There is a lot to organize and remember when you’re flatting.
1. Know your rights and responsibilities.
It’s important to know your rights and responsibilities when you’re
renting.
2. Figure out what you can afford.
When you first move in you may need to pay rent in advance, bond and an
agent’s fees. That can add up quickly.
3. Understand your tenancy agreement
A tenancy agreement is a legal contract between a tenant and a landlord.
It records contact details for both the landlord and tenant and sets out the
terms of the tenancy (e.g. amount of rent, amount of bond, the date the tenancy
begins, the maximum number of occupants, and any other terms the landlord and
tenant agree on, as long as they do not breach the RTA).
The tenancy agreement includes a property inspection report which you can
complete with the landlord to record the condition of the property.
If you are in a boarding house tenancy the boarding house tenancy
agreement should record any other services you will be given. You should also
be given a copy of any boarding house rules.
Both the landlord and tenant need to sign the tenancy agreement and keep
a copy. Keep copies of anything else put in writing
4. Keep track of rent payments
A tenant is responsible for paying the rent on time. Make sure you keep
records of all rent payments. Remember, the landlord can ask for up to two
weeks’ rent in advance, but this rent must be used up before the landlord can
expect you to pay rent again. Ask the landlord for a receipt for any cash
payments you make.
5. Ensure your bond is lodged properly
.
If the tenancy is a boarding house tenancy and the bond is 1 week’s rent
or less then your landlord must
provide you with a receipt.
6. Know what insurance you need
The landlord’s insurance does not cover your personal items, so it is a
good idea to get your own contents insurance. Speak to your insurance company
about personal liability insurance. If you damage the property, you may be
personally responsible to the landlord’s insurance company for the cost of the
damage. Personal liability insurance can cover you for this.
7. Know the difference between tenants and flatmates
Tenants named on the tenancy agreement have shared responsibility for the
entire tenancy. They can also be individually liable for the entire tenancy.
This means that if one tenant causes damage to the property or gets behind in
rent payments, all other tenants can be jointly or individually held
responsible. They may have
to pay the debt if the tenant who caused the damage or owes rent does not
pay.
Flatmates are people who are living in the property but are not part of
the tenancy agreement.
If you are in a boarding house it is likely that each boarding house
tenant will have a separate boarding house tenancy agreement with the boarding
house landlord setting out each tenant’s rights and responsibilities to
exclusive use and common use areas.
