Renting Privately • 

First-time Landlord? Here’s What You Should Know

If this is your first time renting and you’re becoming a private landlord, let’s set the foundation for you to understand the basics of renting privately.

If this is your first time renting your property privately, this article serves as your first-time renting guide to teach you the basics of renting as a first-time landlord. Even if you are a veteran private landlord, having completed many private owner rentals, this article can help you brush up on the key elements of renting privately.

The types of leases 

A lease, also known as a residential tenancy agreement, is a legal contract between tenants and landlords, which outlines the rental terms and conditions that both parties agree to. Having a residential tenancy agreement in place plays an important in helping each party understand their private renting rights.

In most cases, there are two types of leases you’ll need to know about if you want to rent privately:

  • A fixed-term lease states how long the agreement will run for, such as 6 or 12 months. After this time, any tenant choosing to remain in the property may be asked to sign a new fixed-term lease or they may continue on an automatic fixed-term tenancy.
  • A periodic lease, also known as a month-to-month lease, does not run for a fixed time and may continue for as long as both parties agree.

Tenancy agreements 

Each State in Australia has different laws and regulations on tenancy agreements. This might include the information that you must provide to your tenants before signing a lease agreement, property condition reports and where to pay or lodge your bond payments.

Generally, most States will require you to provide your tenant with the following information:

  • Your State’s information booklet for renting
  • A copy of the Tenancy Agreement
  • A copy of the Rental Bond lodgement
  • A Condition Report (a copy for them to keep plus the original for them to complete and return)
  • Receipts for all payments (bond, monthly rental payment)
  • Emergency contact details
  • Information on routine inspections you plan to conduct
  • Photocopy of keys and remotes for the property (if any)

It’s crucial that you’re familiar with your obligations as a landlord, as you may be liable for fines or legal action if you don’t comply. And no one would want that.

Most consumer affairs sites in Australia provide standard lease agreements for private landlords to use. These forms can be found via the links below.

Rental bonds 

A Rental Bond acts as security against the Tenancy Agreement, and they usually total a maximum of 4 weeks rent. The bond is paid at the beginning of a new lease and is returned to the tenant at the end of their tenancy unless the terms of the lease or housing laws have been broken. In which case, an official claim must be made by you, the landlord, to your respective State’s Bond Authority.

All States require that the bond payment is lodged with the State Bond Authority. Lodgement of the bond with the relevant authority is the responsibility of the landlord and usually requires completion of a bond lodgement. For information about bond payments and how to lodge your bond, please visit the links below.

Condition reports 

Every time you are renting out your property, whether renting for the first time or not, we strongly recommend you and your tenant complete a Condition Report.

A Condition Report notes the condition of the property at the start of a tenancy, including any furniture or other fittings that are provided as part of the rental. These reports are often required when you take a rental bond from your tenants, however, they’re a good idea even if you decide not to.

We highly recommend taking photos of your property when you complete your copy of the report, which should be done prior to your tenant’s move-in date. Be sure to include these photos with your official written condition report.

The main benefit of completing a condition report is that it captures the state of your property before the lease begins and can be compared to the state your tenant leaves your property at the end of their lease. This comparison can be referenced in any disputes you may have with regards to damages or overdue rental payments that would prevent your tenant from receiving their full bond payment.

A few more things to consider.... 

Residential Tenancies Act

Be sure to read through the Residential Tenancies Act specific to the State in which you own your property. The Act outlines both yours and your tenant’s rights and provides a framework for regulating lease arrangements, especially when it comes to disputes. The important things also lie in the fine print, such as your responsibility as the property manager to meet certain electrical or water standards or providing smoke detectors. Knowing these laws well will help arm you against disputes and guide you in being a proper landlord.

Landlord insurance

Unfortunately, your traditional homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover your investment property. So, it’s a great idea to protect yourself against any unexpected damage (think: theft and natural disasters), liability or rental income defaults. If you’re a great landlord, you’d also recommend that your tenant gets contents insurance, as your plan won’t cover damage to their belongings.

Tax implications

Before officially renting out your property, it’s important to know both good and bad tax implications that come with being a landlord. Be sure to read up on Capital Gains Tax and assess whether renting is the right move for you. On the other hand, there are other tax considerations such as your eligibility for rental property depreciation tax deductions. (We think it’s best to call in your accountant for advice on this).

Selling your rental property

If you are a landlord selling your house, be aware of tenants’ rights. While you can place your private rental property up for sale at any time, the lease agreement remains in place. There are rules and processes you should be aware of in terms of:

  • Notice periods
  • How to provide your tenants with notice
  • Running open house inspections while the property is tenanted
  • Arranging professional photography to be taken
  • Erection of for sale signboards at the property
  • Holding an auction

You and your tenant can mutually agree to exit the residential lease agreement early.  

To understand your obligations as a landlord, refer to the below links for your specific State-based information:

Want more information? 

If you need further information before you advertise your house for rent as a private landlord, government and Consumer Affairs websites in each State have some helpful information on renting for both landlords and tenants. Have a browse via the links below: