What to do before Renting
The first thing to do before you rent a home is to ensure the location is convenient for you by way of
transport, schools and shopping. When you have settled on a suitable area and premises, make your
way to the agency which has it listed. Once you express an interest you will be given a key to inspect the
inside of the home to ensure that it really is suitable for your needs. If you are happy with its condition
and the rental fee charged, then it is time to check out the lease.
Before signing, ensure you read it carefully and are aware of any extra fees that may be listed to be paid
by you. These could include yard maintenance if the owner prefers to have it taken care of, and also
water usage charges. If you are not happy with something and the owner is not willing to negotiate then
simply do not sign. If you do choose to go ahead with the rental and sign the lease, you will be required
to pay a bond and at least two weeks rent ahead. Ensure you obtain a receipt for both transactions and
that the bond has been lodged within the specified time frame. They must be given to you immediately
by the landlord or his property managers Brisbane. You will then have a receipt from the Rental Bond
Authority mailed to you as well in acknowledgement of the bond having been lodged.
Having paid the bond, along with the keys you will be given a Condition Report form by the landlord or
his Brisbane property managers on which you should list any damages or defects you notice before you
actually move in. You then return it to the agency which will provide you with a copy. Be thorough in
your search so that you won’t be charged for something you are not responsible for and keep your copy
safe for future reference. Also be aware of your obligations to the landlord during your tenancy and
ensure the premises are always clean and free of vermin and the outdoors neat and well maintained. As
well as your obligations you should be clearly aware of your rights as well.
Your landlord is required by law to list extra fees on the lease before signing, to have working smoke
alarms installed, and to give adequate notice when he intends to enter the property when it is
necessary. One example of necessary entry is when he has to make repairs on defective fixtures within
the home such as hot water systems, stoves and fans. You must allow regular property checks to be
carried out by the landlord or his management. If all obligations are carried out there will be no
problems during the tenancy.
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