Building a strong rental history
Every month you pay rent on time and every inspection you pass builds your "rental reputation".
- The paper trail: Keep copies of your lease, rent receipts, and inspection reports.
- Reference power: A property manager who has seen you look after a place for a year is one of the strongest "vouchers" you can have when applying for a better property later.
Giving notice properly
You cannot simply leave when your lease ends; you must provide "Notice of Intention to Vacate" in writing.
- Notice periods: Usually, you need to give 21 to 28 days notice if your fixed-term lease is ending.
- Periodic leases: If you are on a month-to-month lease, you still need to provide the required notice (often 21 days) before you stop paying rent.
- Email is best: Send your notice via email so you have a timestamped record of when you informed the agent.
End-of-lease responsibilities
To get your bond back, the property must be returned in the same condition it was in when you moved in, excluding "fair wear and tear".
- The final clean: This is much deeper than a weekly tidy. You need to clean inside cupboards, scrub the oven, wash windows, and often have carpets professionally steam cleaned.
- Repairing small damage: Fix any small holes in walls from hanging pictures or replace any lightbulbs that have blown.
- Utilities: Don't forget to disconnect your electricity, gas, and internet accounts for your move-out date so you aren't charged for the next tenant's usage.
Getting your bond back (full refund tips)
The goal is to have your bond returned in full as quickly as possible.
- The exit condition report: Complete this document and take "after" photos that match the "before" photos you took when you moved in.
- The claim: In most states, you can apply for your bond refund online through the government authority (like the RTBA or RBO) as soon as you hand back the keys.
- Disputes: If the agent wants to keep some of your bond for cleaning or repairs you don't agree with, Launch Housing or a local tenancy union can help you challenge the claim.
Using your record for the future
Your successful tenancy is now a financial asset.
- Update your resume: Add your current property manager's details to your rental resume for your next application.
- Tenant databases: By doing the right thing, you ensure your name stays clear of "blacklists" (tenant databases), making it much easier to rent again anywhere in Australia.
