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Reports & rentals

Compliance & reporting

Clear, structured reports describing what was observed at a property and the requirements that may apply to it. A report records the property at the time of inspection. It isn't a certificate of compliance.

Illustration. Not an actual property or real inspection work.

  • Owners who need a clear record of a property's condition.
  • Rental providers and property managers who want structured records for a property.
  • Owners who have been asked for a report on a particular item or area.
  • Anyone who wants to understand which requirements may apply to a property.

  • A scope agreed with you before the inspection.
  • Observations of the areas in scope, recorded at the time of the inspection.
  • The requirements that may be relevant to what was observed, explained in plain language.
  • Clear notes on limitations and areas not inspected.

You receive
  • A structured written report with a consistent layout.
  • Photos supporting key observations.
  • A summary of the requirements that may apply, and suggested next steps.
  • A plain-language explanation from VicWide.

Reports are set out in a consistent structure: the scope, what was inspected, observations by area with photos, limitations, and next steps. The exact contents depend on the agreed scope.

Illustrative layout. Contains no findings.

VicWide · Report

Compliance & reporting document

Property
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Prepared for
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Reference
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Inspection
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  • Scope

  • Limitations

  • Areas inspected

  • Observations

  • Next steps

A layout illustration only. Real reports describe what was observed at the time of inspection.

  1. Tell us why you need the report and who will read it.

  2. Share any existing reports, certificates or correspondence about the property.

  3. Arrange access to all areas in scope.

  4. Let us know about any deadline.

Can’t see your question? Send an enquiry and we’ll come back to you.

More detail

More about compliance & reporting

How it works

Start by telling us what the report is for and what it needs to cover. We'll confirm the scope and provide a quote. The inspection records observations for the areas in scope, and the report sets them out in a consistent structure, alongside the requirements that may apply and suggested next steps.

What a report is and isn't

A report is a clear record of what was observed at the time of inspection. It helps you understand a property and talk with others about it. It isn't a warranty, and it doesn't decide whether something complies. That decision sits with the relevant authority or an authorised person.

Reading your report

Start with the scope and limitations, so you know what was and wasn't covered. Then read the observations and the requirements that may apply. If anything is unclear, ask us to explain it in plain language.

Learn with VicWide

Plain-language summaries you can read now. General information only, not advice about a specific property.

Showing 2 topics

  • Inspections

    How do I read an inspection report?

    An inspection report records what was observed at the time of the inspection, where it was observed, and what couldn't be inspected. This topic walks through a typical report structure and how to use it when you talk with builders, agents or other advisers.

    Key points 5
    • A report describes observations at the time of the inspection. Conditions can change afterwards.
    • Read the scope and limitations first, so you know what was and wasn't inspected.
    • Observations are grouped by area, so you can find what matters to your decision.
    • A report is not a certificate of compliance, a warranty or an insurance policy.
    • If something isn't clear, ask us to explain it in plain language.

    Related service: Compliance & reporting

  • Permits & documentation

    Which permits and documents might my project need?

    Planning permits and building permits deal with different things, and a project may need one, both or neither. This topic explains the difference in plain terms, the kinds of documents authorities commonly ask for, and why the decision always sits with the relevant authority.

    Key points 5
    • A planning permit generally relates to how land is used and developed. Your council administers planning.
    • A building permit relates to the building work itself and is issued by a building surveyor.
    • Whether a permit is needed depends on the project and the property, so check before work starts.
    • Authorities commonly ask for plans, specifications and supporting reports. Exact requirements vary.
    • Decisions and timeframes sit with your council, the relevant building surveyor or the relevant authority.

    Related service: Permits & approvals

Ready when you are

Enquire about compliance & reporting

Tell us about the property. We confirm the scope and a quote with you before anything is arranged.