What do you need to know when renting?
Applying for a rental property
When you find a rental property that you like you will have to complete an application form. This might include providing information on your rental history, employment to prove you can cover the rent, and referees. It is important that you complete all of the questions and submit your application as soon as possible, especially if there is a lot of competition and people interested in renting the property.
Although rental bidding is common where people offer above the rental price, this is illegal in some states including Queensland and Victoria.
If your application is successful you will have to sign a lease / residential tenancy agreement and pay your bond. The bond is usually up to four weeks of the rental amount as a security deposit, often to a centralised bond agency. However, this differs from state to state and can depend on the value of the rent. You will get your bond back at the end of your lease, unless the property is not left in a satisfactory state in which case it can be used for cleaning and repairs.
​
Make sure you check the condition report before moving in, in case there are any future disagreements over damages that were already present before you moved into the property.
Rights and responsibilities of the tenant
You might want to consider contents insurance when you move into a rental property to protect your belongings.
​
As a tenant you will need to make sure you
keep the property clean, undamaged and maintain the lawns and gardens. Any other repairs and maintenance is the responsibility of the landlord. Urgent repairs usually have to be completed by the landlord within 1-2 days.
