A condition report, also known as an ingoing report, is a vital document that records the state and condition of an entire property at the beginning of a tenancy. This document is the cornerstone for ensuring that a property is returned in the same condition at the end of the tenancy, making it an essential tool for both landlords and tenants. A well-documented condition report can prevent disputes, safeguard interests, and maintain transparency throughout the tenancy.
What is a Condition Report?
A condition report details the exact condition of each room within a property, including items such as door frames, skirting boards, walls, light fittings, flooring, and other fixtures. This comprehensive documentation ensures that every aspect of the property's condition is recorded, providing a clear benchmark against which the property's state can be compared at the end of the tenancy.
The Role of Photographs and 360° Photos
To provide additional evidence of the property's state, many photographs are taken of each room, fittings, and any pre-existing damage or wear and tear. At Century 21 Novocastrian, we take this a step further by including a 360° tour with clear definition, offering even more transparency and detail of the property. This technology allows for a virtual walkthrough of the property, giving a more accurate representation of its condition at the beginning of the tenancy.
The Process of Completing a Condition Report
It is essential that a condition report is completed and returned to the agency within seven days of a tenant moving in. A copy of the report must be provided to the tenant to ensure that both parties are aware of the property's condition from the outset.
Reviewing and Agreeing on the Report
Both the property manager and the tenant must take the time to review and agree on the report's contents. Any discrepancies or disagreements should be noted in the report and discussed between the parties to ensure that everyone is on the same page. The report should then be signed and dated by both the property manager and the tenant to acknowledge their agreement.
Tenant's Right to Amend the Report
If the tenant believes that the report is inaccurate or incomplete, they have the right to make amendments or additions within seven days of receiving it. The tenant should provide their proposed amendments or additions to the landlord or their agent in writing, and both parties should discuss and agree on any changes. If the landlord does not agree to the proposed amendments, the tenant may submit a dispute resolution request to the New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT).
Benefits of a Comprehensive Condition Report
Protecting Tenants
A condition report provides tenants with a reference point to ensure that any existing damage is not attributed to them at the end of their tenancy. By having a detailed record of the property's initial condition, tenants can protect themselves from unfair claims and deductions from their bond.
Assisting in Vacate Inspections
During the vacate inspection, property managers can easily reference the ingoing report to determine if any damage noted was caused by the tenant. This comparison helps to identify any discrepancies and ensures that tenants are only held responsible for damage beyond fair wear and tear.
Preventing Disputes
A well-documented condition report helps prevent disputes by providing an impartial record of the property's condition. Both parties can refer to this document to resolve any disagreements, ensuring a smoother end-of-tenancy process.
In Conclusion
In summary, the ingoing condition report is a crucial document in the New South Wales rental property market. It provides an accurate record of the property's condition at the start of the tenancy and helps to prevent disputes by offering an impartial reference point. By ensuring that the report is comprehensive, accurate, and agreed upon by all parties, property managers and tenants can rest assured that they are protected and that their interests are being safeguarded.
Engaging with our property management services can provide you with the expert guidance needed to navigate the complexities of property investment. Contact us today to learn how we can help you optimise your investment strategy and achieve your financial goals
EMAIL | hello@c21newcastle.com.au
PHONE | 02 4943 6333
155 Pacific Highway
Charlestown NSW 2290