Guide to Renting

If you are looking to rent a property, make sure it will suit your needs and that you are well prepared for what you need to do before to move in.

• Find your new place to live is going to be time consuming so you can expect to spend a lot of your spare time inspecting prospective places to live.
• How much can you afford to spend on renting a property?   Remember you will need the cost of your bond, four weeks rent in advance before you move into the property.  Consider your additional expenses such as removalist costs, truck hire, connection of gas, electricity, telephone (including internet access), cable television.
• When you find a suitable property, look at parking facilities, nearby bus routes, shopping, schools, parks, restaurants, movie theatres, sporting complexes, universities. How far are you from your family and friends?  Is it close to where you currently work or study?
• Most properties that you will be inspecting will be either ready to rent or available very soon.
• Find out what is included: Parking spaces, pets, how many people can live in the rental property. 
• What are your requirements and special needs in a a prospective new residence?  Number bedrooms and bathrooms? Do you require heating and cooling, dishwasher, pool, entertainment area?
• Rental agreements are usually on a minimum 6 month basis and you will need to sign a lease. The lease will most likely be for the minimum six months, and you will have to make an initial payment of a bond and several weeks rent.  Read all paperwork carefully that you and your landlord prepare and sign.
• Your Bond is like a deposit, which will be returned to you when you leave if you have not caused any damage to the property beyond normal use. For this reason it is important to note any damage and tell your landlord before you move in.
• All the above applies whether you rent a house, townhouse or unit.