10/10/2026
🏠 Moving Into a Rental? The Photos You Take Today May Matter Years Later.
An Entry Condition Report is important — but written notes alone may not tell the full story.
A recent end-of-lease cleaning job reminded us why documenting a property’s original condition matters.
Our client explained that the property had not appeared to be thoroughly cleaned when they first moved in. Some existing marks, paint damage and signs of wear were recorded in the Entry Condition Report.
However, there were very few photos to support those descriptions.
Over the years, the property had been managed by several different Property Managers. By the time the final exit inspection took place, the original condition was difficult to establish from written notes alone.
“Wall marks” is a record. But a clear photo shows where those marks were, how extensive they were, and what they actually looked like.
🔎 What happened after the Exit Inspection?
The Property Manager requested further attention to several areas, including some that were not part of the original cleaning booking.
We reviewed the Exit Report with our client and explained the available options:
✔️ Original cleaning scope: Arrange follow-up cleaning where required under our re-clean policy, with photos and videos documenting the results.
✔️ Existing wear and ageing: Assess what can safely be cleaned and document any remaining marks or material limitations.
✔️ Additional cleaning: Identify items such as wall washing, detailed blinds cleaning or excluded rooms that would require a separate service.
✔️ Client’s choice: Allow the tenant to arrange additional cleaning or complete those areas themselves.
We understand that Property Managers want properties presented to a high standard, and we work towards the best achievable cleaning result.
However, cleaning, fair wear and tear, and material damage are not always the same thing.
Some surfaces, particularly delicate or deteriorating paint finishes, cannot be scrubbed repeatedly without risking further damage.
Our responsibility is to achieve the best safe cleaning result, explain the limitations and provide clear documentation.
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📸 Moving Into a Rental? Save This Checklist.
Before settling into your new home:
1️⃣ Take wide photos and close-ups.
Show the entire room first, then photograph existing marks, stains or damage.
2️⃣ Photograph the important areas.
Walls, doors, skirting boards, kitchen appliances, cupboards, bathrooms, blinds, window tracks, carpets, flooring and outdoor areas.
3️⃣ Match your photos with your Entry Condition Report.
Instead of writing only “Wall damaged”, record the room, exact location and type of damage.
4️⃣ Return your report on time.
In Queensland, tenants generally have 7 days from the later of moving in or receiving the Entry Condition Report to complete and return it. Include your comments and supporting photos.
5️⃣ Keep your original records.
Save your Entry Condition Report, photos, videos, emails and maintenance requests together, preferably with the original dates preserved.
Even if the Property Manager changes in the future, your records remain available.
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💡 Our Advice
If you’re preparing to move out and receive an Exit Report, review each item carefully.
Is it removable dirt? Existing damage? Fair wear and tear? Or something requiring repairs rather than cleaning?
These questions matter when deciding the appropriate next step.
At Mr Good Day Deep Cleaning, our service doesn’t simply end when the cleaning equipment is packed away.
We help clients understand cleaning-related inspection feedback, arrange eligible follow-up cleaning and explain which additional services may be needed.
We can’t recreate the photos you didn’t take years ago. But we can help you understand what can be done today.
📌 A few well-documented photos when you move in could save you a lot of explaining when you move out.
Mr Good Day Deep Cleaning | Brisbane
Professional Property Cleaning
Pre-Sale · Move-In · End of Lease
Carpet Steam Cleaning · Pest Control · Machine Tile & Grout Cleaning · Garden / W**d Removal
Queensland RTA — Entry Condition Report:
https://www.rta.qld.gov.au/starting-a-tenancy/entry-condition-report