Tenants’ rights in Australia explained

Rental - AAP-Dan Himbrechts

Rental - AAP-Dan Himbrechts Source: Rental - AAP-Dan Himbrechts

When renting a property tenants have key rights and responsibilities. However a new survey shows that many renters experience anxiety and discrimination, with new migrants particularly vulnerable to discrimination and exploitation in the housing market.


Read your residential tenancy agreement carefully

The residential tenancy agreement, also known as the lease, is a legal document. It includes terms like, the amount of rent you need to pay and how it is to be paid. The length and type of tenancy, the amount of bond required and other conditions and rules. However, never sign any papers you don't understand.

 

 
 
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rental agreement form

Pay your bond

Your bond is a separate payment from your rent. It acts as a security for your landlord if you don’t meet the terms of your residential tenancy agreement. For example in Victoria, the bond is paid to the  where it is held in trust until the end of your residential tenancy agreement.

 

 
 
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Scattered Australian Cash

Fill in a condition report

When moving in fill in a condition report, note the general condition of the property, including fittings and fixtures and return it to the real estate agent or the landlord within seven days. You and your landlord should agree on the contents of the condition report before signing it.

 

 
 
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Keep copies of everything

It’s advisable to keep a copy of your residential tenancy agreement, condition report, receipts for rent and bond money, letters, emails and any written records.

 

 
 
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Searching In File Cabinet

Know your rights and responsibilities

For example in NSW you have the right to dispute rent increases or address your landlord who has been negligent in maintaining the property, by going to the .

 

 
 
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Fact sheets, videos and more information about tenants’ rights and responsibilities are available in each state and territories in several languages.

For Victoria visit 


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