Managing your tenancy

The moving in weekend utility checklist

Don't arrive to a dark house! Organise these at least 5 business days before moving: 

1. Electricity & gas: Compare providers for the best rate. 

2. Internet: Check if your property is NBN-ready. 

3. Water: Usually remains in the landlord's name, but you may pay for usage. 

4. Contents insurance: Protects your belongings from fire or theft. 

Paying rent: methods and schedules

Paying rent on time is your most important responsibility as a tenant. 

• Payment methods: Landlords must offer at least one fee-free way to pay rent, such as an approved electronic bank transfer (EFT) or BPAY. 

• Centrepay: If you receive Centrelink payments, you can use Centrepay to have your rent deducted automatically before it hits your bank account. This is a free service that ensures your rent is always the first priority. 

• Paying in advance: You can be asked to pay up to 2 weeks rent in advance, but no more. 

• Receipts: If you pay in cash or by cheque, your landlord must provide a receipt by law. 

Reporting maintenance issues properly

When something breaks, you must notify your property manager as soon as possible. 

• Put it in writing: Even if you call them, always follow up with an email. This creates a "paper trail" that proves when you reported the issue. 

• Be descriptive: Instead of saying "the sink is broken," say "the kitchen tap is dripping constantly and cannot be turned off fully". 

Urgent vs. Non-urgent: 

• Urgent: Issues like a gas leak, burst water pipe, or broken toilet must be attended to immediately. 

• Non-urgent: For things like a stiff door or a cracked tile, the landlord typically has up to 14 days to respond. 

Your rights around repairs and livability

You have a legal right to live in a home that is safe, secure, and weatherproof. 

• Minimum standards: In most states, rental properties must meet "minimum standards," which include things like a functional kitchen, a lockable front door, and a working heater in the main living area. 

• Urgent repair costs: If you cannot reach the agent and need an emergency repair (like a electrical fault), you can often spend up to a certain amount (e.g., $1,000 to $2,500 depending on the state) to fix it and be reimbursed later. 

• Do not stop paying rent: Even if repairs aren't being done, never stop paying your rent. This puts you at risk of eviction. Instead, contact a support worker or a tenancy union for help. 

Condition reports and protecting your bond

The condition report you signed when moving in is your best protection against losing your bond money. 

• Document everything: Take time during your first week to note every small scratch, stain, or chip in the report before returning it. 

• The power of photos: Take hundreds of photos of the property—including the inside of cupboards, the oven, and the ceiling. 

• Digital backup: Save these photos in a folder or on a cloud drive (like Google Drive) so you can easily find them when it is time to move out. 

Communicating with your property manager

A positive relationship with your property manager makes everything easier. 

• Be professional: Use clear, polite language in all emails and calls. 

• Be honest: If an accident happens (like a spill on the carpet), tell them early. They are usually more helpful if you are upfront about it. 

• Trust and transparency: Keeping them informed about things like a noisy neighbour or a change in your contact details helps build trust.  

Understanding routine inspections

Routine inspections are a check-up to ensure the property is being looked after and to identify maintenance needs. 

• Notice period: You must be given proper written notice (usually at least 7 days) before an inspection. 

• Frequency: Inspections usually happen every 3 to 6 months depending on your state. 

• What they check: The agent will look for cleanliness, damage, and whether the garden is being maintained. They are not there to judge your personal style, just the condition of the home.