Changes to Queensland rental laws came into effect from 6 June 2024. Further changes to maximum bond amount, bond claims, compliance provisions and rent, bond and other payments commenced from 30 September 2024, as part of ongoing rental reforms. Learn more about the changes and what they mean for you.
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 Exit condition report shows the condition of the property and any inclusions when the tenant leaves, and is an important part of the vacating and bond refund process. The Exit condition report is compared to the Entry condition report to determine if the property is in the same condition as when the tenant moved in, apart from fair wear and tear. The RTA also recommends taking photos as further evidence.
How to complete an exit condition report
Ideally, the tenant and property manager/owner should complete the report together so that any issues can be addressed quickly and the bond refund can be released as soon as possible.
To prevent disputes, the RTA strongly advises both parties ensure the meter reading is recorded in both entry and exit condition reports at the beginning and end of the tenancy.
However, if the tenant/s and the property manager/owner complete the report separately, they should follow this process:
- The tenant removes their items and completes a thorough clean of the property.
- The tenant completes an Exit condition report and submits it to the property manager/owner when returning the keys.
- The property manager/owner reviews the tenant’s notes at the vacate inspection, makes any additional comments and signs.
- The property manager/owner sends a completed copy of the report to the tenant at their new address within three business days.
- Either the tenant or the property manager/owner submits a bond refund request.
Rental bonds lodged on or after 30 September 2024 require supporting evidence to be provided to a tenant/resident when a property manager/owner claims or disputes a bond refund request. This must be done within 14 days of the bond claim or dispute. Not providing supporting evidence to a tenant/resident when a claim or dispute is made against a bond is an offence.
For rental bonds lodged with the RTA before 30 September 2024, a 12 month transitional period from 30 September 2024 to 30 September 2025 applies. Evidence does not need to be provided for bond claims until after this period expires for bonds lodged with the RTA before 30 September 2024.
Queensland tenancy laws state the tenant’s responsibility is to return the rental property in the same condition it was in at the start of the tenancy, less fair wear and tear. The RTA encourages parties to talk with each other if there are any issues with the vacate inspection and work together for a solution if there is any cleaning or damage items to be rectified.
The property manager/owner must keep a copy of the signed report for at least one year after the tenancy ends.