Protect yourself with a property condition report - Tenants bulletin 22

This publication is for: 
Tenant

4 September 2020

Why would I need a property condition report?

Property condition reports (PCRs) describe the condition of the property at a point in time and protect you from being held responsible for damage you have not caused. They assist with resolving disputes at the end of your tenancy.

A landlord or property manager needs to prepare a PCR at the start and end of a tenancy. You can find a PCR template on our webpage. Your landlord or property manager can add extra items such as fences and gates, a swimming pool or furniture for a furnished property. Everything that is captured on the PCR must remain at the property. Failure to provide you with a PCR within the prescribed timeframes (see below) is an offence under the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 and may incur a penalty. 

Tips

  • Review your PCR thoroughly and edit it within the allowed timeframe if you need to. Make sure your PCR is clear about:
    • items that need maintenance, for example a dripping tap; 
    • existing damage to the property, for example if you have noticed a burn mark on a kitchen benchtop; and/or
    • cleanliness (cobwebs etc) 
  • If your landlord or property manager do not provided you with a PCR at the start of your tenancy, we recommend completing your own PCR within the first 14 days, including signing and dating it.
  • Support anything you add to a PCR with photos:
    • make sure they are good enough quality so everyone involved can accurately see the condition of the property; and 
    • take panoramic as well as close-up images to identify the location of damage or imperfections.
  • Request a receipt if your landlord or property manager give you the PCR in person or you return an edited PCR in person.
  • Your landlord or property manager may conduct routine property inspections. You have a right to be present – we recommend you attend if possible. Note, you must be given appropriate notice of an intended inspection and inspections may occur on a limited number of occasions and at a reasonable time of day. For further information refer to: privacy and entry rights for rental properties.
  • If your landlord or property manager do not complete a final PCR, we recommend you complete a PCR yourself. Use the ingoing PCR to compare the property condition at the start and end of the tenancy.

When should you get a PCR?

Within seven days of moving into your rental property your landlord or property manager must give you two completed PCRs, signed and dated. 
 
You have seven days to make any edits and return one signed copy to your landlord or property manager. Keep the other signed copy for your own records. If you do not return an edited copy within this timeframe it means you have accepted the PCR.
 
At the end of your tenancy your landlord or property manager must give you a reasonable opportunity to attend the final inspection. A final PCR needs to be completed within 14 days. It is recommended you attend the final inspection as the landlord or property manager may use the final PCR to make claims against your security bond.
If you are leaving a share house, you must still be given a final PCR even if your housemates remain. If you are taking over a lease from someone else, you should be given an ingoing PCR.
 

How is a PCR provided?

Your landlord or property manager must comply with the service of notices requirement of the Residential Tenancies Act 1987. Read our webpages using rental notices and counting days to find out how PCRs must be given and returned.
 
Note: If your landlord or property manager fail to provide a PCR at the beginning of your tenancy lodge a complaint with Consumer Protection. It is an offence for your landlord or property manager to fail to provide you with a PCR either at the beginning or end of your tenancy.
Read more about property condition reports on the Consumer Protection website.
 

Need some assistance?

Contact 1300 304 054 or email consumer@dmirs.wa.gov.au.

Consumer Protection
Bulletin
Last updated 04 Sep 2020
First published 04 Sep 2020

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