09Sep2022
Your Rights And Responsibilities As A Renter In Melbourne, Victoria
The capital city of Victoria is ranked as the second most lively city in the world. People across the country are moving to Melbourne because it has the best infrastructure facilities, housing options, employment opportunities, a booming economy, world-class amenities, and much more.
Tenure of your lease
Rental amount
Where to pay the amount
Roles and obligations
Your rights and responsibilities
Landlord’s rights and responsibilities
Installing child safety gates
Locks
Installing picture hooks
Attaching shelf brackets, etc
For major modifications, prepare a consent note and ensure they won’t refuse it unnecessary.
Property Prices in Melbourne
According to the latest research, Melbourne had a slight upswing over Sydney and other capitals after being locked down for more than 250 days. The prices rose by 17.3 per cent from the COVID-19 pandemic- which is low compared to the overall market peak. The media house in the capital of Victoria is recorded at $984,000, which was $1 million in January. Despite the falling house prices, people are heading towards rental properties. They are moving to small towns and suburbs where they can find a peaceful environment, greenery and spacious homes.Residential Tenancy and Rental Properties
The latest rental report revealed that The Melbourne Rent Index (MRI) increased by 3.2 per cent in the June quarter (around $430 per week). If you are also looking for a leased apartment or house in the capital city, research and find the right option. Inspect the property thoroughly and read your rental agreement before signing it. Make sure you know your rights and responsibilities as a renter. This will help you avoid unwanted disputes with your landlord or property manager. Most rental disputes happen at the end of a tenancy due to a lack of cleaning. When you know your rights as a tenant, you will perform a thorough end of lease cleaning Melbourne and return the property in a pristine state. This will also help you get the full bond money back. Similarly, there are various other rights and responsibilities mentioned in the residential tenancy laws in Victoria that every renter should know. To make things easy, here is a complete guide on tenant’s rights, responsibilities and other important factors that need to be considered. Let’s Get Started!Tenant’s Rights & Responsibilities
The following are the legal requirements of the Residential Tenancies Act 1997. The lease agreement is one of the documents renters sign before moving in. It comprises every detail, including rights, responsibilities, roles and obligations.Signing the Rental Agreement
To begin a renter’s journey, you must sign a lease/rental agreement. This will include all the terms and conditions and other key information, such as:What is Bond?
When you begin your tenancy, you will be required to pay a bond. It is basically a type of insurance against property damage or if it is in a dirty condition. You will get the full bond money back when you return the property in a clean and well-maintained state. Fun fact: If the rent is less than $350 per week, you don’t need to pay more than one month’s rent as a rental bond.Paying Rent on Time
Your prime responsibility is to pay the rent on time and avoid unnecessary disputes. Do not pay the rent to a third party. Your property manager or landlord is not allowed to increase the rent if you have signed a fixed-term agreement. He can increase once in twelve months. So, know your right and ask your queries related to renting payment when signing the agreement. Note: If you are continually paying late rent, you may be charged a penalty fee to cover the requirements.Property Maintenance is Must
As a good tenant, you are responsible for the condition of your rental property. Make sure you do not damage the property, such as walls, ceiling fans, floors, faucets and other fixtures. It is important to notify the landlord or property manager about repairs as soon as you witness anything. Make sure you return the property in the same condition as when you moved in. However, fair wear and tear are avoidable at the end of your tenancy.Fix the Damage
If you damage something during your lease, you are responsible for fixing it before the final move. Make sure fix the repairs, such as leaking taps, broken windows, doors, etc, as soon as possible. Note: According to the tenancy laws in Victoria, the landlord is responsible for repairs before you move in. If the repair work is urgent, such as a gas leak or broken toilet, then your landlord will need to fix it immediately. If it is non-urgent repairs, it should be fixed within 14 days. You can discover more about urgent and non-urgent repairs when renting a property in Victoria.Perform the End of Lease Cleaning
If you are at the end of your tenancy, renters need to deep clean the premises from top to bottom and return it in pristine condition. Hiring professionally-trained people for a meticulous end of lease cleaning Melbourne is good. They will take care of your specific cleaning needs and spruce up the property according to the pre-approved checklist, which covers the living room, bedrooms, kitchen, bathrooms, patio area and garage walls. They follow a proper checklist and bring all the necessary tools to tackle all types of stains and grime. With their assistance, you can claim your full bond money back without dispute. The best is that they will follow the best end of lease cleaning tips to ensure 100 % bond back, and give you peace of mind.Do Not Disturb Your Neighbours
You are not allowed to disturb the peace and comfort of your neighbours when living in a rental property. As a responsible tenant, you have to maintain a peaceful environment and not breach the privacy of your neighbours, especially if you live in a laid-back residential area.Know Your Rights As a Renter
It is important to get details related to your renting rights so that you can stay safe and comfortably:Double check the Condition Report
Your landlord must provide you with an initial condition report before you begin the lease period. They are obligated to fill out their part of the report, sign it and give a photocopy before you move in. So, it is important to inspect the rental property on your own and include your own notes, such as damage and dirty areas. Take photos and use it as evidence. You can use the initial condition report if there is a dispute at the end of your tenancy and claim your bond back.Right to Get the Bond Back
When you pay a bond, ensure it is logged with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA) within 10 business days of receiving the security deposit. You will receive a receipt from the RTBA. You can also lodge the bond if you don’t receive a receipt within 15 days after making the payment.Right to Keep a Pet
Make sure you seek the landlord’s consent before keeping a pet at your rental property. You can use the ‘Pet Request’ form to see whether he accepts or refuses the request. They must apply to VCAT within 14 business days. The authority will decide whether it is okay for the landlord to refuse the consent or not.Modifications to the property
It is your right to make minor modifications to the rental property without taking permission from the landlord. You can do the following:For major modifications, prepare a consent note and ensure they won’t refuse it unnecessary.
