Moving Into a Rental? What to Check First

Moving into a rental can involve plenty of small details that are easy to overlook once the furniture arrives. Before unpacking boxes, take time to document the property's condition, check that essential services are working, and make sure you've reported any issues to the property manager.

These checks can also make the end of your tenancy easier, particularly when you have clear records of what was already present when you moved in. Here's what to look for when moving into a rental.

Complete Your Condition Report

Your condition report is one of the most important documents to deal with before settling into the property. Go through every room and record existing marks, damage, stains and other issues, even if they appear minor.

Take clear photos of:

• Walls, ceilings and floors
• Carpets and rugs
• Doors, handles and locks
• Windows, screens and blinds
• Kitchen benches, cupboards and appliances
• Bathroom fittings and tiles
• Outdoor areas, garages and sheds
• Existing marks, cracks or water damage

Photographs should show enough detail to identify the issue and should be stored somewhere you can access later. Keep copies of the completed condition report and any correspondence with the agent or property manager.

If something is damaged but isn't adequately described in the report, raise it in writing before you settle in.

Check the Utilities

Make sure electricity, gas and water arrangements are clear before you start unpacking.

Tenants can generally choose electricity and gas retailers, although apartment buildings and some other properties may have specific arrangements. The rental agreement or building manager should be able to tell you if there are restrictions.

For electricity and gas, check:

• Which services are connected
• Whether the meter is accessible
• Who the current retailer is
• Whether you need to arrange a connection or transfer
• Whether the property has controlled or time-of-use rates
• Whether gas appliances are present

Government comparison services can help you compare available energy plans. Make sure you use an official government comparison service rather than a commercial website that looks similar.

Water arrangements vary by property and state. Depending on the property and your agreement, you may be responsible for some water usage charges. Check your tenancy agreement and ask the property manager which water costs you are expected to pay.

For apartments, also check with building management about any embedded utility arrangements.

Check Smoke Alarms and Gas Safety

Before moving furniture into the property, check that smoke alarms are present and appear to be functioning.

If the property has gas appliances, ask the agent or landlord about the relevant gas safety checks and documentation. In some states and territories, rental properties have specific requirements for gas and electrical safety inspections.

Look out for obvious problems such as damaged cords, unusual smells around gas appliances or appliances that appear unsafe. Report concerns to the property manager promptly rather than continuing to use equipment that may be faulty.

Test the Locks and Windows

Check that the property's external doors, windows and other accessible entry points can be properly secured.

Test the main door, back door, garage access and accessible windows. Check that keys work smoothly and that you have received all keys, remotes, and access devices you should have.

For apartments, also check building entry points, intercoms, swipe cards, and lift access.

If a lock is damaged or doesn't secure properly, tell the property manager. You can also engage a locksmith if a lock needs professional attention or replacement.

Check Appliances Before Unpacking

If the rental includes appliances, check that they are present and appear to be working.

Depending on the property, this could include an oven, cooktop, rangehood, dishwasher, air conditioner, heater, washing machine or dryer.

Look inside appliances for existing damage or heavy build-up and photograph their condition. Turn on relevant appliances to check they operate as expected, where safe to do so.

If something doesn't work, report it before assuming that you are responsible for arranging a repair.

Look for Signs of Leaks or Water Damage

Take a quick look around wet areas before boxes and furniture cover the walls and floors.

Check underneath sinks, around toilets and showers, near washing machine connections and around visible pipes. Look for damp patches, bubbling paint, mould, discolouration or a musty smell.

Also check ceilings and walls for signs of previous water damage. If you notice something concerning, photograph it and notify the property manager.

For persistent leaks or plumbing problems, a licensed plumber can inspect the issue and identify whether repairs are required.

Check Heating, Cooling and Ventilation

Australian rental properties can vary considerably in how they handle hot and cold weather, so check the available heating, cooling and ventilation before you settle in.

Test installed air conditioners, heaters, ceiling fans and exhaust fans where appropriate. Check that vents are unobstructed and that bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans operate.

If the property has older heating or cooling equipment that isn't working properly, report it to the property manager. A qualified electrician, air conditioning technician or other relevant tradie can assess equipment that requires repair or servicing.

Check the Cleanliness

The property should be in the condition agreed upon at the start of the tenancy. Check areas that are easy to miss when viewing an empty property, including inside cupboards, behind appliances, window tracks, bathroom exhaust areas and outdoor spaces.

Photograph anything noticeably dirty or not cleaned to the expected standard, and include it in your condition report.

If the property requires professional cleaning before you move in, you can arrange a cleaner through ServiceSeeking. Getting this sorted before furniture and boxes are in place can make the job more straightforward.

Check for Maintenance Issues

An empty property makes it easier to spot problems that could become inconvenient later.

Check for:

• Loose or damaged fittings
• Dripping taps
• Blocked drains
• Faulty powerpoints or light switches
• Damaged blinds or curtains
• Cracked tiles
• Broken gates or fences
• Overgrown outdoor areas
• Pest activity
• Problems with garage doors

Keep a written record of anything you report and the date you reported it. If a repair requires a qualified professional, the property manager or landlord can arrange the appropriate tradie.

Find Out How the Property Works

Before you open the first box, find out where the practical essentials are located.

Locate the electricity switchboard, water meter, gas meter (if applicable), hot water system, smoke alarms, and any relevant shut-off valves. If there is a garage, shed or outdoor storage area, check which spaces are included in your tenancy.

It's also worth finding out how rubbish and recycling are collected, where mail is delivered and whether the property has any parking or access rules.

Once you've done these checks, you'll have a clearer record of the property's starting condition and any repairs or services that need attention. If the rental needs cleaning, plumbing, electrical work, locksmith services or other professional attention before you settle in, you can find local service providers through ServiceSeeking.