Welcome to your tenancy

Welcome to your new home! This guide is designed to help you understand your rights and responsibilities as a renter. Whether this is your first time renting or you’re a seasoned tenant, knowing the basics can make your renting experience smoother.

Step 1: Communicating with your rental provider
You can agree to receive important documents like your rental agreement, condition report, and inspection notices electronically from your rental provider. This also applies to any notices you need to send them. It’s a convenient way to stay informed and ensures you have everything documented.

Step 2: Understanding your bond
When you move in, you may be asked to pay a bond, typically up to one month’s rent. This bond must be lodged with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA) within 10 business days, and you should receive a receipt within 15 business days. If you don’t, contact the RTBA to ensure your bond is properly lodged.

Step 3: The condition report
Before you move in, your rental provider will give you a condition report. Inspect the property carefully, adding any notes about its condition, and take plenty of photos to add to your report. Return one signed copy to your rental provider within five business days and keep the other for your records. This report is crucial if there’s ever a dispute about damage or cleaning when you move out.

Step 4: Repairs and maintenance
If something needs fixing, it’s important to know whether it’s an urgent or non-urgent repair. Urgent repairs, like a broken toilet or gas leak, must be addressed immediately by your rental provider. For non-urgent repairs, you should send a written request, and the rental provider must respond within 14 days.

Step 5: Making modifications
You have the right to make certain modifications, like installing picture hooks or child safety devices, without needing permission from your rental provider. For other changes, you’ll need written consent, but they can’t unreasonably refuse. Always check what modifications are allowed.

Step 6: Rent increases and inspections
Your rent can only be increased once every 12 months (or every 6 months for older agreements). You must receive at least 60 days’ notice before any rent increase. Inspections can only occur after proper notice, and you have the right to privacy, meaning the rental provider must follow strict guidelines for entering your property.

Step 7: Ending your rental agreement
When it’s time to move out, you or your rental provider must give proper notice to end the rental agreement. If you want to leave before your lease ends, be aware of any potential fees. If your rental provider asks you to move out, they must give you a valid reason and the correct amount of notice.

Step 8: Handling the bond when you move out
Before moving out, try to agree with your rental provider on how the bond will be returned. If there’s any dispute, you can apply to the RTBA to claim your bond back. If your rental provider doesn’t contest your claim within 14 days, the bond will be returned to you.

We hope this guide helps you navigate your tenancy with confidence. Understanding your rights and responsibilities can prevent problems down the road and make your renting experience more enjoyable. If you ever have questions or need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to your rental provider or contact us for advice.