Start with the baseline
Fair wear and tear can only be discussed properly if the starting condition is known. That is why the entry condition report and entry photos matter. They show whether an item was new, worn, scratched, stained, faded, loose, or already damaged.
NSW guidance says the condition report can be used at the end of a tenancy to check fair wear and tear against damage. WA guidance also says property condition reports can be used to check fair wear and tear or damage and who is responsible.
Photograph normal ageing differently from incidents
Faded curtains, worn carpet paths, and minor scuffs from ordinary use tell a different story from a burn mark, broken door, pet scratching, or new stain. Use wide and close-up photos so the scale and location are clear.
If something happened during the tenancy and was repaired or reported, include that timeline. A reported maintenance issue should not disappear from the evidence just because the exit report is being completed.
Use side-by-side comparisons
A side-by-side comparison can be more persuasive than a long explanation. Put the entry photo and exit photo of the same item together with dates. If the change is minor, that will be visible. If the change is significant, that will be visible too.
Comparison also helps avoid arguing about unrelated parts of the room. Focus on the exact item being claimed.
Avoid pretending everything is wear and tear
Some changes may genuinely be damage. A fair evidence record should not hide that. If an item was accidentally damaged and repaired, keep the repair invoice and photos. If it was not repaired, document the condition clearly and discuss the claim directly.
Being accurate builds credibility. The strongest bond response is not always "nothing happened". Sometimes it is "this item was already worn, this other item was repaired, and this claim is not supported by the entry record".
Sources
Article written 2026-06-26