Starting a tenancy
Moving into a private rental
You will be required to pay bond (security deposit) and two weeks rent in advance. The bond is held by the Renting Services of NSW Fair Trading for the duration of the tenancy. The most bond you can be required to pay is an amount equal to four weeks rent. At the end of the tenancy, the bond should be returned to you in full unless you are behind in your rent or have damaged the property, in which case the landlord can claim for their losses.
At the start of every tenancy, the landlord or agent must give you a copy of a Fair Trading publication called the Tenant Information Statement. This document contains important information that you should be aware of before signing a new lease. Make sure you read it carefully and ask your landlord or agent about anything you do not understand.
You should also be given a copy of your lease and two copies of the premises condition report, which you should fill in and then return one of the copies to your landlord or agent within 7 days. You should take your time to fill it out with as much detail and accuracy as possible.
The condition report will be a key piece of evidence at the end of the tenancy if there is a dispute about who should pay for cleaning, damage or the replacement of missing items. For more information, go to the Condition Report page on the NSW Fair Trading website.
Moving into an established share house
When you move into an established share house you will most likely be required to pay bond to the out-going person along with two weeks rent in advance.
Where possible, make sure you review any original condition report as there may be new damage you could be liable for. Have your name included on the tenancy agreement or a written agreement with the head-tenant and your name included on the bond form held with the Renting Services of NSW Fair Trading.