Property Condition Reports: A Practical Guide for Montreal Owners

A property condition report is a dated, photographed record of a unit's state at a specific moment — most importantly at move-in and move-out. Done well, it prevents disputes over damage and gives owners a reliable maintenance history.

Why it matters

When a tenancy ends, the question is always the same: what was normal wear and what was damage? A signed report with clear photographs answers it. Without one, the burden of proof is far harder to meet before the Tribunal administratif du logement.

What to include

• The date, unit address, and names of the people present.
• Room-by-room photographs of floors, walls, windows, and fixtures.
• Meter readings and the number of keys and fobs issued.
• The condition of appliances, with model numbers where relevant.
• Any pre-existing damage, noted in writing and initialled by both parties.

Keeping the record

Store each report with the lease so the move-in and move-out versions can be compared side by side. A consistent template across a portfolio also makes it easy to spot recurring issues — a chronically leaking window, a floor due for replacement — before they become emergencies.

A few minutes of documentation at each turnover saves hours of dispute later, and builds the paper trail that protects an owner's investment.