What the official guidance says
Consumer Affairs Victoria says the condition report is used to compare the property at the start and end of the rental agreement. Photographs taken at the beginning can record the initial state and may help identify later damage.
Bond claims and disagreement
The RTBA repays the bond when the parties agree or when a binding order directs repayment. Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria is the first step for rental dispute applications, including bond, compensation, repairs and excessive-rent matters. If RDRV cannot resolve the dispute, it may be referred to VCAT.
Consumer Affairs Victoria says rental providers claiming bond will need to notify the renter before making the claim and give the renter evidence supporting it. Check the current official instructions when the claim is made.
Fair wear and tear
Consumer Affairs Victoria states that rental providers cannot claim bond for fair wear and tear. Whether a particular condition is wear or damage depends on the facts. Use photographs, the condition report and repair history to explain the specific item.
Prepare an itemised record
- Official condition report.
- Move-in and move-out photographs.
- Repair requests and responses.
- Final inspection notes.
- An item-by-item explanation of any disagreement.
Do not send a new rental dispute application directly to VCAT when the RDRV pathway applies. Follow the current Consumer Affairs Victoria, RTBA and RDRV instructions.
Official sources
Rules and processes can change. Check the authority that applies to your rental before acting.
Continue with the correct guide
Build your record one room at a time.
Photograph, add a short note and continue when you are ready.
Get BondProof on Android