Entering into a Residential Tenancy Agreement is a very big step to take and is a legal commitment to honour the things that are in the Agreement. It is very important to make this decision a wise one. Following are some ideas to help you along the way. Remember you can always contact our Tenant Advice Worker for any further information.

Firstly, it is important to look at what type of property do you need or want to live in?
Where do you want to live - look at things such as transport needs, schools, shops, churches, entertainment, friends/relative, doctors/hospitals and the type of area.
What can you afford - this is very important make sure you can afford to take on the rental property before you sign your tenancy agreement. Things to consider when working out if you can afford it are: Your income, cost of the weekly rent, the bond and any advance rent you will need to pay at the start of your tenancy, electricity/gas security deposits, telephone connection, ongoing bills like rent, gas, power, phone, food, transport, entertainment and insurances. Can you really afford to rent this property????

How do I find what I want? - There are several ways to find the rental property you are looking for. Look in local and daily newspapers, check agents in the area who handle rental properties, ask friends, family and work colleagues or check community notice boards and shop windows etc.

What about insurance? It is important to make sure your personal belongings are insured. The owner may have building insurance but usually does not cover any of your contents. Always make sure you are insured for loss of property.

Think you have found it? It is important to remember that you have to live in the place you choose for the term of your tenancy agreement. Sometimes it is wise to consider a shorter term rental with the option to extend instead of taking a longer term one. If you have pets make sure you have permission for them to live there too and that they are listed on your Tenancy Agreement.

If in doubt as the lessor/agent for a second inspection and make sure you are happy with both inside and outside the property and they both suit your needs. Better safe than sorry!

Decided on the place for you - what next? You will most likely be asked to complete and application form applying to rent the property. Be aware that these can be as binding as a Tenancy Agreement. Don't go applying for more than one property at a time.

You might be asked to leave a holding deposit. Make sure you receive a receipt for the money and that the receipt states it is for a holding deposit only.

Once your application has be accepted and you have been approved you are committed to that agreement and that property.

Remember think hard and read before you sign anything. If you are not sure about something ask questions before you sign.

I'm approved what now? - You will or should be asked to sign a Residential Tenancy Agreement, pay your bond and any rent in advance as well as be given a Condition Report to complete and return to the lessor/agent within a set time.

You should also receive and Information Statement form your lessor/agent.
You will be given the keys to your home and you are able to move in.

Important things to remember - Now that you have moved in it is important to remember a few basic things.

Keep your rent receipts and bond receipts in a safe place as well as your Tenancy Agreement, copy of your Condition Report and any other correspondence you may receive regarding your tenancy.

You must honour the agreement you made with the lessor/agent, and most importantly

PAY YOUR RENT ON TIME AS AGREED!