Renter Advice

Editor's Picks

I’ve applied for a rental property. What happens next?

Submitted a rental property application and started the waiting process? You might be wondering how long it takes to process your application and when you'll get an answer.

How do I find my driver’s licence and card number?

Have you been asked to provide your driver's licence or card number for identification purposes? Here's how...

Rental application documents: A guide to everything you need

Found a home you love? It's time to submit a rental application to secure your property. But what documents do you need to provide with your application?

Tools to make renting easier

Let RentBond manage your moving costs for you

Looking for an easy way to finance your rental bond and make moving a breeze? With RentBond, you can get a short-term loan while you wait for your bond refund - and if you pay it back within 21 days, it's completely free!

200,000 Pet Resumes – and Dogs still rule

Dogs reign supreme as Australia's most loved household pet, with cats sitting in second place, according to new data from Rent.com.au.

Moving house

I’ve applied for a rental property. What happens next?

Submitted a rental property application and started the waiting process? You might be wondering how long it takes to process your application and when you'll get an answer.

Rental bond: What is it, and how does it work?

Time to get down to the nitty-gritty financials – the rental bond. So what is it, and...

Your step-by-step guide to end of lease cleaning

The trick to a hassle-free exit from your lease is organising your cleaning regime within a proper timeframe. Use these tips to make your next bond clean a success.

Why are my rental applications being rejected – and what can...

If you're renting in Australia, you may have experienced the frustration of having your rental application rejected.

How soon should I start searching for rentals?

Ready to embark on your next rental journey? The question is, when should you start your search?

How much do you know about your tenancy history?

Ready to apply for your next property? Here are Rent.com.au's hot tips to help you secure your dream home with minimal fuss and jump the rental application queue.

Repairs & Maintenance

Plumbing maintenance: Who is responsible, landlords or tenants?

The responsibility for plumbing repairs and maintenance is a frequent point of contention between landlords and tenants. But both parties have a part to play during a tenancy. 

What photos can be taken during a rent inspection?

Rental inspections are an expected process when you rent a property in Australia. But are landlords allowed to photograph the contents of your home - and if so, what?

Gutter cleaning: Who is responsible, landlords or tenants?

"I need a gutter clean. But is the landlord or responsible for clearing gutters during a tenancy, and why?"

Pests at home

Who’s responsible for unwanted pests in my rental property?

A pest infestation in a rental property can cause problems for both tenants and landlords - especially when pest control is required to manage the situation.

Rats in your rental: Responsibility and treatment

Photo: Unsplash/kirahoffman. Rats can be a persistent pest once they're in your home and can quickly spread diseases...

Wasps in your rental: Responsibility and treatment

Wasps rarely go out of their way to sting, but may become hostile if threatened. Here's how to handle a potential wasp infestation at...

Cockroaches in your rental: Responsibility and treatment

Cockroaches can cause major issues for tenants and landlords in rental properties. While they're usually there to eat left-out food (how kind) here's how...

Ants in your rental: Responsibility and treatment

Ant control is not always as simple as it seems. They're small and come in large numbers which can make controlling them an ongoing...

Spiders in your rental: Responsibility and treatment

Most spiders won't hurt anyone. But their webs can cause a mess, and for the majority of tenants, they're an unwelcome guest in the...

Lease agreements

I’ve applied for a rental property. What happens next?

Submitted a rental property application and started the waiting process? You might be wondering how long it takes to process your application and when you'll get an answer.

Rental inspection checklist: Tips to organise your home

If you rent a property in Australia, you're probably going to encounter routine rental inspections. These inspections can cause stress because many tenants don't know what's expected of them.

What references should you include in a rental application?

A great rental application is key to getting the property you want. Once your ID and background checks are done, your references can make or break the deal.

Get help

Tenant rights in Australia: Where to get help with a rental...

No matter where you live in Australia, there are support services to assist you with questions about...

What tenancy protections are available for renters after the moratorium ends?

As Australia transitions out of the COVID-19 emergency period and moratoriums come to an end, several measures...

RentBond: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Want to apply for a RentBond loan through rent.com.au? Below you will find answers to the questions we get asked most often about RentBond.

COVID-19: Tenancy support for Victorian tenants

If you're renting a property in Victoria during the COVID-19 pandemic, here’s where to get tenancy support.

Mental health support: Where can I go for help?

Photo: iStock/Hope Connolly No matter whether you’re moving for the first or the fifth time, renting -...

I’m having trouble paying the rent, what can I do?

"I am having trouble paying the rent. What can I do?" We asked Madeleine Smith for her advice.

Security

Rental scams: How to recognise (and avoid) rental property fraud

Online rental property listings are a popular target for scammers. While applying online is convenient, there are simple steps to keep you and your money safe during your search.

Is the owner required to fix my front door lock?

"The front door lock on my rental is dodgy. The key gets stuck, and the lock is loose. Despite asking for a repair, the owner has told the agent he won't fix it. Isn't he responsible?" Tenant, QLD

Screens on doors – What do owners provide?

Director / licensee at Homes4U, Mareea Wilkinson explains where the agent's responsibility lies when it comes to screens on doors.

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