Things to Know When Leasing Privately in ACT

To find out what to do as a landlord renting your property privately in ACT, just follow these simple steps. 

Before you approve a tenant:

  1. Get a check done on the tenant (you can arrange this through us, if you wish)
  2. Phone/ check all the tenant’s references (they will be asked to supply current employer, current landlord, and personal references on our tenancy application).

When you’re about to approve a tenant:

You will need to meet with the tenant to sign an agreement, provide printed factsheets, and complete a r Condition Report. Links and further explanation below.

  1. Meet and sign a Residential Tenancy Agreement form. 
  2. Complete a Condition Report. Keep one copy and supply two copies to the tenant. Where possible, fill in the form with your tenant to minimise disagreements about what’s noted. You can get the relevant Condition Report here. 
  3. Request a bond of 4 weeks rent. When received, provide your tenant with a receipt, and complete a bond lodgement form (available here). Bonds may be lodged over the counter at the Access Canberra Community, Business and Regulation Shopfront, or by mailing, faxing, or emailing to rb@act.gov.au You must lodge the bond within two weeks of receipt or commencement of the tenancy, whichever is later.

During the tenancy:

  1. Conduct routine inspections of the property no more than twice a year. Routine inspections can’t be carried out on a Sunday, a public holiday, before 8am or after 6pm. Make sure you always give the tenant 7 days notice in writing.
  2. You must keep documentation of any occurrences (e.g. copies of any letters/receipts, photos of any damage etc.) you send to the tenant,  just in case there’s a dispute in future,

Other recommendations:

We strongly recommend completing National Tenancy Database / TICA blacklist checks before approving any tenant (you can arrange this through PropertyNow).

In addition to checking tenancy blacklists, you should also consider checking the ACCR criminal court attendance database here.  You can order full police background checks through PropertyNow, if you wish.

Most importantly, consider taking out Landlords Insurance – this covers you for theft, malicious damage, or loss of rent if the tenant stopping paying. There are many different providers so make sure to shop around – here’s 2 to get you started:

Lastly, for a general overview of tenancy information, forms and fact sheets. click here. 

If you have any questions about leasing your property yourself in the ACT, please don’t hesitate to give us a call or email. We’d be happy to help!

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