Use the current jurisdiction form or required format.
Inspect clean, accessible rooms and supplied items.
Agree a secure image-sharing method.

Use a repeatable process

Follow the same documented sequence each time, while adapting forms, notices and timeframes to the property jurisdiction.

Describe condition rather than using vague ticks alone.
Attach proportionate dated photographs.
Give the renter the required review period and copy.

Keep evidence and communication connected

Good records support clear decisions, reliable handovers and fair resolution when memories differ.

Both parties’ completed report
Original dated media
Agreed corrections and later inspection links

Common mistakes to avoid

Pause when the facts, authority or next legal step are unclear. A fast but unsupported decision usually creates more work later.

Pre-filling “good” without inspection
Omitting existing damage or non-working items
Treating the report as permission for excessive photography

Continue through the landlord workflow

Starting a tenancyContinue with the RentSeekr starting a tenancy guide.Read the guide Rental inspection checklistContinue with the RentSeekr rental inspection checklist guide.Read the guide Final inspectionContinue with the RentSeekr final inspection guide.Read the guide

Sources and further information

Official guidance changes. Check the source for the current rule in your jurisdiction.