Renters' guide

Inspecting a property

When inspecting a rental property you should always do a thorough check to make sure that everything is in good working order before you sign a lease or pay any money.

Remember: once you have signed a lease you have accepted the property in its current condition. If the landlord offers or agrees to repair or improve the property before you move in (eg install a heater), make sure it is included in the tenancy agreement or get the promise in writing.

Things to check:

• heaters and air conditioning
• gas or electric stoves
• curtains
• flyscreens
• locks on windows and deadlocks on doors
• phone and TV antenna sockets
• power points

Remember: watch out for housing rental scams. Always inspect a property in person.

Making an application

If you like a property, you will need to fill in an application form.

You will have to give information such as:

• income or bank account balance
• previous rental history
• references

Application deposits

A real estate agent or landlord may ask for an application deposit along with your rental application.

Remember: if you pay a deposit always ask for a receipt. The deposit must be refunded if you do not get the property or deducted from your first rental payment.

Bond

A bond is a security deposit held by the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority for the length of your tenancy. You will usually be required to pay one months rent as your bond money.

Your bond will need to be paid prior to moving into the property. Your landlord should then lodge your bond money with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority.

The Tenants Union of Victoria (TUV) has useful fact sheets on the topics of bonds, ending a tenancy and shared households.

To work out your bond, multiply your weekly rent by 52 and then divide
that amount by 12.

Example:

Weekly rent = $100.

$100 x 52 weeks = $5200

$5200 divided by 12= $433.00 per calendar month

Bond = $433.00

Advance rent

Usually you will have to pay up to one month's rent in advance before you move into a property.

Leases

The lease or tenancy agreement is a contract between you and your landlord.

Your lease will outline:

• the period of time you will be renting the property
• how much rent you need to pay
• when you need to pay your rent
• the terms of leasing the property

Remember: make sure you understand your lease agreement. It is a legally binding document and it can be very difficult to end your tenancy before the end date. Never sign your name to something you do not understand and never sign any blank documents.

Condition report

When you pay your bond, your landlord must give you a condition report. The condition report outlines the general condition of the property you are moving into, which includes fittings and fixtures.

When you move into a new rental property, check over the condition report and ensure the property is in the same condition as stated in the report. If the property has damages that are not listed:

• amend the condition report
• return it to your landlord for them to sign.

Condition reports can be used as evidence if there is a dispute about who should pay for cleaning, damage to a property or the replacement of missing items.

Remember: tenants and landlords, or residents and owners, should agree on the contents of the condition report before signing it.

Disputes

If you have problems with your property or tenancy, first try to discuss the problem with your property manager or landlord.

If you cannot come to an agreement there are legal RTA procedures to resolve problems between landlords and tenants. Contact the RMIT Housing Advisory Service or the Tenants Union Vic for assistance.