The condition report you get at move-in is written by the agent, for the landlord. Sign it without changes and it can become the main evidence of what the property looked like on day one. Any stain, crack or broken fitting they left off may later be treated as damage you caused — and paid for out of your bond.
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In most states you have only days — not weeks — to return the condition report.
If you don't return it, the agent's version can stand.
Bond disputes are often decided on the condition report.
A repair request that isn't in writing is easy to deny.
From renters who have used My Tenancy Matters.
Choose your state or territory, then pick a topic. You'll see your rights in plain English, get an email to your agent that sets them out, and can keep photos of quotes and invoices.
General information only, not legal advice. Last checked October 2026. Check your state's tenancy authority for your situation.
| State / territory | Time to return it | Counted from |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria | 5 business days | Moving in (weekends and public holidays don't count) |
| New South Wales | 7 days | Moving in |
| Queensland | 7 days | Moving in, or getting the report (whichever is later) |
| Western Australia | 7 days | Getting the report (the landlord has 7 days from move-in to give it to you) |
| South Australia | No legislated deadline | Return it as soon as you can, with your comments, so your version is on record from day one |
| Tasmania | 2 days | Getting the report (on or the day before you move in) |
| ACT | 2 weeks | Getting the report |
| Northern Territory | 5 business days | Getting the report (the landlord has 3 business days from move-in to give it to you) |
Miss the deadline and their version may stand. In several states, including Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, a report you don't return could be treated as you agreeing with it.
General information only, not legal advice. Last checked October 2026. Check your state's tenancy authority for your situation.
The agent's condition report is written from their side. Repair requests get “lost”. Emails go unanswered. Then at the end of the lease, the damage you reported months ago becomes a deduction from your bond. My Tenancy Matters gives you a dated record of what you reported, and when.
Nothing gets missed. Rate every item in every room — Good, Wear, Dirty or Damaged — and note exactly what's wrong before anyone can say it wasn't there.
A photo with a date on it is hard to argue with. Every image is time-stamped and placed against the room it belongs to.
One tap emails the full report to your agent, with a copy to you. They can ignore a phone call — it's much harder to claim they never got the report.
Your report stays on your device, not theirs. Save a backup so it's there when you need it at the end of your lease.
Miss the return deadline and you're relying on the agent's version. Already moved in and getting nowhere with repairs? Start your record today — the sooner it's in writing, the stronger your position.
Get your personal link · $29Introductory offer: one-off $29 incl. GST for your whole lease. 14-day money-back guarantee. Terms
