Tenant signs the lease and collects the keys
If the tenant's application is successful, the landlord or agent will arrange to sign a tenancy agreement with them.
Before signing an agreement or moving in, a landlord or agent must give a tenant:
- a copy of the tenant information statement
- a copy of the proposed tenancy agreement
- a condition report that has been completed by the landlord or agent. This can be supplied as either 2 printed copies or an electronic copy
- a copy of the by-laws, if the property is in a strata scheme
- an invitation to lodge the bond using Rental Bonds Online or if the tenant prefers, a copy of a paper-based lodgement form
Tenants should read through all the information they are given and make sure they understand what they are signing.
See our tenant's checklist for links to downloadable copies of these documents.
When signing the agreement, the landlord or agent must give the tenant:
- the signed tenancy agreement
- certificates of compliance for any swimming and spa pools
- keys or other opening devices or information (for example, a garage remote or security access codes). These must be made available to all tenants named in the tenancy agreement. Landlords or agents cannot charge tenants for the first set of these items. These items should be for the rental property and for any common property that the tenant is entitled to access.
Tenant pays the rental bond and up to 2 weeks rent in advance
Tenants may be asked to pay a rental bond and rent in advance. Tenants can use their existing Rental Bonds Online login to pay the bond or the the landlord or agent should invite them to sign up to use Rental Bonds Online for the first time. Tenants can ask to lodge the bond using a paper form.
Tenants normally pay the bond before signing the lease if using Rental Bonds Online.
Tenant fills in the condition report and landlord or agent arranges any repairs
The tenant fills out the condition report that the landlord or agent provided them when signing the agreement. The tenant is encouraged to take photos while filling it out. If there are any repairs needed before the tenant moves in, there should be an agreement in writing between the tenant and landlord or agent that these repairs will be done.
A copy of the completed condition report must be given to the landlord or agent within 7 days of the tenant being given possession of the property. The tenant must also keep a copy of the completed report.
Set up utilities and services
Electricity, gas and water are essential services that must be supplied to the rental property. The tenancy agreement will state who is responsible for these utilities in a rental property and what is or is not included in the rent.
Telephone and internet services are up to the tenant to set up. Tenants must have written permission from the landlord to install a telephone or internet service. This is considered an acceptable 'minor change' to the property and cannot unreasonably be refused.
Preparing to move in
When a tenant is ready to move in, they should find a reliable removalist. If extra help is needed with moving or other rental costs, tenants can find out what they might be eligible for.
Costs tenants may need to pay for
- Tenants may have already paid a holding fee of no more than one week's rent. This deposit must go towards the rent if a tenancy agreement is signed for the property.
- Rental bond of no more than 4 weeks rent. Tenants can use their existing Rental Bonds Online account, or sign up to use Rental Bonds Online to pay.
- Rent in advance of no more than 2 weeks. A landlord or agent must offer a tenant certain ways to pay rent that do not have additional fees, for example direct debit or BPAY.
- Fee for registering the lease with NSW Land Registry Services if it is a fixed term agreement of more than 3 years.
Keep all receipts
Tenants should keep receipts for everything they pay for. If paying rent by direct deposit, bank transfer or Centrepay, bank records will act as receipts. A landlord or agent needs to provide a tenant with a receipt if they pay the rent by cheque or in person.
Help with costs
Tenants may be able to get help to secure a rental property and pay for rent and other costs. Learn more about financial support options, including eligibility.
Costs tenants do not have to pay for
Landlords or agents must not charge tenants any extra costs before entering the agreement including:
- for the cost of preparing or filling in the tenancy agreement
- more than two weeks rent in advance
- more than four weeks rent as a rental bond
- for initial copies of keys or other opening devices
- a bond to allow them to keep a pet on the property
- background checks
These restrictions apply to prospective tenants, regardless of whether they sign the lease or not. Learn more about costs at the start of a tenancy.