Rental Tips for First-Time Renters in Australia
Renting is becoming an increasingly popular choice for families and single people in Australia due to the recent economic crisis.
As getting on the property ladder becomes exceedingly challenging, more people are turning to rental properties nowadays. And when you’re a first-time renter, things can be even more difficult.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of essential tips to help you evade some of the most prevalent pitfalls of renting.
Clarify the Letting Agent's Fees
In Australia, letting agents can charge tenants for certain services, such as reference checks, inventory checks, and lease renewals.
However, these fees should be reasonable and clearly stated upfront. As a tenant, you have a right to clarify all the charges and fees you will incur before signing a lease.
Take time to ensure you understand the various terms and conditions. This includes the amount of rent you’ll have to pay as well. If you are unsure about something, it’s best to seek advice from a professional or contact your local tenancy authority.
It's worth noting that some letting agencies may provide additional services such as rental guarantee insurance or property management. And while these services can be beneficial, they may incur extra costs.
So, before agreeing to them, ensure you understand the costs and benefits of any extra features.
Read the Small Print
Before signing a lease, take the proper time to read the fine print carefully. Doing this will help you understand your responsibilities as a tenant, such as property maintenance and bill payment.
It's vital to grasp the rules regarding pets and smoking and the lease's terms and conditions. If you are unsure about anything, seek professional advice or call your local tenancy authority.
In Australia, there are two main types of tenancy agreements: fixed-term and periodic. The first one lasts for a set period of time - usually six or 12 months. The second kind has no set end date and can be terminated by either the tenant or the landlord with the appropriate notice.
Ensure you understand the type of tenancy agreement you're signing and the implications of each.
Protect Your Deposit
In Australia, landlords are legally required to hold your bond using a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme. This ensures that you can claim it back at the end of your lease, provided you met the terms and conditions during the lease.
You must also consider cleaning your drains before moving out to ensure you get your deposit back. This will help ensure that the property will be left in good condition, increasing the likelihood of you getting your bond back in full.
It's worth noting that in Australia, there are rules around how much a landlord can charge as a bond or deposit. In most states and territories, the maximum amount they can charge is four weeks' rent.
It’s essential to ensure you understand the rules in your state or territory before paying a deposit.
Carefully Check the Inventory
So, an inventory list is simply an index of all the items in the rental property, like furniture, appliances, and utensils.
It's essential to check the inventory carefully before you move in and report any discrepancies to the landlord or letting agent. Who knows, maybe the bed cover is missing. If an inventory is not provided, ask for one to be produced, as it can be used as evidence in the event of a dispute.
When you move out, check the inventory carefully and report any issues as soon as possible to avoid disputes later on.
Tenants in Australia are in charge of maintaining the property nice and clean and reporting any damage or repairs considered necessary.
Any problems with the property should be reported as promptly as possible to the landlord or letting agent. If you or your guests cause the damage, you may be liable for the expenses of repairs.
Keep the premises clean and communicate any issues immediately to avoid any disputes.
Clarify Who is Responsible for Bills
When renting a property in Australia, knowing who is liable for paying the bills is vital.
The tenant is the one who is most often responsible for paying their own utilities. However, it’s not unheard of for the landlord to cover some of the electricity, gas, and water expenses. Your landlord should also pay for regular pest control services however, if you are found to be a contributing to a pest infestation, the cost may fall on you – you may also need to book an end of lease pest control service at the end of your lease.
The essential thing before signing a lease is to make sure you grasp your responsibilities. If you're in charge of paying bills, make sure you recognise the costs and whether you're permitted to change suppliers.
If you have any housemates, you must ensure they’re happy with the bill arrangement and the condition you leave the place when moving out.
Insurance, Safety, and Security
You should safeguard your belongings by obtaining renter's insurance as a tenant. This will protect your personal possessions in events such as theft, damage, or loss.
It's also essential that the rental property is secured as well. The landlord is in charge of guaranteeing the safety and regular maintenance of electrical and gas appliances. They must also implement smoke detectors and provide fire extinguishers to reduce fire hazards.
It is essential to note that tenants in Australia have certain legal rights and protections.
For example, you have the right to quiet enjoyment of the property, which means the landlord cannot interfere with your use unless there is a compelling cause. If you believe your rights are being violated, seek guidance from your local tenancy authority.
End of Tenancy Cleaning
At the end of your tenancy, you're entitled to return your deposit within a reasonable timeframe, provided the property is left in a clean and tidy condition.
To ensure that you get your deposit back in full, consider hiring a professional end of lease cleaning service.
They will have the knowledge, experience, and equipment to deep clean the premises and ensure they're left in excellent condition.
Final words
In summary, renting can come with its own set of challenges. However, following these essential tips for first-time renters in Australia, you can avoid common pitfalls and enjoy a stress-free tenancy.
Remember to clarify all fees and charges, read the small print carefully, protect your deposit, carefully check the inventory, clarify who is responsible for bills, ensure safety and security, and hire a professional cleaning service at the end of your tenancy.
And with the above tips, you can enjoy your rental property with added peace of mind.