Start with the report, then add your own record
Most Australian tenancy authorities treat the condition report as the baseline for the property. NSW Fair Trading says it records the general condition of the property room by room and can be used at the end of the tenancy to compare fair wear and tear with damage. Consumer Affairs Victoria says it can be important evidence in disputes about bond claims, cleaning, or damage.
Read the agent's notes first, then walk the home slowly with the report open. If an item is marked clean, working, or undamaged but that is not what you see, add a clear comment. A useful comment is specific: "two chips on left kitchen benchtop edge" is better than "bench damaged".
Use a consistent room-by-room route
Work in the same order as the condition report. For each room, take one wide photo from the doorway, one wide photo from the opposite corner, and close-ups of any issue. Capture floors, walls, ceilings, windows, blinds, light fittings, power points, cabinetry, appliances, and outdoor areas where relevant.
The goal is not to photograph every centimetre. The goal is to make the property's starting condition easy to understand later. A room-by-room sequence helps a property manager, tribunal member, mediator, or future you follow the evidence without guessing.
Label photos so they make sense later
A folder of unnamed images becomes hard to use after a few months. Label your evidence with the room, item, and issue: "Bedroom 2 - carpet stain near wardrobe - entry" or "Bathroom - cracked vanity drawer - entry". If your camera or app records time metadata, keep that original file too.
Queensland's RTA and WA Consumer Protection both recommend photo evidence with condition reports. WA also specifically recommends date stamps. If your phone does not show a visible date on the image, a dated export, PDF report, or file metadata can still help explain timing.
Return the report within your state timeframe
Timeframes differ by state. As examples, NSW and Queensland use seven-day return windows in common residential tenancies, while Victoria uses five business days. WA guidance also refers to seven days after receiving the property condition report. Check the rule that applies to your property before you wait.
Keep the copy you returned, plus the photos you attached or referenced. If you email the report, save the sent email. If you use a portal, take a screenshot showing the upload or submission date.
Sources checked
Reviewed 2026-06-26 against official Australian tenancy authority guidance. This article is general information, not legal advice.