(1)  If an owner requires an amount as a security deposit in respect of any residential premises to be paid by or on behalf of a prospective tenant, the owner is to give the tenant 2 copies of a report stating the condition of the premises on or before the day on which the tenant occupies the premises.

(2)  A condition report is to –

(a) specify the general state of repair and condition of the premises to which it relates; and

(b) be signed by the owner.

(3)  On receipt of the copies of the condition report the tenant is to –

(a) sign one of the copies of the report endorsed with a statement that the tenant agrees or disagrees with the report as a whole or any part of it; and

(b) return that signed and endorsed copy to the owner within 2 days.

(4)  A condition report that is given under this section is evidence of the state of repair and condition of the residential premises to which it relates.