SA Condition Report Compliance Guide
Everything property managers need to know about condition report requirements in South Australia. Updated for 2026 reforms.
SA condition reports: the short answer
The landlord must provide an inspection sheet at the start of the tenancy. It records the property's condition at the start and end. Check the official inspection sheet and note any disagreements promptly.
Source: SA Government — condition report guidance. Summary checked .
Example of a useful condition note
Instead of “wall damaged”, write “Bedroom 1, wall beside the door: two paint chips, approximately 10 mm each; shown in photos 3 and 4.” Record what you observed, where it is and the matching photo references. Mark an item “not tested” if you did not test it. This is an illustrative example, not an inspection finding.
ConditionHQ helps organise your observations. Check the authority’s current form and instructions for your tenancy; a checklist or software export does not by itself establish legal compliance.
SA Requirements at a Glance
Entry Condition Report
Required at the start; check the official guidance above
Exit Condition Report
Legally required at the end of every tenancy
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 Inspection Sheet
Key Details
Recent Reforms (2026)
5 Common Compliance Mistakes in SA
Not completing the inspection sheet for both the start and end of tenancy
Using a non-standard form instead of the prescribed inspection sheet
Missing documentation of outdoor areas and carports
Not recording appliance conditions (oven, cooktop, dishwasher)
Failing to update the inspection sheet for the January 2026 standardised form requirements
Frequently Asked Questions — SA Compliance
Is a condition report mandatory in SA?
Yes. Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1995, an inspection sheet must be completed at the start and end of every tenancy.
What is an 'inspection sheet' in SA?
South Australia uses the term 'inspection sheet' rather than 'condition report'. It serves the same purpose — documenting the condition of the property at the start and end of tenancy.
Has SA introduced new forms for 2026?
Yes. A standardised rental application form was introduced from January 2026. Landlords and tenants in SA must use this prescribed form.
Are photos required in SA inspection sheets?
Photos are not legally required but are strongly recommended as evidence for bond disputes.
Who completes the SA inspection sheet?
The landlord or agent prepares the initial inspection sheet. The tenant should review it and note any disagreements.
Related Resources
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