Entry and exit condition reports in Queensland

In Queensland the entry condition report is Form 1a and the exit report is Form 14a. As a tenant you must return the signed entry report within 7 days, and the two reports are compared to decide whether the property is in the same condition apart from fair wear and tear.

Entry condition report (Form 1a)

The property manager or owner completes and signs Form 1a and gives you a copy at the start of the tenancy. You must return the signed, completed report within 7 days after the later of the day you moved in or the day you were given a copy. The RTA says photos and video are allowed to support what is written, and you can add extra pages if the form runs out of space.

The RTA says the report supports an owner's claim for damage beyond fair wear and tear, protects tenants from unsubstantiated claims, and is an important part of the bond refund process.

What to photograph at move-in

These are practical tips, not RTA requirements. Take a wide shot and a close-up of anything that is marked, stained or damaged, and keep the original files with their dates:

• Kitchen: oven, rangehood, cupboards, benchtops, sink and taps.
• Bathroom: grout, taps, mould, exhaust fan, shower screen.
• Living areas and bedrooms: walls, carpet or floors, windows, blinds, wardrobes, doors.
• Laundry, balcony, garage and yard.
• Meter readings, keys and remotes. The RTA says to record meter readings on both the entry and exit reports.

Exit condition report (Form 14a)

Form 14a records the property's condition at the end of a general tenancy (moveable dwellings use Form 14b). It is compared with your entry report to see whether the property is in the same condition, apart from fair wear and tear. The RTA recommends taking photos as further evidence.

Ideally you and the property manager or owner complete it together. If you do it separately, the RTA's steps are:

1. Remove your belongings and do a thorough clean.
2. Complete the report and submit it when you return the keys.
3. The property manager or owner reviews your notes at the vacate inspection, adds comments and signs.
4. They send a completed copy to your new address within three business days.
5. Either party then submits a bond refund request.

If the owner claims against your bond

The RTA says that when an owner or manager claims or disputes a bond refund, they must give you supporting evidence within 14 days of the claim or dispute, and that failing to do so is an offence. The owner must also keep the signed report for at least one year after the tenancy ends.

Keep your own record

RenterIQ gives you a guided, room-by-room report with timestamped photos you can export, and at move-out it lines your photos up side by side with your move-in set, so you have your own dated evidence alongside Form 1a and Form 14a.