Before you move into your rental…a quick checklist
Securing a great rental often comes with a feeling of both excitement and relief. After all, there’s a lot involved in searching for, then applying for, a place to call home.
But once you’ve been given the tick of approval, what happens next? Here’s a quick checklist of things you’ll need to do before you move into your rental.
Signing the agreement
Once you’re approved as the preferred renter for the property, the agent will send you a copy of the rental agreement, which sets out your rights and responsibilities for residing at the property.
This agreement will include the rental term, the rental amount, and any special conditions associated with the property.
Read this agreement carefully before signing, and don’t forget to check for things such as who is responsible for lawn, garden and pool maintenance, and who pays for water consumption.
Bond and rent in advance
When you sign the agreement, you will also be required to put forward the bond for the property and pay two weeks rent in advance.
The bond is usually equivalent to about four weeks rent, and is lodged with an independent body as a safeguard against damage to the property or failure to pay rent.
Entry Condition Report
The Entry Condition Report is a crucial part of the process of moving into a rental property. This document has been pre-filled by the property manager and sets out the existing condition of the property in detail.
Once you have the keys to the property, take the time to walk through each room of the residence comparing it to the Entry Condition Report and noting any discrepancies. It’s a good idea to also take images as well.
When you vacate the rental, this document will be used by the property manager to ensure the residence has been returned to its original condition.
Rental payments
At the beginning of the agreement, your property manager will also provide guidance on when the rent is to be paid and how it is to be paid.
Rent is most often paid weekly, but can potentially be paid fortnightly or monthly, and is usually paid by direct debit into the agency’s trust account.
Repairs and maintenance
Your property manager will also provide information on who to do and who to contact if you have a repair request or if there is an emergency at the property.
This information can be found in the rental agreement, and is also often highlighted on a rental agency’s website.
Moving administration
In addition to ticking all the boxes that come with moving into a rental, you will also have general moving administration to complete as well.
This includes:
- Organising a removal
- Connecting utilities, such as telephone, internet, electricity and gas
- Redirecting your mail
- Notifying institutions of your new address
How we can help
Our experienced property managers pride themselves on establishing great relationships with both rental occupiers and owners.
We manage every property as if it were our own and you can learn more about our property management services here.
Alternatively, if you are looking to rent a property, you can view the properties we currently have available here.
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