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End-of-lease inspection checklist for property managers

The end-of-lease inspection is where small admin gaps become expensive. A clear record helps separate cleaning, damage, wear, missing items, and owner decisions.

Move-out boxes with keys and inspection clipboard

Compare against the entry record first

Before writing new notes, open the entry condition report and any tenant amendments. The exit record should be a comparison, not a fresh impression of the property.

Where something has changed, photograph the entry reference if needed, then photograph the current condition from the same rough angle.

Record clean, damaged, missing, and unresolved items separately

Do not group every issue under "tenant to rectify". Separate cleaning, possible damage, missing access items, incomplete repairs, abandoned goods, and owner-approved work.

This makes the owner update clearer and gives the tenant a fairer path to respond.

Photograph keys, remotes, meters, and inclusions

Exit reports often focus on walls and floors while skipping the handover details. Record keys, fobs, access cards, remotes, mailbox keys, meter readings where relevant, manuals, bins, garage controls, and included appliances.

Queensland RTA guidance specifically points to entry and exit reports being compared and recommends photos as further evidence. It also notes meter readings as part of preventing disputes.

Send a usable summary

The best exit report is not the longest one. It is the one that lets the owner and tenant understand what changed, what evidence supports it, and what happens next.

If further quotes, cleaning, or repairs are needed, say which item they relate to and attach the relevant photos.

Sources

Article written 2026-07-02

  1. Queensland RTA: Exit condition report
  2. NSW Fair Trading: Rental property condition reports
  3. Consumer Affairs Victoria: Condition reports
  4. WA Consumer Protection: Property condition reports