If you are a tenant or are a landlord in the Northern Territory, a tenancy dilapidation report is often necessary to protect your interests. Pre & post dilapidation reports establish the condition of a property at the onset of a lease, and again when the lease ends. This can afford both parties protections in disputes that may arise related to property damage.
Tenants Protection
When you move into a property it is important to understand that the lease you sign includes certain conditions. You are agreeing to terms that state you may lose your bond if the property is damaged during the tenancy. If defects already existed at the beginning of the lease, having a report detailing the damage provides you with evidence that the property was in a state of disrepair when you moved in.
A landlord will have a hard time arguing that you caused damage when there is a methodical report that details any pre-existing defects. Landlords and leasers typically have a better relationship when all the cards are on the table regarding damage in a property.
Landlord Protections
For landlords, pre & post dilapidation reports provide a before and after picture of the leased property. Before the tenant moves in, any pre-existing damage is detailed and recommendations for repairs are provided. Once the leaser is ready to move out, a post dilapidation report allows the landlord to identify any new damage.
Tenants may try to dispute damage, so having two reports that provide an impartial comparison is helpful in disputes. As a landlord, you do not want to deal with disputes related to damage without evidence that said damage occurred during the tenancy.
Breaking down the Dilapidation Report
First and foremost, a dilapidation report from Houspect is a completely impartial document. We adhere to all relevant Australian and Northern Territory standards. Our building inspector will thoroughly and methodically inspect the property and document any existing damage.
Photographic evidence is used to document any cracks before the property is leased. We also provide extensive inspections of the entire property, listing any defects that are found. The report covers both the interior and exterior of the property.
Bond Disputes
We understand that landlords and tenants may not understand the technical language in the report. Every pre & post dilapidation report contains a glossary of terms for the benefit of the landlord or tenant. Damage is one of the main reasons that disputes arise between landlords and tenants. There are potential legal ramifications for both parties. It makes sense to have a report that clearly outlines the facts.
Licensed Builders
When you trust Houspect to provide a pre or post dilapidation report, you are assured that a licensed builder will carry out any necessary inspections. We are committed to providing an impartial report that presents an honest overview of any defects.
Our building inspector will endeavour to inspect all areas of the property. There are a number of important features and structures that should be inspected at the beginning and end of a lease period. When a tenancy is agreed, both parties have a vested interest in ensuring that the property is in good condition and remains that way until the lease ends.
The following areas are checked in pre & post dilapidation reports, so long as there are no major issues with access:
- Roof
- Walls
- Doors
- Windows
- Paths, driveway and fences
- Fittings and fixtures
- Flooring, drapes, cabinetry
If you are about to enter into a tenancy agreement (whether as a tenant or a landlord) pre & post dilapidation reports are a worthwhile investment. We offer industry-leading dilapidation reports in the Northern Territory. Speak to the experts from Houspect today to learn more about the services we offer in the Northern Territory.
