Move-in checklist for AU tenancies

Entrance

Check the front door operates smoothly and locks securely. Note the condition of the doorbell and entry lighting.

• Front door
• Lock and hardware
• Doorbell
• Lighting

Hallway

Check walls, doors and floor coverings along the hallway. Note any marks, scuffs or trip hazards.

• Walls
• Doors
• Lights and power points
• Floors and floor coverings

Lounge

Check walls, doors, windows and heating. Test that all lights and power points work.

• Walls
• Doors
• Lights and power points
• Floors and floor coverings
• Windows
• Blinds and curtains
• Heating and cooling

Kitchen and dining

Test all appliances, taps and lights. Check cupboards open and close properly and note any damage to benches or surfaces.

• Walls
• Doors
• Lights and power points
• Floors and floor coverings
• Windows
• Blinds and curtains
• Cupboards
• Sinks and benchtops
• Oven and cooktop
• Fridge
• Rangehood

Bathroom

Test taps, shower pressure and toilet flush. Check for leaks, mould or damage to fittings.

• Walls
• Doors
• Lights and power points
• Floors and floor coverings
• Windows
• Blinds and curtains
• Mirror and cabinet
• Bath
• Shower
• Basin and vanity
• Toilet
• Exhaust fan

Laundry

Test the washing machine and check the laundry tub for damage or leaks.

• Walls
• Doors
• Lights and power points
• Floors and floor coverings
• Windows
• Blinds and curtains
• Washing machine
• Laundry tub

Bedroom

Check walls, doors, windows and floor coverings.

• Walls
• Doors
• Lights and power points
• Floors and floor coverings
• Windows
• Blinds and curtains
• Built-in robes

Stairs

Check the handrail is secure and treads are free of damage or hazards.

• Handrail
• Treads and risers
• Lighting

General

Check rubbish bins, locks and insulation. Confirm smoke alarms are present and working throughout the property.

• Rubbish bins
• Locks
• Insulation
• Smoke alarms present and working

Garage

Check the garage door and remote operate correctly. Note the condition of the floor and any damage to walls.

• Walls
• Doors
• Lights and power points
• Floor
• Door and remote

Carport

Check the roof and supports are sound and free of damage.

• Roof and supports
• Floor
• Lighting

Exterior

Check cladding and paintwork, gutters and downpipes. Note any signs of moisture or damage.

• Cladding and paintwork
• Gutters and downpipes

Yard

Check lawns, gardens and fencing are in reasonable condition. Confirm the letterbox is present and usable.

• Lawns and gardens
• Fencing
• Clothesline
• Letterbox

Flyscreens and security screens

Check every screen is fitted, intact and closing properly.

• Flyscreens present and free of tears
• Security screens and doors
• Screen locks and latches

Air conditioning

Run each unit in both heating and cooling. Note the last service date if it is recorded.

• Each unit heats and cools
• Filters clean
• No water leaking from the unit
• Outdoor condenser unit
• Remote controls supplied

Pool and pool barrier

Check the barrier and any certificate or registration required in your state or territory.

• Pool fence and gate self-closing and self-latching
• No climbable objects near the barrier
• CPR sign displayed and legible
• Pool safety certificate or registration current
• Pump, filter and cleaning equipment
• Pool and surrounds condition

Furniture and inclusions

List furniture and inclusions provided by the landlord.

Keys

Photograph all keys supplied and note the count, including spares, garage remotes and letterbox keys.

• Number of keys supplied
• Spare keys
• Garage remote
• Letterbox key

Meter checks

Record gas, electricity and water meter readings at the start of the tenancy.

• Gas meter reading
• Electricity meter reading
• Water meter reading

Bond

Record the bond amount and confirm it has been lodged with the bond authority in your state or territory.

• Bond amount agreed and recorded
• Bond lodged with the relevant bond authority
• Lodgement reference recorded
• Tenant given the lodgement confirmation

Smoke alarms

Alarm type, placement, interconnection and who is responsible for testing differ by state and territory. Check the requirements that apply where the property is.

• Smoke alarm in each bedroom
• Smoke alarm in hallways connecting bedrooms
• Smoke alarm on each storey
• Alarms are photoelectric
• Alarms interconnected where required
• No alarm past its expiry date
• Every alarm tested, cleaned and sounding

Water efficiency

Passing water charges on to a tenant generally requires water-efficient fixtures and no leaks. Record the condition of each fixture at the start.

• Showerheads water efficient
• Taps in kitchen, bathroom and laundry water efficient
• Toilet cisterns dual flush
• No leaking taps or cisterns
• Water efficiency confirmed in writing

Minimum rental standards

Minimum standards for rental properties vary by state and territory. Check what applies where the property is before the tenancy starts.

• Fixed heating in the main living area
• Locks on all external doors and windows
• Adequate ventilation in every room
• Free of mould and damp
• Working cooktop, oven and sink in the kitchen
• Vermin-proof rubbish bins supplied
• Privacy coverings on windows in bedrooms and living areas
• Structurally sound and weatherproof