Renting in The Private Market: Where Do You Want To Live?

Department of Communities Housing and Homelessness Services
Renting in the private market

Finding a rental property that suits your lifestyle and housing needs can be a
confusing and competitive process. Being well prepared, realistic and
flexible where possible will increase your chances of
finding the right property.
Where do you want to live?

For many people, affording the rent will be the
biggest factor in working out where to live. It is
important to find out which suburbs have suitable
properties for rent at a price you can afford.
The Residential Tenancies Authority provides
information on median rental prices across
Queensland, and you can access this by visiting
www.rta.qld.gov.au/Median_rents.cfm.
You can also find rental prices and available properties
in the suburb you are interested in by searching sites
such as www.realestate.com.au,
www.domain.com.au or www.myhome.com.au.
You may need to consider a few different locations and
what services and facilities you need and want to use.
What services will you or your family need?

Information and locations for healthcare, childcare, and education and learning centres is available
for 10 major regional areas and a number of towns and communities across Queensland at
www.qld.gov.au/my-community/.
If you need to move to a new area, the local regional council or neighbourhood centre can tell you
about services in that area. To find the contact details for a local regional council, visit
www.whitepages.com.au or www.dip.qld.gov.au.
Will you need public transport to travel to work or to use services?

Translink can provide you with transport information for South East Queensland. Contact Translink
by calling 13 12 30 or visiting www.translink.qld.gov.au. For regional and rural transport services,
please check with your local regional council or visit www.transport.qld.gov.au.
Tomorrow’s Queensland:
strong, green, smart, healthy and fair
What sort of home do you need?

• How many bedrooms do you need?
• Do you prefer a house, a unit/apartment or a townhouse?
• Do you want to rent a room only, and share facilities such as bathrooms and kitchens
with others?
• Do you need to live in a ground level home with easy access to main living areas?
• Do you need a property where pets are allowed?
• What other things are you looking for — for example, a fenced garden, off-street parking,
or a garage?
How much rent can you afford?

Rent is affordable when you still have enough money left to pay your other household expenses
after you have paid your rent. Other expenses include food, bills, toiletries, clothes, credit cards
and transport.
To work out how much rent you can afford, you need to prepare a budget:
1. Add up your income, which is how much money you receive each week.
2. List your expected expenses, which is how much you think you will spend on rent and other bills
such as electricity, telephone, childcare, food, transport and insurance.
3. Check that your income is greater than your expected expenses.
If your expected expenses are more than your income, you need to find ways to reduce your
expenses and/or look for a property in a more affordable area.
Tools and help to work out a budget are available on these websites:
• Understanding money, Australian Government
www.understandingmoney.gov.au
• The Salvation Army — Financial Counsellors
www.salvos.org.au/need-help/financial-troubles
• Wesley Mission Credit Line Money Plan
www.wesleymission.org.au/centres/creditline/Services/Tools/plan.asp
Need more help?

Visit www.housing.qld.gov.au/contact/offices/index.htm for the contact details of your nearest
Housing Service Centre or call 1300 880 882.
2355_Sept2010
Getting documentation
After finding a suitable property, you will need to gather personal information
and copies of documents to make a rental application.
The rental application form may ask you for
information about:
• your income
• your rental history or previous living
arrangements
• personal identification.
It is your decision whether to provide this information,
but if you do not it may affect your chances of getting
a place to rent.
Check with the real estate agent or lessor which
documents they require as this can vary between
different agencies.
You may also be able to get a blank application form
so you can be as prepared as possible before viewing
the property.
Take photocopies of your personal documents with you when you inspect a property so that if you
like the place, you can complete an application straight away.
Making an early application, complete with all the required information and documents, will
increase your chances of getting a place to rent.
The following checklist gives examples of documents you may need to provide when you apply for
a tenancy.
Rental history and references

Written references from lessors or agents from previous rental properties you have lived in,
including their names, addresses and phone numbers
Rent receipts (if you have them) and/or copies of your rent payment records
A written history of your accommodation for the past few years
Personal references from employers, or other people who know you well including names,
addresses and phone numbers. These are particularly important if you do not have a
rental history
Evidence of income
Employment history/details and current payslips from your employer/s
An income statement from Centrelink — this can be requested over the phone or at
www.centrelink.gov.au
Bank details, if you intend to pay your rent by direct debit
Personal identification (ID)

Photographic identification — for example, drivers licence, passport, 18 plus card
Birth certificate or birth card — a copy of this may be obtained from the Registry of Births,
Deaths and Marriages by calling 1300 366 430 or emailing bdm-mail@justice.qld.gov.au
Medicare and/or health care card
Your most recent bank statement in your name
Copies of accounts (e.g. electricity or phone accounts) in your name (do not provide accounts
that are overdue or final notices)
The Proving Your Identity to Centrelink form lists documents you can use for identification and is
available at www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/forms/ss231.htm
Need more help?

2355_Sept2010
Finding a rental property

There are many ways to find a property to rent in the private market including:
• internet searches
• local newspapers
• local real estate offices and websites
• by word of mouth and through friends and family.
When you start looking, it may help if you make a list
of all properties in your price range, the listing real
estate agent and their contact details. Use this list to
keep track of the properties you have enquired about,
inspected or applied for.
Internet searches
There are many websites that allow you to search for
rental properties, including:
• www.domain.com.au
• www.realestate.com.au
• www.myhome.com.au
You can use these websites to search for:
• a particular suburb
• different property types — units/apartments, houses, shared accommodation
• number of bedrooms, bathrooms and garages/carports
• properties in your price range.
Newspapers
You can find properties to rent in most Queensland newspapers in the ‘to let’ or ‘shared
accommodation’ sections.
Real estate agents and word of mouth

• Look at the real estate agencies’ ‘to let’ or ‘for rent’ displays in their front window.
• Look for ‘to let’ or ‘for rent’ signs outside properties in areas where you want to live.
• Speak to your local real estate agent directly. Leave your contact details with them so that if
something suitable becomes available, they can contact you.
• Look on the noticeboards at TAFE colleges, universities, shopping centres, supermarkets,
local shops and cafés for shared accommodation (university websites are useful for shared
accommodation).
• Ask friends and family to let you know if they hear of something that might suit you.
Need more help?

2355_Sept2010
Make a good impression

When you are trying to find a place to rent, you may be competing
with many other people also interested in the same
rental property.
Lessors, and real estate agents acting on behalf
of lessors, will decide whether your application will
be accepted.
It is important when showing an interest in a rental
property that you give yourself the best possible
chance of success by making an effort to create a
good impression.
To make a good impression:

• Dress neatly, as if you are going for a
job interview.
• Be on time or early for appointments and
open inspections.
• Go alone or take only your partner or co-tenants to appointments and inspections so you can
give the lessor/agent your complete attention.
• Respect the property that you are visiting.
• Introduce yourself by name.
• Answer questions politely.
• Have a list of any questions you want to ask about the property.
• Take photocopies of all documents (ID, references) and a pen so you can complete an
application straight away if you like the property. If you decide to lodge your application, make
sure you have provided all of the necessary documentation — it is best if the lessor/agent does
not have to contact you for more information.
When you apply for a property, the lessor or agent will check your references and whether you are
listed on a tenancy database. If you know that you are listed on a tenancy database, it is best to tell
the agent this and explain why you are listed.
Need more help?

Housing Service Centre or 1300 880 882.
2355_Sept2010
Inspecting a property
You should always inspect a property before you
sign the general tenancy agreement with the lessor/
agent to make sure it meets your housing needs, is
clean and is in good condition. The lessor/agent may
take you to the property, you may be given a key, or
you may be invited to inspect the property with other
interested people at a particular time.
Key deposits
If you are given a key, you may be asked to pay a key
deposit and/or leave your licence at the real estate
agency before you get the key.
• When you pay the deposit, you must sign a receipt
and be given a copy of it.
• The full deposit must be refunded when you return
the key, whether or not you would like to rent
the property.
What to look for

When you first inspect the property, remember to find out the following:
Does it have gas or electricity or both? (These can have different costs.)
Does it have working smoke alarms and a safety switch in the electricity meter box?
Smoke alarms and a safety switch are required by Queensland law.
Are the blinds or curtains in good condition?
Is the level of traffic, transport or other surrounding noise an issue?
Is the hot water system big enough for your household’s needs?
Are the locks on the doors and windows adequate for your safety and for your
contents insurance?
Are taps leaking, or is the toilet running? Are any water saving devices installed?
Is there a telephone line? Or, if you have a mobile only, does your phone get reception inside
the property?
Is there a television antenna?
Are the fences and gates in good working order?
Do you have to look after the garden, mow lawns, etc?
If you have a pet, are pets allowed?
Does the property need repairs?

Once a tenancy agreement is signed, it may be harder to ask the lessor to make repairs.
If repairs are needed, speak to the lessor/agent to find out whether repairs will be done before you
move in. If they will not be done before you move in, ask the lessor/agent for a written agreement
that they will do the work after you move in.
It is important to make a note of any repairs needed to the property as part of the Entry Condition
Report you complete if you go ahead and rent the property.
Need more help?

Housing Service Centre or 1300 880 882.
2355_Sept2010
Applying for a property

Complete an application
If you find a property you like, you may be asked to
complete an application.
You have to sign a privacy consent form giving the
agent/lessor permission to contact any people you
list as referees. Before you submit applications, call
the people you have listed as referees and tell them
that the lessor/agent may contact them.
If after a few days you have not heard from the
lessor/agent, contact them and ask if they need any
more information.
Your local Tenant Advice and Advocacy Service
(TAASQ) worker can also help with completing
application forms. For contact details see Fact Sheet
— Rights and Responsibilities.
Application fees
The only money that can be taken from a prospective tenant is money for a holding deposit, key
deposits, a rental bond or rent. Lessors/agents cannot require a prospective tenant to pay any
other fees.
Holding deposits
You may be asked to pay a holding deposit, which gives you exclusive choice to enter a rental
agreement for that property. If you pay a holding deposit, the lessor/agent cannot rent the property
to any one else during the holding period.
• The lessor/agent must give you a receipt when you pay this deposit.
• Make sure you know when the holding period ends. If no specific period is set out on the
receipt, you have 48 hours to let the lessor/agent know if you would like the property or not.
• You must tell the lessor/agent what your decision is before the end of the holding period. If you
do not let the lessor/agent know whether or not you will take the place by the agreed time, you
will not get your holding deposit back.
• If you say you will take the place, you must take reasonable steps to enter into a residential
tenancy agreement.
• When you sign the agreement, your holding deposit must go first towards your bond, then
towards any rent payments.
• If you decide not to go ahead with the property, you must let the lessor/agent know within the
holding period. This will ensure your holding deposit is returned to you.
If your application is successful

The agent will request that you pay the rent and/or bond once your application has been accepted.
They may ask you to make an appointment to come into the agency to sign a residential tenancy
agreement and pay the bond and/or rent.
• You and the lessor/ agent must agree on a date when the tenancy starts. Check that this is the
same date in your residential tenancy agreement.
• On this day, you receive the key to the property and can move in.
• You must pay rent from this date even if you move in later.
If your application is unsuccessful

Ask the lessor/agent why the application was rejected as this might help with your next application.
Unfortunately, if the lessor/agent does not want to give you a reason for the rejection of your
application, they do not have to.
Remember that the next property you apply for may also be from that lessor/agent, so be aware
that anything you say in response to having your application rejected could affect
future applications.
Need more help?

2355_Sept2010
Starting a tenancy
Sign the General Tenancy Agreement
The General Tenancy Agreement is a legal contract.
You and the lessor/agent agree to the conditions
listed when you sign it. Before signing the tenancy
agreement, make sure you read and understand it.
The agreement states:
• who is renting the property and who can
live there
• when the agreement starts and ends
• the amount of rent to be paid per week, and how
often and which method you will use to pay the rent
(for example electronically, weekly
or fortnightly)
• standard and special terms of agreement.
You must sign and return the agreement within five days
of receiving it.
When you sign the tenancy agreement, the lessor/agent must give you:
• a signed copy of the General Tenancy Agreement (Form 18a)
• a signed copy of the Entry Condition Report (Form 1a), completed by the lessor/agent
(see below)
• the booklet Renting a house or unit in Queensland (Form 17a) or Renting a caravan or
moveable dwelling in Queensland (Form 17b).
You should keep these documents in a safe place.
Paying the bond and rent in advance

What is a bond?
A bond is money you pay at the start of your tenancy that the lessor/agent can claim if you break
the agreement and owe money for rent, damages or other costs at the end of the tenancy.
How much bond will I pay?

If your rent is $700 a week or less, the maximum bond a lessor/agent can charge is equal to
4 weeks rent. The lessor/agent can charge any amount as bond if the weekly rent is more
than $700.
What happens to my bond money?

The lessor/agent must lodge your bond money with the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA),
where it is held in trust while you live in the property. The RTA sends you an official receipt with
your Rental Bond Number on it. Keep this receipt in a safe place, such as in a folder with the
copies of your rental documents.
What if I don’t have enough money for the bond?

If you cannot afford to pay the full rental bond, ask the lessor/agent if you can pay in instalments
and/or check if you may be eligible for a Department of Communities Bond Loan. Information on
how to apply for this bond loan is available at your nearest Housing Service Centre or at
www.housing.qld.gov.au/loans/bond/index.htm.
How can I get my bond back at the end of my tenancy?

When you are about to leave the tenancy, you must apply to the Residential Tenancies Authority to
get your bond back by completing a Refund of a Rental Bond (Form 4), as soon as you return the
key to the lessor/agent. You should send this completed form directly to the Residential Tenancies
Authority. It is best if everyone (all the tenants and the lessor/agent) sign and agree on the bond
refund amount.
Need more help?

2355_Sept2010
Moving in
There are a few things you need to do before you
can move into your new rental property.
Complete the entry condition report

The entry condition report should be completed
before you move in. This records any existing
damage or problems in all rooms of the property.
It is an important document and requires attention to
detail, so make sure you spend the time inspecting
the property closely and filling out this report
completely.
The lessor/real estate agent must sign both copies,
one of which you need to keep in a safe place.
a) The lessor/agent fills out and signs a copy of the
Entry Condition Report (Form 1a).
b) They must give you a copy of the filled out condition report for you to then fill in as well.
c) You must fill out the ‘tenant’ section. If you do not agree with their comments, add your own
comments in the tenant column of both copies, before you sign the report. It is important that
you check and comment on what is on the form as this may be important if there is a dispute
about the condition of the property at the end of the tenancy.
d) You must sign and return the entry condition report to the lessor/agent within three days after
the day you are allowed to move in.
e) The lessor/agent must give you a copy of the completed report. Keep your copy safe with your
General Tenancy Agreement and your bond and/or rent receipts.
Pay the rent

• Rent is usually paid weekly, fortnightly or monthly. You and the lessor should agree on how
much rent you will pay, when you will pay and the method of payment before you sign the
tenancy agreement.
• Most lessors require tenants to pay rent in advance, so you may need to make your first rent
payment before you move in. You cannot be asked to pay any more rent until that rent in
advance is used, and then you can be asked to pay for the next rent period in advance.
• Paying by direct debit through your bank, employer or Centrepay (a free direct bill-paying
service for Centrelink customers) is one way to make sure your rent is paid on time. If paying
by direct debit, make sure you have enough money in your account. You need to allow time
for the processing of the fund transfers or you could end up in arrears or be charged fees by
the bank.
• Ask for a copy of your rent payment record. Be clear about how often you want this record
sent to you. If you pay your rent by cash or cheque, the lessor/agent must give you a receipt
each time. Keep these receipts with your copy of the tenancy agreement, bond receipt and
entry condition report.
Moving in
Once you have signed the tenancy agreement, paid the bond and rent in advance and received the
keys, you are ready to move in.
You will need to have the gas and electricity connected in your name and pay deposits if required.
You may be able to choose your preferred gas and electricity suppliers.
Read Renting a house or unit in Queensland (Form 17a) or Renting a caravan or moveable
dwelling in Queensland (Form 17b). These documents contain information about what to do during
your tenancy and should be given to you by the agent/lessor after you sign the tenancy agreement.
You can also find a copy of these forms on the Residential Tenancies Authority website.
Visit www.rta.qld.gov.au.
Need more help?

2355_Sept2010
Rights and responsibilities

What are my rights and
responsibilities as a tenant?
The Residential Tenancies Authority looks after
the laws which protect the rights of tenants and
lessors/agents. As a tenant or resident, you have
rights as well as responsibilities.
Fact sheets and publications about your rights and
responsibilities under the Residential Tenancies
and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 are
available from the Residential Tenancies Authority
(RTA) website www.rta.qld.gov.au or by telephoning
the RTA on 1300 366 311.
How can I avoid problems with

my tenancy?
• R ead Renting a house or unit in Queensland (Form 17a) or Renting a caravan or moveable
dwelling in Queensland (Form 17b) which are given to you when you sign the tenancy
agreement. These forms can help you to understand your rights and responsibilities.
• Pay your rent on time.
• Take good care of the property.
• Don’t disturb the peace, comfort or privacy of neighbours.
• Consult the lessor/agent if you want to change who is living in the premises.
• Keep all documents about the tenancy (e.g. condition report, tenancy agreement, letters and
receipts) together in a safe place.
• Contact your lessor/agent to discuss any problems that arise.
Where can I get help if I have problems starting my tenancy or

during my tenancy?
Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA)
• V
isit www.rta.qld.gov.au for fact sheets, forms and publications about specific tenancy advice
or phone 1300 366 311.
Tenants Union of Queensland (TUQ)

• V
isit www.tuq.org.au for information for tenants and residents or phone (07) 3257 1108
or 1800 744 263 (outside Brisbane).
Tenant Advice and Advocacy Service (TAASQ)

• V
isit www.housing.qld.gov.au/renting/info/taasq.htm for services located in your area. Workers
can assist on the phone or appointments can be made for face-to-face support. Contact details
for TAASQ are included in the next section.
Contact details - Tenant Advice and Advocacy Service (TAASQ)
BRISBANE REGION REGIONAL QUEENSLAND

Inner Northern Suburbs — 07 3358 3951 Atherton Tablelands — 1800 652 777
Northern Suburbs (Stafford) — 07 3857 8686 Bowen — 07 4786 3735
Inner Southern Suburbs — 07 3846 2114 Bundaberg and Surrounds — 07 4153 1239
Logan/Albert/Beaudesert — 07 3826 1500 Cairns and Surrounds — 07 4031 6733
North Region — 07 5428 6011 North Region — 07 5428 6011
Outer Northern Suburbs — 07 3863 2721 Gladstone and Region — 07 4976 6360
Outer Southern Suburbs — 07 3277 7583 Gold Coast North — 07 5591 1102
Wynnum/Manly/Redlands — 07 3893 0016 Gold Coast South — 07 5598 3230
Gympie and South Burnett — 07 5482 7623
Hervey Bay/Maryborough — 07 4124 1523
Ipswich & Surrounds — 07 3281 5409
Mackay — 07 4957 6334
Mt Isa/North West Region — 07 4743 9659
Rockhampton — 07 4922 7411
Roma and District — 07 4620 1065
Sunshine Coast — 07 5476 0555
Toowoomba and Surrounds — 07 4616 9707
Townsville — 07 4772 5617 or 1800 772 561
Whitsunday — 07 4946 6449
Need more help?

2355_Sept2010
Tenancy databases
What is a tenancy database?
A tenancy database is a list where lessors/agents record personal information about tenants who
have had problems with their tenancies.
If you have left a property without paying the full rent, or with damage or repairs that cost more
than your rental bond, your name may have been placed on a tenancy database.
With this information, agents decide if prospective tenants are likely to fall behind on rent or
damage the property.
How do I find out if I am listed on a tenancy database?

In each of the tenancy database websites, there is a ‘Tenants’ section that tells you how to find if
you are listed.
Common tenancy databases are:
• Tenancy Information Centre Australasia (TICA) www.tica.com.au
• National Tenancy Database (NTD) www.ntd.net.au
• Trading Reference Australia (TRA) www.tradingreference.com
• The Lessor www.thelessor.com.au
You can write or call database companies to request information about whether and/or why you
were listed. Beware that calls to database telephone lines may be charged by the minute.
The Tenant Advice and Advocacy Service (TAASQ) may also be able to help you to find out if you
have been listed on a tenancy database. See Fact Sheet — Where to get help when renting for
local TAASQ contacts.
What can I do if I have been listed and don’t think my name should be
on the database?
• Only tenants named on the tenancy agreement can be listed on a tenancy database for
identified reasons. Listings, or proposed listings, can be challenged if they don’t meet the
criteria, are incorrect or unjust.
• Write to the agent who listed you and tell them if the information is not correct or is out-of-date,
and request that the information be changed. Keep a copy of all correspondence in case of
a dispute.
• If the agent objects to your requested change/s, they will be required to note your objection on
the database.
How do I get my name removed from a tenancy database?

• Contact the lessor/agent who listed you to find out what you need to do to have your name
removed from the database.
• If you were listed for not paying rent, start repaying the debt to the agent or lessor who listed
you and ask what you have to do to have the listing changed to show this.
• Ensure you obtain any agreement in writing if possible and keep in a safe place.
• Lodge a Dispute Resolution Request (Form 16) with the Residential Tenancies Authority
Dispute Resolution Service to get help with negotiating an agreement about a proposed or
existing listing.
• Apply directly to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal to order the person or
agency to remove you from the list, or vary the listing with certain changes and/or conditions
as appropriate.
For more information about tenancy databases

• Refer to the Residential Tenancies Authority’s Tenancy Databases fact sheet available at
www.rta.qld.gov.au/ or phone 1300 366 311.
• Contact your local Tenant Advice and Advocacy Service (TAASQ). Visit www.housing.qld.gov.au/
renting/info/taasq.htm for services located in your area.
• Contact the Tenants’ Union of Queensland on 1800 744 263 or www.tuq.org.au.
Need more help?

2355_Sept2010

Renting in The Private Market: Where Do You Want To Live?

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Renting in The Private Market: Where Do You Want To Live?

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Department of Communities Housing and Homelessness Services

Renting in the private market

Where do you want to live?

What services will you or your family need?

Will you need public transport to travel to work or to use services?

What sort of home do you need?

How much rent can you afford?

Need more help?

Rental history and references

Personal identification (ID)

Need more help?

Finding a rental property

Real estate agents and word of mouth

Need more help?

Make a good impression

To make a good impression:

Need more help?

What to look for

Does the property need repairs?

Need more help?

Applying for a property

If your application is successful

If your application is unsuccessful

Need more help?

Paying the bond and rent in advance

How much bond will I pay?

What happens to my bond money?

What if I don’t have enough money for the bond?

How can I get my bond back at the end of my tenancy?

Need more help?

Complete the entry condition report

Pay the rent

Need more help?

Rights and responsibilities

How can I avoid problems with

Where can I get help if I have problems starting my tenancy or

Tenants Union of Queensland (TUQ)

Tenant Advice and Advocacy Service (TAASQ)

Contact details - Tenant Advice and Advocacy Service (TAASQ)

BRISBANE REGION REGIONAL QUEENSLAND

Need more help?

How do I find out if I am listed on a tenancy database?

How do I get my name removed from a tenancy database?

For more information about tenancy databases

Need more help?

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