Why the condition report matters
NSW Fair Trading says the condition report is evidence of how the rental property was before the tenant moved in. It records the general condition room by room, including fixtures and fittings.
At the end of a tenancy, the report can be used to compare fair wear and tear with damage. That makes the entry version one of the most important documents you keep.
Use time-stamped photos
NSW guidance says more detail, including time-stamped photographs, makes disputes less likely. Take wide photos and close-ups, then label them by room and item.
If your phone does not display a visible timestamp, keep original files and export a dated report. The point is to show when the evidence was captured.
Return it within seven days
NSW guidance says tenants should return one completed copy to the landlord or agent within seven days of moving in and keep the other copy for their own records. Save proof that you returned it.
If using an electronic copy, keep the sent email, portal screenshot, or upload confirmation.
Prepare for bond questions early
NSW bond guidance lists common claim reasons such as unpaid rent, break fees, cleaning, unreturned keys or security devices, damage beyond fair wear and tear, and some unpaid water usage costs.
Your evidence file should cover those likely questions: condition report, photos, repair messages, cleaning receipts, key handover, and payment records where relevant.
Sources checked
Reviewed 2026-06-26 against official Australian tenancy authority guidance. This article is general information, not legal advice.