The Move-In Inspection: Why Photos Save Your Bond Money

Before you hand over the keys to a new tenant, you need to prove exactly what condition the house is in by completing an initial property inspection report. If you don't, you'll end up paying for damages out of your own pocket when they leave.

How to Do a Proper Move-In Report

A quick five-minute walk through the house is not enough to protect you.

• Take photos: Photograph every room, every wall, the carpets, the inside of the oven, and the yard. If there's a scratch on the floor or a mark on the wall, take a picture of it.
• Test everything: Turn on all the taps, flush the toilets, check the smoke alarms are working and within their expiry date, and open every window.
• Get a signature: Fill out the formal condition report, attach the photos, and make sure the tenant signs and dates it before they move in. Provide them with a copy.

The DIY Headache

Doing a proper inspection is tedious work. If you rush it and miss a stain on the carpet or a chip in the kitchen bench, you cannot legally claim money from their bond when they move out because you won't have the proof the Tenancy Tribunal requires.

Why You Should Use a Property Manager

Protecting your investment takes more than a quick walkthrough. We conduct comprehensive, heavily documented inspections before anyone moves in. When it's time for them to leave, there are no arguments over damages. Trust First Door to protect your asset from day one.