A Comprehensive Guide to Being a Tenant/Renter

Being a renter/tenant comes with both rights and responsibilities. Whether you’re renting for the first time or have experience in the rental market, understanding your role as a renter/tenant can make your experience smoother and more enjoyable. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about being a renter/tenant from finding a place to understanding your lease agreement to dealing with common rental issues. 

1. Understanding Your Rights as a Renter/Tenant 

As a renter/tenant you have certain legal rights designed to protect you. These rights vary by state, or territory, but generally, renters/tenants are entitled to: 

• Right to a habitable property: The rental must meet certain health and safety standards. This includes basic things like plumbing, heating/cooling, and safe living conditions, depending on the state or territory. 

• Protection from unfair eviction: Landlords/rental providers cannot evict you without due process. They must follow legal procedures, including providing proper notice. 

• Privacy: Your landlord/rental provider or property manager cannot enter your rental without proper notice unless it’s an emergency. 

• Protection against discrimination: You cannot be discriminated against based on race, gender, religion, or other protected characteristics. 

It’s essential to familiarise yourself with your local tenancy laws, as these vary widely depending on where you live. 

2. Finding the Right Rental Property

Before signing a lease, you should take the time to research and find the right property for you. Here are some things to consider: 

• Budget: Set a realistic budget for how much rent you can afford. A general rule of thumb is that your rent should be no more than 30% of your monthly income. 

• Location: Consider the location of the property in relation to your work, public transport, amenities, schools (if you have children), and safety of the neighbourhood. 

• Size and amenities: Think about the size of the property and whether it meets your needs. Does it have enough bedrooms? Does it offer important features like parking, air conditioning, or a pet-friendly policy? 

• Condition of the property: Always inspect the property before committing to renting. Check for any damages, signs of pests, or issues with appliances. 

3. Understanding the Lease Agreement

Once you’ve found a place you like, the next step is signing the lease agreement. This is a legally binding document, so it’s important to understand what you’re agreeing to. Key points to look out for include: 

• Rent amount and due dates: Confirm how much rent you’ll be paying, when it’s due, and the acceptable payment methods. 

• Lease term: The length of your lease (e.g., 6 months, 12 months) and the renewal process. Know if there’s an option to extend your lease or if it automatically converts to a month-to-month agreement after the initial term. 

• Bond: This is usually required to cover any damage to the property. Make sure you know the amount and the conditions for its return. 

• Maintenance responsibilities: Clarify who is responsible for maintenance and repairs. Generally, landlords/rental providers take care of major repairs, but renters/tenants may be responsible for minor upkeep (e.g., replacing light bulbs, maintaining the garden). 

• Rules and restrictions: Pay attention to any restrictions on things like pets, smoking, or subletting. These can vary greatly depending on the landlord/rental provider or property type. 

Read through your lease carefully, and don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek clarification on anything you don’t understand. If necessary, get legal advice before signing. 

4. Moving In and Documenting the Property Condition

When you move into your new rental, it’s crucial to document the condition of the property. Take photos or videos of the entire property, including walls, floors, appliances, and any existing damage. This will serve as proof of the property’s condition when you move out, helping to avoid disputes over bond refunds. 

• Inventory checklist: Your landlord/rental provider or real estate agent will provide a checklist of items and their condition at the time of move-in. Make sure to review it thoroughly and return it to your landlord/rental provider or agent with any discrepancies noted. 

5. Paying Rent and Other Responsibilities

• Pay rent on time: Always pay your rent by the due date. Late payments may negatively impact your credit rating as well as your ability to find another rental. If you anticipate any delays, communicate with your landlord/rental provider or agent as soon as possible. 

• Utilities: Some rental agreements include utilities like water, gas, or electricity in the rent, while others require renters/tenants to set up and pay for their own services. Make sure you understand which utilities you’re responsible for and set them up in your name if necessary. 

• Maintain the property: As a renter/tenant you must take care of the property and avoid causing damage. Notify your landlord/rental provider or agent of any maintenance issues promptly so that they can be addressed before they worsen. 

• Follow the rules: Be respectful of the property and the neighbours. Abide by the terms of your lease, including noise restrictions, rubbish disposal, body corporate guidelines and parking rules. 

6. Dealing with Repairs and Maintenance

If something breaks or needs repair, contact your landlord/rental provider or property manager right away. Most leases include a clause that outlines the process for reporting maintenance issues. It’s important to: 

• Notify promptly: Always report issues as soon as they arise to avoid further damage and to ensure the problem is fixed in a timely manner. 

• Request repairs in writing: For serious issues (like plumbing or electrical problems), put your repair requests in writing. Keep a copy of any correspondence for your records. 

7. Renewing or Ending Your Lease

As your lease term nears its end, you’ll need to decide whether you want to renew, move out, or switch to a month-to-month agreement. Here’s what you should consider: 

• Renewing your lease: If you’re happy with the property, you can typically renew your lease. However, be prepared for the possibility of a rent increase. 

• Giving notice: If you decide not to renew, most leases require renters/tenants to give notice (usually 21 days) before moving out. Failure to do so could result in penalties. 

• Moving out: When moving out, make sure the property is clean and in the same condition as when you moved in (minus normal wear and tear). Return all keys, remotes, and other items provided by the landlord/rental provider. 

8. Getting Your Bond Back

Your bond will be returned at the end of your lease, assuming the property is in good condition and there are no outstanding rent payments or fees. The landlord/rental provider may deduct for: 

• Damages: Costs to repair damage beyond normal wear and tear. 

• Cleaning fees: If the property is left in a dirty condition. 

• Unpaid rent: Any remaining rent owed can be deducted from the deposit. 

Make sure to provide the landlord/rental provider with a forwarding address for the return of your bond and any final statements. 

9. Dealing with Disputes

Occasionally, disputes may arise between renters/tenants and landlords/rental providers. Common issues include disagreements over repairs, late rent, or the return of a bond. If this happens: 

• Communicate: Try to resolve the issue directly with your landlord/rental provider or property manager. Keep a record of all communication. 

• Know your rights: If you’re unable to resolve the issue informally, consult local tenancy laws or seek legal advice. 

• Mediation: In some cases, mediation services can help resolve conflicts without going to tribunal/court. 

Conclusion 

Being a renter/tenant comes with a set of rights and responsibilities that help create a smooth and mutually beneficial rental experience. By understanding your rights, responsibilities, and the lease terms, you can avoid disputes and ensure a positive and secure living situation. Whether you’re renting for the first time or have experience, staying informed will help you navigate the rental process with confidence and peace of mind.