SO WHAT IS A LEASE

S0 YOU THINK YOU HAVE FOUND THE PERFECT PLACE - WHAT NEXT?

You have some money and have put in your application. First we will look at how you Start a Tenancy and then give you some tips and hints to reduce the chance of you getting screwed over go to the pages on Reading a Lease, Entry Condition report, Bond, Maintenance of a Property and Change in Housemates. 

STARTING A TENANCY

The Residential Tenancy Authority  governs laws that relate to tenancies in Queensland. There are factsheets on the RTA website that detail the process of starting a tenancy. There is also information relating to Bonds and Security Deposits and Entry Condition Reports. 

Entry Condition Reports can save you heaps of money in the end if you use them correctly. Make sure that you read the fact sheet and never sign a lease on a property that you have not inspected. 

Many of you will move out as students and should read the Fact sheets relating to starting a tenancy as a student.

There are examples of a General Tenancy Agreement on the Residential Tenancies Website, take one of your Applications for a Lease from earlier and see if you can complete all or part of the lease:

SO HOW DO I READ A LEASE AGREEMENT?


The Agent has now given you a copy of the proposed agreement. They will have filled out their part of it relating to the Landlord, the property and themselves. The agreement is generally not binding until you sign up. Go to my Page on Reading a Lease for further information on how to read a Lease Agreement.

TIPS & HINTS

 

 

GENERAL RULES FOR TENANCIES

As a Tenant you need to realise that there are also remedies available to a Lessor in the event that a Tenant does not adhere to their responsibilities during the course of a tenancy. Likewise if the Lessor does not adhere to their responsibilities during the course of a tenancy you as the Tenant will have certain rights available to you. These rights an responsibilities are detailed below:

General renting rules for tenants are as follows:

• Pay rent on time
• Keep the place clean, tidy and undamaged
• Keep to the terms of your tenancy agreement
• Respect your neighbours right to peace and quiet

General renting rules for lessors or managers are as follows:

• Respect tenants’ privacy and comply with entry requirements
• Carry out repairs and maintenance
• Meet all health and safety laws
• Lodge bond with the RTA

 If either party does not adhere to their respective Rights and Responsibilities and a Serious Problem arises during a tenancy then the other party can take action to try and solve the problem this can being requesting a breach be rectified (Notice to Remedy Breach) or by further action in respect of a Dispute. For further information.

 BONDS

• What happens to my Bond at the beginning of the Lease?
• Does the Lessor have to give it back?
• What do I do if the Lessor won't give me back by Bond or only gives back part of it?

Answer each of these questions in the Comments section below and then go to my Bond page for more information and see if you were correct. 

ENTRY CONDITION REPORT

• I signed a lease without inspecting it. 
• The Agent has now said that the repairs to the hole in the bathroom wall are my responsibility - but why it was there when I moved in?

See if you can answer these questions in the Comments section below and then go to my Entry Condition Report page for more information and see if you were correct.

CHANGE IN HOUSEMATES

• You work out your housemate is abit crazy or they decide to move out - what do you do if they are on the lease?

See if you can answer this questions in the Comments section below and then go to my Change in Housemates page for more information and see if you were correct.

MAINTENANCE OF THE PROPERTY AND REPAIRS

• What happens if there is a problems that needs repair? 
• Who do I call if the sink in the Bathroom springs a link?
• The stove has suddenly stopped working what do I do?

These are all valid questions some of which can be answered by having a look at the General Tenancy Agreement itself or by contacting the Agent. See if you can answer each of these questions in the Comments section below and then go to my Property Maintenance and Repairs page for more information and see if you were correct. If you have further problems go to Maintenance and Repairs  on the RTA website for further information.

SERIOUS PROBLEMS IN A TENANCY

• My boyfriend hit me, I am scared but have no where else to go, what can I do?
• This flatmate is a crazy, how do we get her out?
• A Cyclone has just hit and the house is gone what do I do now?

If you find that there are serious problems in a Tenancy like someone becoming violent, repairs not being made making the property unlivable or a natural disaster  there are things you can do. Always remember that you do not need to put up with Domestic Violence. For further information please contact the Domestic Violence Service near you (they are in the phone book). 

In the Event of a Natural Disaster you need to realise that the lease will not necessarily end and you should make yourself familiar with your rights in this type of circumstances by accessing the information available at Natural Disasters on the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) website. 

You will also find information for what to do in respect of Domestic Violence and when it is necessary for a tenant to be removed from premises.