The end of a lease brings a list of repairs and a deadline. This guide helps tenants and landlords in Warragul, Drouin and West Gippsland work through the common items. It is general information only; for your rights and obligations, check current Consumer Affairs Victoria guidance and your rental agreement.

Start with the condition report

The condition report from the start of the tenancy is the reference point. Compare each room with the report and its photos, and note any differences. Talk to your property manager early about what they expect to see repaired.

Fair wear and tear

Fair wear and tear is the natural deterioration that comes from normal use: faded paint, minor scuffs, worn carpet in walkways, loose door handles from use. Damage beyond that, such as holes in walls, broken fittings, pet damage or burns, may be the tenant’s responsibility. Where the line falls is for the tenant, landlord and agent to work out, and in disputes, for the tribunal.

Common tenant repairs

• Picture hook and anchor holes: filled, sanded and painted if the paint can be matched.
• TV brackets: removed and holes patched.
• Wall scuffs and marks: cleaned first; paint touch-ups only where colours match.
• Holes from door handles: patched and a door stop fitted.
• Broken blinds: repaired or replaced to match.
• Torn flyscreens: re-meshed.
• Items you installed: removed and holes made good, unless agreed otherwise.

See plaster and wall patching and window and flyscreen repairs.

Paint matching

Touch-ups only blend if the paint matches in colour and sheen. Ask the property manager whether the landlord has the original paint. Poorly matched patches can look worse than the original mark, and repainting a full wall may be better.

Keep records

Photograph each item before and after repair, and keep invoices. Share them with the property manager before the exit inspection.

For landlords: between tenancies

The gap between tenancies is the best time for maintenance:

• Patch and paint walls.
• Re-silicone wet areas and regrout showers.
• Replace worn hinges, drawer runners and handles.
• Fix doors, windows and flyscreens.
• Clean gutters and pressure wash outdoor areas.
• Check items related to rental minimum standards, such as window coverings, locks on external doors and working fixtures.

Keep labelled paint tins and spare tiles for future touch-ups. See end-of-lease and rental repairs.

Rental minimum standards

Victorian rental properties must meet minimum standards. These are updated from time to time, so landlords and agents should check current Consumer Affairs Victoria guidance. Licensed items such as electrical safety and gas checks must be done by licensed trades.

For property managers

We provide fast turnaround on vacated properties, before and after photos, itemised invoices and key collection. See property managers.

Get help

Send the condition report or list and photos through our free quote form, with your deadline.