Guide to Renting

We’ve compiled a comprehensive renter’s guide that will tell you everything you need to know before you sign on the dotted line…


Before you start looking

Make a “must-have” check list, itemising areas, how many rooms, views etc, so you can make sure you find your perfect new home. Then you can start your search and shortlist places to view.

You should also  prepare your application so you can submit it as soon as you find the right house or apartment. Having this ready to go is often the difference between securing a rental and missing out.

It’s also good practice to have spare digital and physical copies of all the documents you need to include in an application, including identification, phone bills, and payslips. 

References are also important. This is why you should have them well before any inspections. You should also let referees know that a property manager or landlord may call once you’ve lodged an application. If you’re a first time renter, you won’t have a rental history, so choose referees who are credible and relevant. A boss or work colleague are great choices.

Finding the right rental

To help your search, bookmark Properties for Lease and Rental Inspections – or sign up for Property Alerts to keep up-to-date on the latest properties for lease.

Inspect the property

Inspect the properties you like before your sign a lease. Inspecting a rental not only allows you to see the property and surrounds, it also gives you the opportunity to get to meet us, your potential new agents. It’s also the time to ask questions about the property, the area and the lease. We’re here to help, you can also drop into the office to find out more information about CRE and the properties we have to lease.

You can check out our property inspection times here

What is a residential tenancy agreement?

If you are successful, a landlord will want you to sign a contract known as a residential tenancy agreement, or a “lease”. 

This may feel daunting for first time renters, but you must have a legal contract between you, the tenant, and your landlord. 

Why is a residential tenancy agreement important and what should outline?

  • the amount of rent and how it is to be paid
  • the length and type of tenancy
  • the amount of bond required
  • details on what will happen if you break the lease or ask to leave before the agreement expires
  • special terms related to pets and cleaning requirements 
  • other conditions and rules.

What is a bond?

When signing the contract, you will be asked for a bond, which is a deposit that serves as security for the landlord or owner, in case you don’t meet the terms of your lease.

Your landlord may claim some or all of the bond for cleaning, repairs, or replacement of missing items at the end of your agreement.

The bond and rent are separate payments and often you will be asked to pay a certain amount of rent up front as well.

You cannot use any part of the bond as rent, which means when you move out, you can’t ask the landlord to deduct your final rental payment from your bond.

What is a condition report?

A condition report is a document that notes the state of the property when you first move in.

The landlord or owner must prepare a condition report for you to check and sign within days of moving into your home. It should include detailed information on the condition of the property’s walls, doors and floors, and cover existing damage or issues with any furniture and appliances.

The condition report is important because it can be used as evidence if there is a dispute about who should pay for cleaning, damage or replacement of missing items at the end of the agreement. Which means it’s very important that you and the landlord agree on the contents of the condition report before signing it.

Landlords can claim a portion of your bond if you fail to leave the property in the same condition as when you moved in. They must, however, account for wear and tear.

CONTACT OUR PROPERTY MANAGEMENT TEAM

Our team are commited to helping you find your perfect new home, and to make the process as stress-free as possible. Click below to meet our team and get their contact details.