Property Condition Report Requirements in Western Australia
A plain-English summary of what WA tenancy law requires from property condition reports, from the ingoing report to the end of the tenancy, with links to the official guidance.
This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Requirements can change, so check the current official guidance from Consumer Protection WA, or get legal advice for your situation.
What is a property condition report?
A property condition report (PCR) is a record of a rental property's condition at the start of a residential tenancy, with a second report completed at the end. Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 (WA), a PCR is required for every residential tenancy, whether or not a bond is paid.
Consumer Protection WA, part of the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety, publishes the Property condition report form (Form 1) and guidance on how PCRs should be completed.
Key PCR timeframes in WA
Before the tenancy starts
The landlord or property manager inspects the property and completes the ingoing PCR.
Within 7 days of the tenant moving in
The tenant must be given two signed and dated copies of the completed ingoing PCR.
Within 7 days of receiving the report
The tenant checks the report, adds any comments, signs and returns one copy, and keeps the other.
At the end of the tenancy
The tenant is given a reasonable opportunity to attend the final inspection.
Within 14 days of the tenancy ending
The final (outgoing) PCR is completed and given to the tenant.
If documents are sent by ordinary post, allow extra time for delivery when counting days. Consumer Protection publishes guidance on serving notices and counting days.
Landlord and property manager responsibilities
The landlord, or the property manager acting for them, is responsible for:
- Inspecting the property and completing the ingoing PCR
- Giving the tenant two signed and dated copies within 7 days of moving in
- Giving the tenant a reasonable opportunity to attend the final inspection
- Completing the final PCR and giving it to the tenant within 14 days of the tenancy ending
- Issuing new outgoing and ingoing PCRs when one tenant takes over another's lease
- Checking any PCR prepared by a third party or software, as the landlord remains responsible for its compliance
Ingoing PCR requirements
The ingoing report should record the condition of the property and the items included with it. Form 1 sets out the minimum content, and landlords can add extra items such as fences, gates, a pool or furniture. Anything recorded on the PCR must remain at the property.
Consumer Protection recommends completing the report close to the move-in date and including clear photos, both wide shots and close-ups.
Tenant review and response rights
The tenant has 7 days from receiving the ingoing report to check it, note anything they disagree with, sign it and return one copy. If they don't return an edited copy within that time, they are taken to have accepted the report. Consumer Protection suggests landlords give the tenant a receipt showing when the report was returned, and contact them promptly about any comments they're unsure of.
Outgoing PCR requirements
At the end of the tenancy, the property is inspected again and the outgoing report is compared with the ingoing report. The tenant must be given a reasonable opportunity to attend the final inspection, and the final report must be given to the tenant within 14 days of the tenancy ending. See our final bond inspections for how we prepare outgoing reports.
Fair wear and tear
Tenants are not responsible for fair wear and tear: the gradual deterioration that comes from normal, reasonable use of a property over time. Damage caused by accident, neglect or misuse is different. A detailed ingoing report makes it much easier to tell the two apart at the end of the tenancy.
Why accurate documentation matters in disputes
Consumer Protection notes that the PCR can be used as evidence if there's a dispute, particularly over the bond refund or damage to the property. When both reports are detailed and backed by photos, it's easier to show what has changed.
A report doesn't decide a dispute on its own, but a vague or incomplete one can make it very hard to support a claim either way.
Official sources
- Property condition report – Form 1 – Consumer Protection WA
- Get your property condition reports correct – Landlords bulletin 46 – Consumer Protection WA
- Get your property condition reports correct – Real estate industry bulletin 228 – Consumer Protection WA
- Residential Tenancies Act 1987 (WA) – WA Legislation
Frequently asked questions
Is a property condition report mandatory in WA?
Yes. For residential tenancies in WA, a property condition report must be completed whether or not a security bond is paid.
How long does a landlord have to give the tenant the ingoing PCR?
The tenant must be given two signed and dated copies of the completed report within 7 days of moving in. Consumer Protection notes that failing to do this is an offence that can carry a penalty of up to $5,000.
What happens if the tenant doesn't return the PCR?
If the tenant doesn't return an edited copy within 7 days of receiving it, they are taken to have accepted the report as it is.
When must the outgoing PCR be completed?
The final property condition report must be completed and given to the tenant within 14 days of the end of the tenancy.
Is the tenant responsible for fair wear and tear?
No. Tenants are not responsible for fair wear and tear, which is the gradual deterioration from normal use of the property over time.
Do I need new PCRs if a tenant takes over someone else's lease?
Yes. Consumer Protection advises that an outgoing PCR should be issued for the departing tenant and an ingoing PCR for the new tenant.
Do I have to use the official form?
Consumer Protection publishes a Property condition report form (Form 1) that sets out the minimum content. You can add extra items, such as furniture or a pool. A summary document can be attached but can't replace the report.
Need a PCR prepared?
- Property Condition Reports →Independent ingoing property condition reports, delivered the next business day.
- Final Bond Inspections →Outgoing reports compared against the ingoing PCR at the end of a tenancy.
- Private Landlords →Inspections for landlords managing their own rental property.
- Agency Outsourcing →Outsourced inspections for property management teams.
Get your property condition report done properly
We prepare independent, photo-backed PCRs and deliver them the next business day, so you can meet the timeframes above.