USEFUL INFORMATION FOR TENANT

• CHOOSING A RENTAL PROPERTY   A property owner or landlord owns a rental property but it is a tenant’s home. 

Tenants should make sure a property matches their needs before signing a tenancy agreement. 

They should also read the agreement and any special terms carefully before signing it.

Checklist

• Is the property the right size?
• Is it in the right location for work and social activities?
• Is it suitable for pets or children?
• Can you maintain the property? (e.g. can you look after a pool, or large garden?)
• Does the property have the facilities you need? (e.g. does it have a broadband connection? If not, can it be added and who will pay for these services to be made available?
• Will you have to pay for water uses?
• In a rural property will you need to refill the water tank in dry weather?
• Will there be additional costs for occasional garden maintenance? (e.g. disposing of green waste, tree pruning)
• If there are gas bottles, will they be filled at the start of the tenancy and will a receipt be provided?
• Does the property have the level of security you require? (e.g. screens on windows)

• RENTAL BOND  A rental bond is a security deposit paid at the start of the tenancy.

If the property manager/owner takes a bond, they must give the tenant a receipt and lodge it with the RTA within 10 days. It is an offence not to do so.

The bond is paid back to the tenant when the property is vacated, provided no money is owed for rent, damages or other costs.