Prepare to rent

Whether you are a lessor / landlord or tenant - you should make sure you do your homework before signing a rental agreement.  

Tenants

Make sure the property meets your day-to-day needs. Ask yourself:

  • Can you pay the rent and still have money to live? 
  • Is it close to shops, schools or public transport? 
  • Is it suitably maintained and secure?
  • What type of agreement would suit you (periodic or fixed-term)?

It's important to shop around to avoid making rash decisions about renting. There can be significant up-front costs, so think carefully about what you can afford.  To rent a house at $380 per week could cost you about $2,500 to move in. You could have to find the money to pay for:

  • rent in advance (two weeks): $760;
  • a security bond (equivalent to a maximum of four weeks’ rent): $1520;
  • a bond for a cat or dog or any pet capable of carrying parasites that can affect humans (except guide dogs) (if you have one and are allowed to keep one under the tenancy agreement): a maximum amount of $260; and
  • other costs associated with changing house, such as moving furniture etc.

Landlords/Lessors

Make sure you know what your rights and responsibilities are.

Rental guides

More information about renting a property is available in the guides for tenants and lessors and rental law videos

 

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