Choosing a good place

You might like to download this new tenant’s checklist to help you choose the rental property that’s best for you, your budget and your lifestyle. It also includes information and tips.
Look at lots of properties to see what is available, and check them out carefully. As you look around at the different places, use the checklist to note down what you think.

Choose a good landlord

• Find out as much as you can about them – previous tenants would be good to talk to.
• How do you get on with them? Can you talk to them?
• If you’re in any doubt, look somewhere else.

A word about discrimination

You cannot be refused accommodation because of your sex, marital status, religious or ethical belief, colour, race, ethnic or national origins, disability, age, political opinion, employment status, family status or sexual orientation.

For example, it’s illegal for a landlord to deny a tenancy to a person because they belong to a certain church, or to change an existing lease after it has been signed because the landlord discovers the tenant is unemployed.

If you suspect you are being discriminated against, contact the Department of Building and Housing or the Human Rights Commission and ask for advice.

To find out more, see our information sheet Discrimination in tenancy matters.

Agree about rent

Rent is the money you pay to live on the property. You and the landlord need to work out what, when, where and how you’ll pay.

A landlord cannot charge you key money (except with the consent of the Tenancy Tribunal, in very special circumstances). Key money means any payment requested by the landlord for letting the property to a tenant, except for rent, bond, or a letting agent’s fee or solicitor’s fee. For example, a charge of $50 for the key to the house or $20 deposit on a lawnmower supplied with the tenancy would be key money.

Also be careful in any discussions leading up to an agreement. If your landlord says you can rent a property, or you say you will take it, or you pay any money, this may be binding, even if an agreement has not yet been signed.
Insurance

It’s important to make sure you have the right insurance in the case of any damage that may occur, either through accident or otherwise. See our information sheet What insurance do I need? This explains the insurance landlords and tenants should have, and what happens if an insurance company takes over a claim