📜 Tenant Rights: What You Should Know Before Signing a Lease
Signing a lease is a big step, it locks in your new home, but it also commits you to certain responsibilities. Too often, renters sign quickly without understanding the protections the law gives them. A lease isn’t just paperwork—it’s a legally binding agreement, and knowing your rights upfront can save you stress, money, and disputes later on.
Here are the key rights every renter in Australia should understand before putting pen to paper.
1. Right to a Safe, Habitable Home
Every tenant has the right to live in a property that’s safe and fit for purpose. This means:
The structure must be sound—no major leaks, broken windows, or unsafe stairs.
Basic facilities like hot water, electricity, and plumbing must work.
The property should be secure, with functional locks on doors and windows.
If the property is unsafe or not maintained to a liveable standard, the landlord is responsible for making it right.
2. Bond Protection
When you pay a rental bond, it doesn’t go into your landlord’s pocket. By law, it must be lodged with the relevant state or territory bond authority (such as the RTBA in Victoria or NSW Fair Trading). This ensures:
Your money is held securely and impartially.
You’ll have a fair process when it comes to claiming the bond back.
Disputes are handled by a tribunal or authority, not left to the landlord’s discretion.
Tip: Always ask for written confirmation that your bond has been lodged—usually you’ll receive an email or letter directly from the bond authority.
3. Repairs & Maintenance
Landlords must keep the property in good repair and respond to maintenance requests. Repairs fall into two categories:
Urgent repairs: Things like gas leaks, broken hot water, burst pipes, or a broken security lock. These must be addressed promptly, usually within 24–48 hours depending on state laws.
Non-urgent repairs: General wear and tear or cosmetic issues. These still need to be handled but within a reasonable timeframe.
As a tenant, you have the right to request repairs in writing. If the landlord doesn’t act, you may be able to escalate the matter to your state’s rental authority or tribunal.
4. Privacy & Entry
While the property belongs to the landlord, once you’ve signed the lease it’s your home—and you have a right to privacy.
Landlords and property managers must give notice before entering (except in emergencies such as fire or urgent repairs). The amount of notice varies by state, but it’s usually:
24–48 hours for routine inspections
7 days for more significant reasons, like valuing the property or showing it to prospective buyers
They cannot show up unannounced or use spare keys without your consent, and entry must be at a reasonable time of day.
5. End of Lease & Bond Return
When your lease ends, you have the right to get your bond back—provided the property is in the same condition as when you moved in, allowing for fair wear and tear.
Fair wear and tear includes things like:
Carpet fading from sunlight
Minor scuff marks on walls
Loose door handles from normal use
It does not cover things like:
Holes in walls from picture hooks
Stains on carpets
Broken fixtures due to misuse
If your landlord tries to withhold bond money unfairly, you can dispute the claim with your rental authority.
Knowledge is protection. Understanding your rights ensures you start your tenancy with confidence and helps prevent disputes down the track. Before signing any lease, take the time to read it carefully, ask questions, and remember: renting is not just about obligations—it’s about protections too.
If you want peace of mind before signing, consider booking an independent inspection through Inspect For You. Our reports highlight property issues upfront, giving you the full picture before you commit.