Do I Need a Dilapidation Report? -- Quick Assessment
Answer five simple questions to find out whether a dilapidation report is recommended -- or legally required -- for your situation in Perth.
Q1.Is construction, demolition, or excavation happening near your property?
This includes residential building works, commercial developments, road upgrades, or any earthmoving activity within 50 metres.
Q2.Has council issued a Development Approval (DA) with dilapidation conditions?
Check your DA documentation or contact your local council. Many Perth councils now require pre-construction condition surveys as a standard DA condition.
Q3.Is excavation planned deeper than 1.5 metres within 3 metres of your property?
Deep excavation near property boundaries poses the highest risk of structural damage to neighbouring buildings and is a common trigger for mandatory reports.
Q4.Is your property within 50 metres of a major infrastructure project?
Projects like METRONET, Main Roads WA works, or Water Corporation upgrades often require dilapidation reports for all properties within the impact zone.
Q5.Do you have existing cracks, settlement, or structural concerns?
Documenting pre-existing damage protects you if nearby works cause further deterioration. A report provides the evidence baseline needed for any future claim.
When Is a Dilapidation Report Required in Perth?
In Western Australia, dilapidation reports are commonly required when a Development Approval (DA) includes a condition to document the state of neighbouring properties before construction begins. Councils across Perth -- including the City of Perth, City of Stirling, City of Joondalup, and City of Wanneroo -- frequently impose these conditions on projects involving excavation, demolition, or heavy machinery.
Common Scenarios That Trigger a Report
- Residential or commercial construction adjacent to your property
- Excavation deeper than 1.5 metres within 3 metres of your boundary
- METRONET rail extensions and associated tunnelling works
- Main Roads WA road widening or bridge construction
- Existing structural concerns you want formally documented
For an in-depth guide on when reports are needed and who is responsible, read our complete guide.