How important is a Condition Report?

We often hear landlords say “Oh I don’t bother with condition reports or inventories, I just replace everything when the property is vacated..”. Whereas damage to contents can be dealt with this this approach, damage to property will be an additional cost. Well, it may be something that you can afford but most landlords will need a less wasteful approach.

For tenants too, they need to have their deposit protected and have the peace of mind that whatever the condition of the property at check-out, a fair and accurate assessment was made at the start of the tenancy of its condition.

Condition reports are an incredibly important element of the rental process. When a tenant moves into your apartment or house, this report is used as a master document outlining the state of the property at a specific point in time.

It serves as a kind of “proof” that can be used by both parties at the end of the tenancy when it’s time to determine costs for repairs and cleaning.

The landlord or property manager is advised to complete this report diligently, with approval and signature by all parties, including the tenant.

Sometimes this can be a lengthy process, but there are many tools and resources that can be used to help speed up this process, such as our own tools at Reports2Go.

Below are a few more reasons why condition reports are an important part of the renting process.

Avoids disputes

Condition reports can help avoid disputes between property managers and tenants. If well put together, they are fair as they capture any damage that already pre-existed in the property. A simple check back can help resolve disputes upfront.

Save time

Both tenants and landlords want to complete the check-out process as quickly as possible. At the end of a tenancy, tenants need their deposit back as soon as possible, perhaps, to use on their next property.

Also, landlords will want to prepare the rental for the next tenant and a quick resolution and any deposit claim will no doubt help .

To facilitate an efficient process, the condition report allows the property manager to thoroughly and efficiently check the condition of the premises.

It includes smaller details

A tenancy can last a long time, and it’s easy to forget small items of detail. Some contents may have been moved around, pictures replaced. It’s best if the tenant puts it back as it was so the check-out can proceed uneventfully. A video tour or photo gallery without comments can easily miss crucial details such as the condition of smaller fittings.

It also takes into account what is and isn't clean and functioning, such as fridges or ovens that might need to be repaired or professionally cleaned.

Both tenants and landlords want to complete the check-out process as quickly as possible. At the end of a tenancy, tenants need their deposit back as soon as possible, perhaps, to use on their next property.

Fair wear and tear can be accounted for better with and accurate initial condition report.

A condition report will draw a line under such issues and encourages mutual agreement and help bring a tenancy to a respectful, stressless conclusion.

To learn more about our condition report tools like our end of tenancy app, get in touch with us at Reports2Go.

Dan, 04 December 2020

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