A rental reference or referral is a written or verbal recommendation from someone who knows you well; either personally, financially, professionally, or in a prior rental capacity. A rental reference helps to give the property manager and rental provider confidence that you will pay the rent on time, take care of the property and comply with the terms of the lease.

A bond is a deposit that acts as security for the property owner if you don’t meet the terms of your lease. In Victoria, the bond is held in security by the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA) until the end of your residential tenancy agreement. If you fail to leave the property clean and in good repair when you move out, the owner may claim some or all of this bond at the end of your lease. You cannot use any part of the bond as rent, including your final rental payment.

This is the legally binding written contract between you and the property owner – also commonly known as the lease. You will receive a copy before you pay any money, and it is wise to read this thoroughly and ask any questions. The residential tenancy agreement includes all the relevant information such as your details, those of the property manager or owner, the start and end date of your tenancy, rent amount and payment details, the terms of the agreement, the bond amount and other conditions and rules.

The condition report is a document filled out before you move in, that notes any pre-existing damage, wear and tear and the general state of the property. It’s prepared by the owner or property manager, and you will be asked to read and sign it if you are in agreement. Be sure to look it over carefully, noting the condition of walls, doors and floors, and that it details any existing damage or issues. It’s also advisable to take photographs as a record of the condition of the property. The condition report can be used as evidence if there is a dispute about who should pay for cleaning, damage or replacement of items.

There can be a bit of paperwork involved when renting a property. You will receive a copy of the residential tenancy agreement or lease, a copy of the bond lodgement form, the condition report, a receipt for your initial rent amount, lease fees and bond, and the relevant emergency contact details.

Routine inspections of the property may be carried out twice a year. Routine inspections ensures you are abiding by the terms of the lease, the property is being maintained properly, and to determine if any routine maintenance or repairs are needed. Your agent or rental provider will notify you in writing seven days before the proposed inspection date.

If you are at the end of a 12 month lease, you may be asked to sign a new fixed term lease agreement or you may roll over onto a periodical tenancy (also known as a ‘month to month’ tenancy). If you are planning on vacating at the end of your 12 months, you still need to give your agent adequate notice. To read more about relevant notice periods visit: <a href="https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/renting/moving-out-giving-notice-and-evictions/notice-to-vacate/giving-notice-to-a-renter">https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/renting/moving-out-giving-notice-and-evictions/notice-to-vacate/giving-notice-to-a-renter</a>

There are several reasons the rental provider or property manager may enter the property while you are living there, but they must notify you in writing before they do so. These include general inspections, carrying out repairs, showing the property to potential renters, buyers or lenders. This could be to take photos or video for the sale of the property, valuations or if the renter has breached the lease. The amount of notice required depend on the reason for entering.

This database holds information about renters who have breached their lease agreement or behaved wrongfully. This may include vacating without paying or anyone who the tribunal has made an order to terminate the lease. Property owners or Property Managers must notify you in writing if they intend to list you on the tenancy database and you have 14 days to object to the tribunal. You can ask for a copy of the documentation.

If you want to have a pet at the property, you must ask permission from the rental provider. You will have to fill out a Consumer Affairs Victoria Pet Request Form for every pet you wish to keep on the premises (other than assistance dogs, which are already permitted under the Equal Opportunity Act). The property owner has 14 days to respond to your request and must have a reasonable reason to refuse. They can also apply to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) for an order to refuse. If VCAT makes an order excluding the pet from the premises, you will have 14 days to comply or move out. If you do have a pet, you are responsible for any damage or nuisance caused by the animal.

If the repair is urgent, such as a dangerous electrical fault, gas leak or serious water leak, blocked or broken toilet, or breakdown of an essential service including a hot water service, contact your Property Manager using their emergency phone number. If the rental provider does not respond within a timely manner and you have to pay for an urgent repair yourself, the rental provider must reimburse you up to a limit of $2,500 within 7 days. For non-urgent repairs, you should write to your property manager or rental provider detailing the problem and they must respond within 14 days. You cannot withhold rent until work is carried out, but you can apply to VCAT to pay rent into a special fund until any dispute over repairs is resolved.

If you want to make a modification to the property, it’s always a good idea to ask permission. Renters are allowed to make some minor modifications without permission, such as installing a wireless doorbell, adhesive child-proof locks, a lock on the letterbox, picture hooks and shelves, wall anchors, low-flow shower heads and LED lights and removable safety devices. For most other changes you need to seek permission. Even if the rental provider gives written consent, you may still be required to restore the property to the condition it was in before you moved in or pay the rental provider a reasonable amount to do so on your behalf.

If you want to vacate a property before the end of your fixed-term agreement (breaking the lease), speak to your Property Manager about your situation to reach an agreement or give formal notice. There are costs involved that might include, remaining rent, advertising fee or re-let fees. However, in some situations, renters can lease without having to pay costs. If you are experiencing family violence, you can apply to VCAT to end the rental agreement. To read more visit: <a href="https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/renting/moving-out-giving-notice-and-evictions/breaking-a-rental-agreement">https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/renting/moving-out-giving-notice-and-evictions/breaking-a-rental-agreement</a>