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The Property Condition Report in WA — A Tenant's Guide

Published May 2025  |  5 min read

The Property Condition Report (PCR) is the most important document in your tenancy. It's the baseline used to assess whether any bond deductions are warranted at the end of your lease — and most bond disputes come down to what's in it.

What Is the Property Condition Report?

The PCR is a room-by-room assessment of the property's condition at the start of your tenancy. It records the state of walls, floors, ceilings, fixtures, appliances, windows, and outdoor areas — noting any existing damage, marks, or wear. Both the property manager and tenant sign it.

In Western Australia, property managers are required to provide a completed PCR to the tenant within 7 days of the tenancy commencing. The tenant has 5 days to add comments and return a copy.

Why It Matters So Much

At the end of your tenancy, your property manager completes an outgoing PCR using the same form. They compare the ingoing and outgoing reports to identify any changes beyond fair wear and tear. Those changes are the basis for any bond claim.

If the ingoing report doesn't document a mark or stain that was already there when you moved in, you may be charged for it at exit — even though you didn't cause it. The PCR is your protection against this.

How to Complete the Ingoing PCR Properly

  • Walk through every room carefully — don't rush the process
  • Note every mark, stain, scratch, and worn area in writing on the form
  • Take photos of everything you note — date-stamped photos are your evidence
  • If you find something after the 5-day window, notify your property manager in writing immediately
  • Keep a copy of the signed ingoing PCR for the entire duration of your tenancy

Requesting a Copy

If you no longer have your ingoing PCR, request a copy from your property manager or real estate agency. They are required to keep it and provide it on request. Do this before your exit inspection — you need it for comparison.

The PCR and Your Bond Clean

A professional bond cleaner uses the REIWA checklist that mirrors the PCR. By cleaning to that standard, you're directly addressing what your property manager will be checking room by room. It's the most reliable way to ensure the outgoing report matches the ingoing one.

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