Essential information for renters

June 15, 2015
renters
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If you’ve never rented before (or even if you have but just need to brush up on your knowledge) the following tips are essential.

Know the length of the lease

This might seem logical, but some rentals are available only short-term, and if you somehow manage to overlook or miss this information, you may be in for a rude shock a few months down the track.

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Be aware of any extra or unusual conditions

Some properties require extra maintenance and care due to special features such as pools, tennis courts or shared facilities. Your lease should specify what these are, as well as your responsibilities regarding the upkeep of those areas.

Know your rights as a tenant

Most states have online resources for tenants. These sites provide loads of free resources and information for tenants that outline all of your rights — as well as your responsibilities — and whom to contact if you feel that these are being violated.

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Be mindful of the notice period for moving out (and any associated conditions)

This is so important to know, especially if you aren’t planning to stay in the property for the long term. It can be costly to break a lease (see below), so you need to know how much notice you are required to give and the condition in which you must leave the property upon vacating it.

Know what happens if you break your lease

You need to know, clearly, what happens if you decide to terminate your lease before the lease term finishes. You might have to pay rent until a new tenant takes over or the lease ends — whichever comes first. You might also be liable for a percentage of the advertising costs and the agent’s reletting fee (if the landlord employs an agent).

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There are some special circumstances that will allow you to break your lease without penalty. In these instances, you still need to give notice, so make sure you know how much time applies if any of the following pertain to you:

  • You’ve been offered a residence through social housing (for example, from Housing NSW), an aged-care facility or a nursing home.
  • You have an apprehended violence order (AVO) against a former cohabitant.
  • The landlord put the premises up for sale and failed to inform you — before signing the lease — that the property was going to be sold.

It’s always best to be well-informed of your rights and responsibilities before signing a lease — or any legal document for that matter. And always read the fine print.

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