Moving in, reports and utilities

After receiving the keys, compare the supplied condition report item by item with the home. Name photographs by room, item and date, retain clear originals, and note existing dirt, damage and faulty equipment in the report.

• Walls/ceilings: cracks, grease, water marks, mould and paint, including mirrors, frames and behind doors.
• Floors/blinds: carpet damage, lifting edges, scratches, lowered blinds, screens and window locks.
• Kitchen/bathroom: cooktop, extractor, fan, water pressure/drainage, toilet, dishwasher and small fittings.
• Laundry/appliances: operation, drainage and existing faults; explain items that could not be tested.
• High ledges/cleaning corners: record the starting condition. Documentation does not remove reasonable cleaning obligations.

Sign, return and retain your copy. Entry and exit records should be comparable. Keeping photos only on your phone does not tell the manager about a problem.

At this review, NSW guidance requires the completed report copy within seven days of moving in. Victoria requires it within five business days, excluding weekends and public holidays.

Allow time to inspect and deliver it, and retain submission evidence. The collection’s historical “within a month” wording is not used as a current deadline. Check the applicable guidance for another state or accommodation agreement.

Cold water is not universally free in NSW. Official guidance imposes conditions such as separate metering and water efficiency on passing usage charges to tenants. Usage differs from fixed supply and sewerage charges. Check current rules, meters and the agreement rather than relying on “water included”.

Ask separately about water, electricity, gas, hot water and internet:

1. Who opens/pays each account, what rent includes, and whether an embedded network or central hot water applies.
2. Start/connection dates, meter readings and account names; record the entry date to distinguish prior use.
3. Existing internet, compatible equipment and connection/cancellation charges.
4. Extra laundry, parking or facility fees.

EnergyAustralia, Origin, AGL, Telstra, Optus and TPG in the old handbook are starting points, not proof of availability or best prices at every address. Its roughly $100 per-person monthly bills example is historical, not an actual budget quote.