What Is a Property Condition Report (PCR) and Why It Matters for Your Bond Cleaning in WA

Majestic Cleaning Team
November 3, 2025
Vacate Cleaning Essentials

When you move into or out of a rental property in Western Australia, one document plays a major role in protecting both your bond and your rights — the Property Condition Report (PCR).

At Majestic Vacate Cleaning Perth, we don’t just provide high-standard bond cleaning services — we also understand how PCRs and inspection standards work under WA tenancy law, so your property meets all the expectations of even the most thorough final inspection.

What Is a Property Condition Report (PCR)?

A Property Condition Report, often called a PCR, is a legally required document that records the condition of your rental home at the start and end of your tenancy.

It details the state of every room, fixture, and fitting — from walls and carpets to ovens and gardens — using written descriptions and often dated photos. This report becomes the baseline against which the final bond inspection is measured.

For official guidance, see the Government of Western Australia’s Consumer Protection guide on Property Condition Reports — it explains the legal requirements, templates, and responsibilities for both tenants and landlords.

The Legal Side: PCR Obligations in WA

Within 7 days of moving in, the landlord or agent must provide you with two copies of the PCR.
You (the tenant) then have 7 days to review it, make comments, and return one signed copy. If you don’t, the original is taken as agreed.
When the tenancy ends, the landlord must carry out a final inspection, prepare a final PCR, and give you a copy within 14 days.
You have the right to attend the final inspection — and this is where a spotless property and a professional bond clean can make all the difference.

Failure to follow these timelines can result in penalties or disputes before the Magistrates Court or Consumer Protection WA.

Why the PCR Is Important for Bond Cleaning

A detailed PCR doesn’t just protect you legally — it directly affects your bond refund. Here’s how it ties into the bond cleaning process:

It sets the cleaning benchmark. The entry PCR shows how clean the property was when you moved in. When you move out, your goal is to return it in the same condition (minus fair wear and tear).
It’s the basis for inspection checklists. Real estate agents use the PCR side-by-side with your final inspection. A professionally cleaned property that matches the PCR’s “clean and undamaged” status usually passes without dispute.
It prevents unnecessary bond deductions. Many bond claims in Perth arise because tenants underestimate how closely agents compare the PCR to the current state. A top-tier bond cleaning service helps ensure the property looks as good — or better — than it did on the entry report.

How a PCR Is Prepared in WA

Here’s how the process works — and how a cleaning service like ours fits in:

1. Entry Inspection (Start of Tenancy)

The landlord/agent inspects every room and fills out the PCR using Form 1.
The tenant receives two copies and has 7 days to check, amend, and return one.
Smart tenants take photos or videos to accompany the PCR — this makes end-of-tenancy comparisons easier.

2. Exit Inspection (End of Tenancy)

After the tenant vacates, the landlord conducts a final inspection and compares the property to the original PCR.
Any discrepancies beyond normal wear and tear — such as dirty kitchens, marked walls, or dusty vents — can lead to bond deductions.
That’s where professional bond cleaning ensures the property matches the original condition, protecting your bond refund and reputation.

Professional Insight: What Inspectors Look For

From our years of experience cleaning for property managers across Perth and greater WA, we know that inspectors focus heavily on:

Kitchens: Oven interiors, cooktops, rangehood filters, tiles, and benchtops.
Bathrooms: Grout lines, shower screens, mould, and taps.
Floors and Carpets: Vacuuming, mopping, and stain removal.
Walls, Doors & Skirting: Marks, dust, and fingerprints.
Windows and Tracks: Inside/out cleaning and cobweb removal.
Outdoor Areas: Swept patios, clean garage floors, and maintained gardens.

We align our cleaning process with the PCR checklist, ensuring every area meets inspection-ready standards.

PCRs and Bond Disputes: The Data

According to our Bond Cleaning Perth Statistics, over $2.65 million in bond money was withheld from Perth tenants in a single month, with cleaning issues consistently ranking as the number one cause of disputes. In fact, 22.2% of all bond money was retained by landlords and property managers due to cleaning-related issues.

The subjective nature of what constitutes “reasonably clean” in a PCR creates significant discrepancies between tenant and property manager expectations. This is where professional cleaning services with bond back guarantees provide essential protection.

DIY vs. Professional: The Cleaning Dilemma

Many tenants attempt DIY cleaning to save money, but our experience shows this often leads to costly outcomes:

DIY Cleaning Risks with PCRs:

Misunderstanding PCR requirements
Missing critical areas highlighted in the original report
Underestimating cleaning standards expected by property managers
Lacking specialized equipment for thorough cleaning
Spending 15-25 hours on cleaning with no guarantee

Professional Cleaning Advantages for PCR Compliance:

Familiarity with PCR standards and property manager expectations
Systematic approach that covers all areas in the report
Professional equipment and products for superior results
Bond back guarantee that protects your deposit
Documentation that proves professional cleaning was completed

Our Room by Room Guide to Effective Bond Cleaning provides comprehensive insights into how to address each area of your property to match PCR requirements, whether you choose DIY or professional cleaning.

How We Support You Beyond Cleaning

Our Perth bond cleaning team understands the inspection mindset — how property managers interpret PCRs and what details they flag during the final check.

We can help you by:

Reviewing your entry PCR before scheduling your final clean.
Identifying high-risk areas for inspection notes.
Providing a cleaning completion report that you can attach to your exit PCR as proof of effort and professionalism.

This level of transparency helps you pass even the strictest bond inspections — confidently and stress-free.

Expert Strategies to Protect Your Bond

Based on official data and industry experience, here are research-backed strategies to maximize your chances of receiving your full bond refund:

Understanding Your Legal Position

Familiarize yourself with the Residential Tenancies Act and the specific requirements outlined in your lease agreement. The legal standard is “reasonably clean,” but your lease may contain more specific expectations.

Document Property Condition

“Thoroughly document the property’s condition when moving in, including detailed photos,” advises Subin Shrestha, Operations Manager. “This comparative evidence can be crucial if disputes arise about pre-existing issues versus cleaning responsibilities.”

Consider Professional Cleaning as an Investment

Given the consistently high rate of cleaning-related deductions, professional bond cleaning with a guarantee should be viewed as financial protection rather than an expense.

Start the Process Early

Begin cleaning well before your vacate date. This provides time to address any particularly challenging areas and arrange professional help if needed.

Focus on High-Risk Areas

Concentrate efforts on areas that commonly fail inspections:

Kitchen appliances (especially ovens)
Bathroom tiles, grout, and glass
Window tracks and coverings
Floors (carpets and hard surfaces)
Walls and skirting boards

Key Takeaway

The Property Condition Report (PCR) is the foundation of a fair and transparent tenancy process in Western Australia. By understanding how it works — and ensuring your property is restored to its original standard through professional bond cleaning — you protect your rights, your bond, and your peace of mind.

If you’re moving out in Perth or anywhere in WA, Majestic Vacate Cleaning Perth can help you meet every inspection benchmark with precision and care.

Majestic Vacate Cleaning Perth specializes in end-of-lease cleaning with a 100% bond back guarantee. Our team works with over 50 real estate agencies across Perth and understands exactly what property managers look for during final inspections.