For both tenant and Landlord or Property Manager, the accomplishment of entry and exit reports is an important step in a tenancy. According to the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act, these reports are essential in compliance with legislative requirements, but they can also be a valuable risk management tool for any disputes that may arise regarding the condition of a rental property.
Entry Condition Inspection
According to Section 65 of the RTRA Act, once an entry condition report is completed, the tenant should be given a copy of the report on or before the date of their occupancy. The tenant must then return a signed copy of the report within 3 days after they begin occupancy, and if there are any disagreements with the report, the tenant must mark them. If the tenant returns a signed copy, the Landlord/Property Manager should make a copy and return it to the tenant within 14 days, while the Landlord/Property Manager retains their own copy for at least one year after the tenancy ends.
When creating your entry condition report, be thorough and accurate in your description of the property. Indicate whether an item is “clean” or “undamaged” or “working,” along with specific comments about their general condition. Simply reporting that the property was “tidy” will be of little use. Take photographs and keep them on file for future reference.
Exit Condition Inspection
An exit condition report is needed to hold up in comparison to the entry condition report. Section 66 of the RTRA Act states that a completed exit condition report should be signed and completed by the tenant and they should give a copy to the Landlord or Property Manager when the tenancy ends. The Landlord or Property Manager then signs the report, makes a copy, and returns the report to the tenant within 3 days of receiving it. If there are disagreements in the report, the Landlord/Property Manager must mark these and send a copy to the tenant. The Landlord/Property Manager should keep a copy of the report for at least 1 year after the tenancy ends.
Stacey Lee Realty has experienced Property Managers to handle the task of maintaining your investment and ensure your investment is working for you with minimal hassles. Call us today at 07 3399 2966 or visit www.staceyleerealty.com.au