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VIC House Condition Report — Free Template

Compliant with the Residential Tenancies Act 1997, s35. Updated for 2025.

Quick Answer

A Victorian house condition report covers all interior rooms plus the full exterior: yard, garden, driveway, garage, gutters, fencing, and outbuildings. Required under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 when a bond is paid. The tenant has 5 business days to sign and return their copy.

VIC House Condition Report Requirements

Form Name
Condition Report (Entry) — House — Consumer Affairs Victoria
Who Completes
Property manager or landlord
Timing
Must be given to the tenant at or before the start of the tenancy
Tenant Deadline
Tenant must sign and return a copy within 5 business days of move-in
Photos Required
Not legally required, but strongly recommended
State Legislation
Residential Tenancies Act 1997, s35

View the full legislation →

Key Requirements for the VIC House Report

Use the Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) prescribed form or compliant equivalent

Document all interior rooms: kitchen, living areas, all bedrooms, bathrooms, laundry

Inspect and record yard, garden beds, lawn, and any landscaping elements

Document garage or carport: floor, walls, ceiling, door mechanism, remote controls

Check and record gutters, downpipes, fencing, gates, and boundary structures

Photograph all pre-existing damage — VIC's November 2025 reforms increased compliance scrutiny on documentation

Frequently Asked Questions — VIC House Report

Is a VIC house condition report required if no bond is paid?

Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997, the condition report requirement is linked to payment of a bond. If no bond is collected, a report is not legally required. However, completing one is still recommended to protect both landlord and tenant.

Does a Victorian house condition report need to cover outdoor areas?

Yes. For houses with a yard, garden, and garage, all exclusive-use outdoor areas must be documented. The condition of lawns, garden beds, fencing, driveways, and the garage are all relevant to the tenancy and should be recorded with descriptions and photos.

Who is responsible for garden maintenance in a VIC rental house?

The tenancy agreement typically specifies garden maintenance obligations. Landlords are responsible for maintaining structural elements (fencing, paths). Tenants are generally responsible for ongoing lawn mowing and basic garden upkeep as agreed. Document the garden's baseline condition at entry to avoid end-of-tenancy disputes.

How do VIC's November 2025 reforms affect house condition reports?

From November 2025, rental properties must meet minimum standards before being advertised, and annual safety compliance checks are mandatory. For houses, this makes thorough documentation of structural and safety items — gutters, fencing, garage doors — more important at the start of every tenancy.

Create Your VIC House Condition Report Now

Keep photos, condition ratings and your written observations together in your VIC house condition report. Review your findings before exporting a PDF.

No credit card required. 1 free report every month.

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