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Most of Narevella’s property research content is written for buyers, but a lot of the same due diligence habits apply if you are renting in Queensland. Before you sign a residential tenancy agreement, there are a few practical things worth checking so you understand what you are agreeing to and what to expect once you move in.
Read the Agreement Before You Sign
A Queensland residential tenancy agreement sets out the rent, the term, who is responsible for specific costs, and any special terms the property manager or owner has added. Special terms cannot override your rights under the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act, so if a special term seems unusual, it is worth asking the property manager to explain it or checking with the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) before signing.
Entry Condition Report and Photos
You should receive an entry condition report at the start of the tenancy describing the condition of the property, room by room. Go through it carefully and add anything the report missed, such as existing marks, damage, or wear, before you sign and return it. Taking your own dated photos on move-in day is a simple, practical way to protect your bond, since the exit condition report at the end of the tenancy will usually be compared against this starting point.
Bond and Rent in Advance
In Queensland, a bond is generally capped at four weeks’ rent, and must be lodged with the RTA within a set timeframe rather than held privately by the owner or agent. Ask for confirmation that your bond has actually been lodged, since this protects you if there is a dispute later. Rent in advance is also regulated, so check what you are actually being asked to pay before the tenancy starts and whether it matches what the RTA allows.
Who Fixes What
General maintenance and repairs are usually the owner’s responsibility, while everyday cleanliness and minor upkeep, such as changing light bulbs or garden maintenance if specified in the agreement, are usually the tenant’s. Urgent repairs, such as a burst pipe, unsafe electrical fault, or a gas leak, have specific notice and response timeframes under Queensland tenancy law, so it is worth knowing how to report an urgent repair and what happens if the owner or agent does not respond within a reasonable time.
Utilities and Connections
Check whether utilities such as electricity, gas, water usage, and internet are separately metered and in your name, or included in rent. For water usage charges specifically, Queensland tenancy law only allows an owner to charge a tenant for water consumption if the property meets certain water efficiency standards and the agreement specifies it, so it is worth checking this rather than assuming you owe whatever the water bill says.
Ending the Tenancy
Before you sign, check the minimum term, what notice period applies if you need to leave early, and whether break-lease costs are specified. Circumstances change, and knowing the exit terms upfront makes it easier to plan ahead rather than being caught out later.
If Something Goes Wrong
The Residential Tenancies Authority is the main Queensland government body for tenancy bond and dispute information, and is a useful first stop if you are unsure about your rights or need to resolve a disagreement with an owner or property manager.
This guide is general information only, not legal advice. For a specific tenancy issue, the Residential Tenancies Authority or a tenant advocacy service can advise on your particular situation.
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