Moving In: A Tenant’s Guide

Before you get the keys

• Sign your lease and pay the bond and initial rent as directed. Your bond is lodged with the WA Bond Administrator, not held by the agency.
• Arrange electricity and gas connections in your name for your move-in date.
• Organise internet early: installation appointments can take a couple of weeks.
• Consider contents insurance: the owner’s insurance never covers your belongings.

The ingoing condition report

Shortly after you move in, you’ll receive a detailed property condition report with photos. Review it carefully, add your own notes and photos for anything you believe is missing, and return it within the required timeframe. This document protects your bond at the end of the tenancy. The time you spend on it now is the best bond insurance there is.

Your first week

• Test smoke alarms, locks, taps and appliances, and report anything not working straight away.
• Locate the water meter, mains tap and switchboard.
• Confirm your rent payment method is set up and the first payment has gone through.
• Update your address with your bank, employer, Medicare, licences and the electoral roll.
• Redirect your mail with Australia Post.

Settling in

Rubbish and recycling days, parking rules and strata by-laws (if applicable) are the usual surprises. Ask us if anything is unclear. We’d rather answer a quick question than have a small issue grow into a big one.