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Compliance Guide

ACT Condition Report Compliance Guide

Everything property managers need to know about condition report requirements in Australian Capital Territory. Updated for 2025 reforms.

Governing Legislation

Residential Tenancies Act 1997

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ACT Requirements at a Glance

Entry Condition Report

Legally required at the start of every tenancy

Exit Condition Report

Not legally required (but strongly recommended)

Bond Condition

Required regardless of whether a bond is paid

Photos Required

Photos not legally required, but strongly recommended for evidence

Standard Prescribed Form

Yes — must use the prescribed Condition of Premises Report

Key Details

Prescribed Form

Condition of Premises Report

Tenant Return Timeframe

At start of tenancy

Photo Requirements

Not legally required, but strongly recommended as evidence for bond disputes.

Bond Protection

Required for all tenancies regardless of bond payment.

Recent Reforms (2025)

What Changed

No significant reform to condition reports. ACT only requires entry reports (not exit).

5 Common Compliance Mistakes in ACT

1

Not understanding that ACT only legally requires an entry condition report (not exit)

2

Still not completing an exit report — while not required, it protects against bond disputes

3

Using a non-standard form when the prescribed form should be used

4

Missing documentation of energy efficiency features

5

Not including meter readings in the report

Frequently Asked Questions — ACT Compliance

Is a condition report mandatory in ACT?

Yes, at the beginning of the tenancy. The ACT is unique among Australian states in that it only legally requires an entry condition report, not an exit condition report.

Why doesn't ACT require an exit condition report?

The ACT Residential Tenancies Act 1997 only prescribes a condition report at the beginning of the tenancy. However, completing an exit report is strongly recommended to protect against bond disputes.

Should I still do an exit condition report in ACT?

Absolutely yes. While not legally mandated, an exit condition report provides essential evidence for bond claims. Without one, you have no documented comparison between entry and exit conditions.

How quickly are ACT bond refunds processed?

The ACT has the fastest bond processing in Australia — refunds are processed within 48 hours when both parties agree on the claim.

What form should be used in ACT?

The ACT Revenue Office provides a standard Condition of Premises Report that should be used.

Related Resources

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