Housing A
What is a lease?
A contract or an agreement between the rental provider (landlord) and tenant, which has details of the rental rules.
Regarding property, what does 'fully furnished' mean?
The property already has furniture and appliances.
What is a condition report?
A report on the property's condition, including any damage.
What is the lease term?
The length of time the rental agreement is valid.
Who is the tenant?
The renter, or person who lives in and pays rent for property.
What does 'unfurnished' mean?
The property has no furniture.
Why should the tenant take photos of any damage?
The tenant might need photos and condition report if there is a dispute (fight) about who should pay for cleaning, damage, or replacement of missing items.
What is the normal lease length?
12 months
Some people have a 6- or 3-month lease.
What are 'amenities'?
Additional facilities at the rental property, for example, car parking, swimming pool or gym.
Who is the landlord?
The rental provider, or property owner.
What is another name for 'security deposit'?
How much is it?
Where does it have to be sent?
Bond
According to Consumer Affairs Victoria, the maximum bond is 1 month’s rent (unless the rent is more than $900 per week).
The bond must be lodged with (sent to) the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA) within 10 business days of payment.
If the tenant does not receive a receipt within 15 business days of making payment, the tenant can contact the RTBA.
If the rental provider (landlord) refuses to fix property problems, what can the tenant do?
The tenant can contact Consumer Affairs Victoria for information and advice.
What do we call the formal examination of a property to make sure it is in good condition?
Rental inspection
When can the tenant make changes (modifications) to the property?
According to Consumer Affairs Victoria, the tenant can make some modifications (changes) to the property without the rental provider’s consent. For example:
See the full list at: consumer.vic.gov.au/rentingmodifications.
To make other modifications, the tenant will need written consent from the rental provider (landlord).
What is the name of the money the tenant pays to the landlord?
Rent
What does 'maintenance' mean?
Fixing or repairing the property's broken items.
The renter is generally responsible for:
Why should rental providers (landlords) make sure their property meets minimum standards?
According to Consumer Affairs Victoria, if the rental property does not meet the minimum standards, the tenant can end the rental agreement before they move in. They can also request an urgent repair to make the property meet the minimum standards at any time after they move in.
Before ending the lease or making changes, what is the warning time called?
When the landlord wants the tenant to move out, what is the necessary document?
Notice period
Notice to vacate
When can the rental provider (landlord) claim the bond?
The rental provider can claim part or all of the bond for specific things, such as:
What is another word for services like water, electricity and gas?
Utilities
Name 3 urgent repairs that the landlord is responsible for fixing.
According to Consumer Affairs Victoria, urgent repairs include:
What are the minimum standards for a rental property?
According to Consumer Affairs Victoria, the minimum standards are:
What is the name for kicking out a tenant from the property, when the tenant breaks the lease rules and/or does not pay rent?
Eviction
What is the process for the tenant to claim the bond?
According to Consumer Affairs Victoria, before moving out, the tenant and the rental provider (landlord) or agent should:
The tenant should only sign the bond claim form if it shows the amount the tenant will receive.
If the rental provider (landlord) agrees, the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA) can release the bond to the tenant up to 14 days before the end of the rental agreement.