TENANT GUIDE

What you must know before you sign a lease.

At the start of every tenancy you should be given the following by the landlord or agent:

• a copy of this information statement
• a copy of your lease (tenancy agreement)
• 2 copies of the premises condition report
• a bond lodgement information (you can now do this on-line)
• keys to your new home.

The first thing you should do before you sign the lease is read it thoroughly. If there is anything in it which you don't understand, ask questions.

Remember, you are committing to a legally binding contract for which there is no cooling-off period. You will want to be certain you understand and agree to what you are signing.

Only when you can respond with a Yes to the following statements, should you sign the lease.

The lease

I have read the lease and I asked questions if there were things I didn't understand.

I know the length of the lease is negotiated before I sign, which means it can be for 6 months, 12 months, or some other period.

I know that I must be offered at least one way to pay the rent which does not involve paying a fee to a third party.

I know that any additional terms to the lease are negotiated before I sign.

I have checked that all additional terms to the lease are legal, for example, the lease does not include a term requiring me to have the carpet professionally cleaned when I leave, unless I have agreed to that as part of a condition to allow me to keep a pet on the premises.

Promised repairs

In relation to any promises by the landlord or agent (for example, replace the oven, paint a room, clean up the backyard etc):

I have made sure these have already been done, or

I have an undertaking in writing (before signing the lease) that they will be done.

Upfront costs

I am not being required to pay:

more than 2 weeks rent in advance, unless I freely offer to pay more

more than 4 weeks rent as a rental bond. I am not being charged for:

the cost of preparing my lease

the initial supply of keys and security devices to each tenant named on the lease.

Managing your bond online

Before paying your rental bond, ask your agent or landlord about using Rental Bonds Online. If they are registered, you can securely pay your bond direct to NSW Fair Trading using a credit card or BPAY, without the need to fill out and sign the bond lodgement form referred to above. Once registered, you can continue to use your account for future tenancies.

Swimming and spa pools

Does the property have a swimming or spa pool? If so, the landlord must give you a copy of a valid certificate of compliance or occupation certificate issued in the past 3 years. This does not apply if you are renting in a strata or community scheme of more than two lots.

After you move in

Make sure you:

• Fill in your part of the condition report and don ́t forget to return a copy to the landlord or agent within 7 days. This is an important piece of evidence. If you don ́t take the time to complete it accurately money could be taken out of your bond to pay for damage that was already there when you moved in.
• Get a letter from Fair Trading sometime during the first 2 months saying that your bond has been received and advising you of your Rental Bond Number. If this doesn ́t arrive call Fair Trading to make sure it has been lodged. If you have lodged your bond through Rental Bonds Online you will receive an email and SMS notification, not a letter.

Top tips for problem-free renting

Follow these useful tips to help avoid problems while you are renting:

• Photos are a great way to record the condition of the property when you first move in. Take pictures (that are date stamped) of the property, especially areas that are damaged or unclean. Keep these in case the landlord objects to returning your bond at the end of your tenancy.
• Keep a copy of your lease, condition report, rent receipts, Rental Bond Number and copies of letters/ emails you send or receive in a designated `tenancy ́ file folder and put it somewhere you can easily find it later.
• Never stop paying your rent, even if the landlord is not complying with their side of the agreement (eg. by failing to do repairs) - you could end up being evicted if you do.
• Comply with the terms of your lease. In particular, never make any alterations, keep a pet or let other people move in without asking the landlord or agent for permission first.
• Keep a diary of your dealings with the landlord or agent - record all the times and dates of conversations, who you spoke to and what they agreed to do. If repairs are needed, put your request in writing to the landlord or agent and keep a copy. This type of evidence is very helpful if a dispute arises which ends up in the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
• Consider taking out home contents insurance. It will cover your belongings in case of theft, fires and natural disasters. The landlords building insurance, if they have it, will not cover your things.
• If the property has a pool or garden be clear about what the landlord or agent expects you to do to maintain it.
• Be careful with what you sign relating to your tenancy, and don't let anybody rush you. Never sign a blank form, such as a Claim for refund of bond.
• If you are happy in the place and your lease ends, consider asking for the lease to be renewed for another fixed term. This will remove the worry about being unexpectedly asked to leave, and helps to lock in the rent for the next period of time.

Further information

Go to the Fair Trading website or call 13 32 20 for more information about your renting rights and responsibilities.

The NSW Government funds a range of community based Tenants Advice and Advocacy Services across NSW to provide advice, information and advocacy to tenants. Go to the Tenants Union website

at www.tenants.org.au for details of your nearest service or check your local phone directory.

Landlords and agents must give a copy of this information statement to all new tenants before they sign a residential lease. Fines can be imposed if this is not done.

www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au Fair Trading enquiries 13 32 20
TTY 1300 723 404
Language assistance 13 14 50

This fact sheet must not be relied on as legal advice. For more information about this topic, refer to the appropriate legislation.

FINAL INSPECTION GUIDE

It is your responsibility as a tenant to ensure that the following checklist is complete and the property is left in the best possible condition before vacating. We will be checking these items during the final inspection.

EXTERIOR

• Garden beds and paths are to be weeded and left tidy. Remove any rubbish/waste.
• All concrete areas to be swept and tidy, oil/fat to be removed from patio/barbeque area.
• Replace any blown light globes
• Clean exterior of house, including under eaves/patio. Remove all cobwebs
• Wash windows and brush fly screens to remove any built up dust/dirt
• Wipe down clothesline and remove all pegs
• Empty mailbox and arrange for mail to be re-directed
• Rubbish bins clean and empty

INTERIOR

• Carpets cleaned
• Sweep and mop all hard floors (tiles, floorboards etc)
• Wipe/clean all walls and skirting boards. Remove all marks, scuffs, fingerprints etc.
• Repair chips, dints, holes in walls and painted to match the remainder of the wall. If this needs to be re-done, you will be charged the full cost of the repair.
• Clean all windows/glass, window tracks and window sills/ledges.
• Clean blinds and/or curtains
• Remove any marks from the ceiling and clean inside light shades/covers
• Replace any blown light globes and smoke detector batteries
• Wipe high areas; ceiling fan blades, top of high shelves etc
• Clean/wipe bench tops and inside and outside of all cupboards and drawers
• Make sure all dishes are removed from dishwasher and inside is left clean.
• Thoroughly clean the stove, oven griller & range hood. Replace range hood lights if necessary.
• Clean all exhaust fans, light switches and power points
• Clean all sinks, basins, trough and baths including plugholes
• Clean all mirrors (bathrooms, wardrobes etc)
• Thoroughly clean showers and shower screens
• Clean toilets –
• Garage – clean walls, ceiling and remove oil stains/sweep floor