Changes to Queensland rental laws came into effect from 6 June 2024. Further changes commenced on 30 September 2024. Learn more.
Minimum housing standards came into effect for new tenancies (including renewed tenancy agreements) from 1 September 2023 and for all remaining tenancies from 1 September 2024.
The Entry condition report records the condition of the property, dwelling/site or room, and any inclusions (e.g. furniture), at the start of the tenancy.
Filling out this report properly and including photos/videos, will avoid future problems, especially with the bond refund process.
Example: at the end of the tenancy the property manager wants to claim part of the bond for marks on a bedroom wall. The tenant shows the marks were listed on the Entry condition report and provides date stamped photos to dispute the claim. No money is deducted from the bond.
There are three entry condition reports depending on which type of tenancy agreement you have in place.
Completing the Entry condition report
Step 1: Property managers/owners must prepare the report
The property manager/owner must prepare, sign and give a copy of the report to the tenant at the start of the tenancy; it is an offence not to do so.
In the report, the property manager/owner will indicate if each item on the list is clean, undamaged and working.
Step 2: Tenants must complete the report
The tenant/resident can agree or disagree with the condition of the items by including their own comments in the report received.
The report must then be returned to the property manager/owner within 7 days.
If a tenant disagrees with the condition of the premises, they should talk to the property manager/owner.
Fill out the Entry condition report or Condition report before you move into the property or room. Go from room to room and fill in each section of the report (use extra pages if necessary). Note everything you see (e.g. marks, stains, chipped paint, damage) and take photos so there is a record of the condition of the property when you moved in.
Check everything works properly including:
- windows, doors, gates and locks
- taps (including hot water)
- shower
- toilet
- bath
- sinks
- oven, cooktop, grill and rangehood
- air conditioning
- fans
- lights
- pool filter and heating (a copy of the current pool safety certificate should be included with the tenancy agreement - learn more about pool laws and maintenance)
- water sprinkler systems
- powerpoints
- TV points
- phone
- smoke alarms
- washing machine, dryer, dishwasher
- security system
- garage doors
- Note the condition of the furniture, fittings (e.g. curtains or blinds) and outdoor areas (including gardens, flower beds and bins).
Step 3: Returning the report
If the tenant does not complete and return the report it means they agree with the property manager/owner’s description of the property. However, failure to complete the report is an offence.
The property manager/owner must send a copy of the signed and completed report back to the tenant within 14 days.
The report, and any photos or video, can be used as evidence by QCAT if there is a dispute.