The Latrobe Valley has a busy rental market, from family homes in Traralgon and Moe to student houses in Churchill and investor properties in Morwell. At the end of every lease, there’s a short window to put things right. Whether you’re a tenant hoping for your full bond back or a landlord getting a property ready for the next tenant, a little planning goes a long way.

For tenants: before the exit inspection

Compare with the condition report

Find your entry condition report and photos. Walk through the property and note anything that’s different. The goal is to return the property in the same condition, apart from fair wear and tear.

Common repairs

• Filling and touching up picture hook holes and small dents in walls
• Patching larger holes (door handles hitting walls is a classic)
• Replacing torn flyscreens
• Fixing doors that no longer latch, loose handles and broken door stops
• Repairing cupboard doors and drawer runners
• Removing hooks, shelves or brackets you installed, and patching the holes
• Replacing blown light globes (globe replacement only)

Fair wear and tear versus damage

Fair wear and tear is the gradual deterioration from normal use: faded paint, worn carpet in walkways, loose hinges after years of use. Damage is something beyond that: holes in walls, broken flyscreens, burns or stains. Victorian rules set out the details. Check Consumer Affairs Victoria for current guidance.

Keep records

Take photos before and after repairs, and keep invoices. If there’s a dispute, good records help.

For landlords and property managers

Between tenancies

A vacant property is the easiest time to do maintenance. Common jobs include:

• Patching and painting walls
• Resealing showers, baths and kitchen sinks
• Regrouting tiles
• Adjusting doors, windows and cupboards
• Replacing worn door hardware and blind fittings
• Repairing flyscreens
• Cleaning gutters and pressure washing paths
• Tidying fences and gates

Minimum standards

Victorian rental properties must meet minimum standards, covering things like locks, window coverings in bedrooms and living areas, and functioning toilets and kitchens. A handyman can help with many of the non-licensed items, such as blinds, curtain fittings and door hardware. Licensed items such as electrical safety and gas checks require licensed trades.

Photo reports

We supply dated before-and-after photos of every item for your records, which helps with condition reports and future disputes.

Timing in the Valley

In Churchill, student leases often turn over at the end of the academic year, so bookings fill up in November, December and February. In Traralgon and Moe, turnovers happen year-round. Book early where possible.

Get it done in one visit

Send the list (or the outgoing inspection report) through the free quote form. We’ll quote each item and work through them together. See also end of lease repairs and property managers.

*General information only. For legal obligations, check current Consumer Affairs Victoria guidance.*