Best ways to protect yourself as a tenant

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, about a third of Australians rent their home, which is actually an increase compared to 20 years ago. There are many different kinds of rental situations, but there are some precautions that you should take if you don't own your home. Let's take a look at some of the best advice that renters in Australia should consider carefully.

1. Look before you rent

Whether you are renting from a property manager or a private person, you should always look at the place that you want to stay in before you decide. There are reliable property management companies that cause less concern, but it's still a good idea to visit the property to make sure it's the same as it was in the ad. Even if the online listing isn't false advertising, setting expectations for yourself is important.

2. Create a paper trail

Most property rental companies have an agreement process, which includes rental documents that the tenant must sign to affirm that they understand the terms. In other situations, like private rentals or if you join an already established share house, it is extremely valuable to write down the financial conditions of the consensus. A paper trail like this can save you later down the road if something goes wrong with the rental agreement; this way, you can prove the terms.

3. Document the condition of the property

Before moving into an apartment or house that you're renting, be sure to carefully document the condition of the structure. Now, you can prove that any scrapes on the wall, peeling paint or other issues are not your fault when it comes time to move out. This can save you money in the future, ensuring that your deposit comes back to you.

4. Know your rights

Every state has different tenant's rights, and it's good to familiarise yourself with the ones in your state before renting. These rules and regulations ensure that the landlord or property management company conducts itself correctly, something that ultimately protects the renter legally. If you are suspicious that your tenant rights are being violated, you can seek legal counsel to be certain.

5. Fully understand your lease

Before you sign anything, be sure that you completely understand your lease. This can erase any kind of confusion and ensure that everyone is on the same page on both sides of the agreement. Make sure that you know how long the contract is for, the cost of rent and how much bond is required. Consider things like whether or not you can have pets, who is going to deal with repairs or if you can sublet the rental.

If you are ready to find the right rental for you, reach out to Ray White Surfers Paradise today.

Sources:
https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/housing#:~:text=Housing%20Occupancy%20and%20Costs&text=31%25%20of%20households%20rented%20their,mortgage%3B%20and%20%24379%20for%20renters.