The start of a new tenancy can be an exciting time. There is lots to do and organise, coupled with the joy of moving into a new home. Before you jump right into decorating the place, you will need to ensure you have considered a range of factors and are fully prepared for your tenancy. Starting off on the right foot will allow you to enjoy a harmonious relationship throughout the lease.

At Access Property Management, we pride ourselves on our service to both owners and tenants. We will value your tenancy by providing prompt responses, easy rental repayment systems, quick turnaround times on maintenance and our best intentions at all times. We also offer a range of tenant information and support to help ensure that you are fully informed throughout the process. In this guide, you will find detailed information for tenants signing their rental agreement and the key aspects of starting a new lease.

Still searching for a new rental? Check out our guide to finding and securing a new place for some handy tips.

Understanding your lease terms

When starting a new tenancy in Western Australia, there are a few different documents you will need to sign. Understanding these and clarifying any terms or conditions before signing anything is important. Make sure you carefully read your lease agreement and ask your property manager any questions. These are legally binding documents, so it’s crucial that you take the time to review them in their entirety before agreeing to the terms.

All written tenancy agreements in WA must use the Residential tenancy agreement (Form 1AA). You must also be given the ‘Information for tenant‘ sheet. Once your lease is signed by all parties, you must be given a copy. This can be done electronically if agreed too. You can find more information about your legal rights and rental agreements on the Consumer Protection website.

Required forms and paperwork

Tenancy lease agreement

Your official written lease agreement helps to ensure that you understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, aiming to minimise any chances of disputes with the owner. We advise that you read the lease carefully before signing and keep a copy of the paperwork handy for the duration of your tenancy.

The written agreement should include tenant names, the length of the lease, rental payment options, contact details and the bond amount held. It may also outline additional costs you may be responsible for, such as water usage, and highlight the procedure for changing the rental amount.

Once you have signed the lease, you must notify your property manager if your circumstances change. The tenancy agreement is a legally binding contract and will have to be amended if the agreed-upon terms change.

Property condition report

Once you have signed the lease, you will receive a property condition report describing the rental condition when you move in. It’s an essential document that helps to protect you against losing your bond or resolving disputes if they arise, so you must know what to do with it. We’ve put together an easy-to-follow guide that explains what to do with your property condition report once you’ve received it.

Fees and costs

Before starting your new tenancy, you will need to ensure that you have considered all the upfront costs and can afford them. Moving costs can greatly vary and are dependent on factors such as how much you are going to be moving, for example, large pieces of furniture can be expensive to transport or the distance you need to travel. Before you start a new tenancy, ensure you have considered how much you will need to spend.

You will also have to account for the following upfront costs:

• Rent in advance: usually two weeks of rent to be paid before commencing the lease
• Bond: the security bond deposit, usually four weeks of your rent
• Pet bond: if required, the maximum amount that can be charged is $260
• Option fee: can be charged to a prospective tenant while their application is being considered, capped at $50 or $100 depending on the weekly rental amount.

Moving into your new home with Access Property Management

So you’re all ready to get started in your new home! Before you start moving your belongings in and making it your own, ensure that you have completed your property condition report. You should also consider the terms of your lease prior to decorating the rental. There are plenty of ways to make an impact within the rules of your tenancy, and as property managers, we’ve seen tenants style their rental homes in many creative ways. Discover some of the best techniques to decorate your rental property without causing damage or breaking your lease terms.

At Access Property Management, we value our tenants. Reach out to us with questions about your new tenancy, or you can find more information and documents to make your time with us even smoother here.

Still searching for the perfect rental? Check out our available listings, or get in touch with us. At the commencement of our relationship, we seek to match you with the right property – saving you hours of house hunting.