Finding a suitable and affordable rental property can be very challenging. The process can be time consuming, confusing and frustrating. However, we have developed a quick guide to help you navigate the basics of renting.

State Legislation and Real Estate Bodies
The real estate sector in each state is governed by state government legislation. The legislative act of your state, as well as helpful information on renting and tenancy can be located at the following websites:

ACT

New South Wales

Northern Territory

Queensland

Also Try this handy QLD RTA document

Tasmania

Western Australia

Victoria

Real Estate Institute of Australia
Another useful link is the Real Estate Institute of Australia. The REIA is the national professional association for the real estate industry in Australia. For information on renting, rental properties and real estate agents in your area log on to the REIA website at http://www.reiaustralia.com.au/.

State branches can also be accessed from this site and useful tips, information and frequently asked questions can be found on these sites to assist with your rental decision making.  

Renting Fast Facts
Just starting out? To rent a property the person/s taking possession of the lease needs to comply with a couple of basic things:

1.      Be a minimum of 18 years of age

2.      Have a good rental history, or a guarantor with a good rental history

3.      Have a financial bond (equivalent to approx. 4 weeks rent)

4.      Pay 2 weeks rent in advance and maintain this throughout your lease

5.      Pay your rent on time

6.   A complete set of forms including Tenancy Agreements, Bond Lodgment forms and Entry Condition Reports should be made available by your agent/ landlord as part of the transaction of renting a property.

Rental History
Your rental history will have a huge impact on your ability to rent a property in the future. As a tenant you have certain responsibilities that you agree to uphold when you sign the lease. If you fail to comply with the requirements of the rental tenancy agreement, your real estate agent could place your name on your state “rental blacklist”, which means that real estate agents won’t rent a property to you. Therefore, it is in your best interest to look after the property and treat it with respect. Keep it clean and tidy and notify your landlord/ agent as soon as you become aware that something is in need of repair.

If you have never rented before you will need to demonstrate an ability to pay the rent (either yourself or through a guarantor) and obtain a number of referees to vouch for your good character (e.g. an employer, community professional, clergy, etc).

Share Housing (Co-tenancy and Sub leasing)
·      In share house situations anyone moving into the premises should be cleared with landlord/agent. If you pay a bond when you move in, be sure to get a receipt and your money back when you move out.

·     Each tenant should get a key to all the locks at the property and, if you don’t feel secure, talk to your agent about getting new locks and upgrading security.

NB. The information supplied on this article is put forward in good faith and may vary according to State, Territory and local rental and tenancy legislation and practice.