Apartment car parks and lockable storage cages may seem secure, but these areas are particularly susceptible to theft and opportunistic burglaries.
Rental
Get your documents ready for your application
Understand the costs associated with renting
Consider your insurance needs
You will need to sign an agreement
Regular house inspections are normal
A first time renters' guide to applying for a property
From understanding the costs involved, to rental agreements and condition reports, here are some important things to consider before you rent a property for the first time.
Moving out of home and renting for the first time is an exciting prospect: your own place, your own styling, your own responsibilities. But there are a few things you need to know before signing your first lease agreement to ensure it’s all smooth sailing.
As well as working out rental costs, such as bond, first rent payment and moving expenses, it’s advisable to set up a budget for ongoing costs. This may include rent, bills, travel costs to work or university, and ideally renters insurance to protect your contents and belongings.
Here’s a guide on what to consider before applying for your first rental property.
Essential information for first-time renters
Inspect the property first
If you find a rental property online that you’re interested in, it’s important to view it either by appointment, or when it’s open for inspection. This way, you’ll be able to see how well the property has been maintained, whether all the appliances are working, and if the size of the rooms, especially the bedrooms, meet your expectations.
Inspecting a property in person means you can meet the agent and ask them questions about the property, and gather any tips for making an impressive rental application.
When inspecting you should also make sure that the property meets the minimum rental standards. Note that as of November 2025, rental properties in Victoria must meet the minimum rental standards from the moment they are advertised for lease. Prior to that date, rentals must meet the minimum standards on or before the day the renters move in.
Check the heating and cooling situation
When you’re inspecting properties to rent, make sure you take note of whether the property has adequate heating and cooling.
As of 29 March 2021, the main living room of the property must have a fixed heater that is in good working order. Portable heaters don’t fit this criteria.
For rental agreements made after 29 March 2023, the heater must be energy efficient, and if it isn’t, it must be upgraded unless there are extenuating circumstances.
If you’re looking at a double-storey townhouse or an apartment in a high-rise building, be aware that the heat from the lower floor can rise and make the top floors hotter. This means that the property may get extremely hot in summer, so check what cooling options are available. From March 2027, energy-efficient cooling systems are being phased into Victorian rental properties as a minimum standard.
Consider your specific circumstances
While you may fall in love with the aesthetic or location of a rental property, you’ll also need to think pragmatically about your situation.
For example, consider any mobility or accessibility needs. If you have a pet that needs a lot of exercise, is an apartment without a balcony suitable? If you have a car, is there a designated parking spot?
Read more: Does installing a dog door reduce your home's security?
Also check appliances and features throughout the inspection. Where are the power points located? Is there air conditioning? How is the shower pressure? Is the stovetop adequate for your needs? Will your furniture fit in the zones provided?
Get a second opinion from someone you trust, such as a friend or family member, if you’re unsure if the property is right for you.
Make sure you understand all the associated costs of renting a property. Image: Getty
Get your documents ready for your application
When you apply to rent a property, there are documents you need to prove your identity, and to show that you can afford to pay the rent and can look after the premises.
The documents can include photo identification such as a driver's licence, passport, or healthcare card. For income details, you can provide payslips from your employer, or copies of your bank statements.
Read more: How to help avoid scams and safeguard your identity online.
If you’re a first-time renter without a rental history, your references will be particularly important. Choose referees such as a boss or colleague, who are credible and can attest to your good character. Inform those referees that the rental agent or rental provider may contact them before you submit your application.
Understand the costs associated with renting
Up front there will be the bond. This is a security deposit in case you or your co-renters damage the property. It is held by the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority, and is returned to you at the end of your lease, unless the rental provider makes a legitimate claim for damages or unpaid rent.
If you need assistance with the bond, you may be able to apply for a RentAssist bond loan through Housing Victoria.
Aside from your bond and weekly rent, ensure you understand the costs associated with a rental property. Consumer Affairs Victoria has in-depth information on rental agreements and renters’ rights.
Other costs may include bills for gas, electricity, water, and the internet. If there is a yard, you may need to investigate maintenance costs.
Read more: How to help reduce your energy bills.
Professional cleaning may also be required if the property has not been cleaned prior to moving in, or if it doesn't meet your standards.
Consider your insurance needs
Renters Insurance can cover a tenant’s contents and belongings against loss or damage from an insured even such as fire, storm, or theft.
Content and belongings include items such as a home computers, appliances, clothing and furniture.
You can also customise your policy to cover optional extras, such as portable items cover for your mobile phone or jewellery.
You will need to sign an agreement
Once your application has been approved, you will need to sign a residential rental agreement, or lease, which is the legal contract between you and the rental provider. It’s designed to protect both of you.
The agreement should include information about how much rent you need to pay each week or month, the length of the tenancy period, the amount of bond you need to pay, and details on what will happen if you break the lease or if you’re asked to leave before the rental agreement ends.
There will be a condition report
You will be provided with a property condition report when moving into the property.
It notes the state of the property and its contents when you first move in, which acts as a benchmark when the lease starts.
It is a good idea to take photos of the property at the start of the rental agreement, particularly of any pre-existing damage, such as a scratch on a dishwasher or chipped paint in the bathroom. This report can be used as evidence if there is a dispute about bond claims, or who should pay for cleaning or fixing damages.
Read more: How to remove scratches from your car.
Take the time to read it closely and don't be afraid to list any additional defects, no matter how seemingly minor, before signing off on the report.
Your rental will not come with a cleaner
If this is your first time living independently, you may not be completely aware of how much cleaning is involved in keeping a home well maintained.
Ongoing cleaning will be important, because your rental provider or their agent is entitled to inspect the property to make sure it’s kept in good condition.
You will be expected to do more than just vacuuming and cleaning the bathroom. A solid spring clean is also worth doing to help maintain the property and reduce the likelihood of mould forming.
If the property has a nature strip and/or gardens, it will also be your responsibility as the renter to maintain them.
Regular house inspections are normal
As stated, rental providers or agents may conduct routine inspections to assess property condition. These can occur no more than once every six months, with the first inspection allowed only after three months from the lease start date.
At least seven days’ notice must be provided to the renter before the inspection.
You must get permission to have a pet
Renters must get permission to have a pet at a rental property. Renters should complete a Pet Request Form, give a copy to their rental provider, and keep a copy for their own records. The rental provider has 14 days to make a decision, and they must have a good reason to refuse a renter’s request.
Consumer Affairs Victoria has clear guidelines about pets in rental properties.
What do I do if repairs are required?
Notify your property manager or rental provider as soon as you notice the required repairs.
For urgent repairs, they must respond and organise repairs immediately. Where possible, make the request for urgent repairs using the emergency phone number provided upon commencing your rental agreement. Follow up the phone call with a request in writing.
Read more: How regular home maintenance can help with home insurance claims.
For non-urgent repairs, contact your property manager or provider in writing, ensuring the request has the date noted. For more information on repairs visit Consumer Affairs Victoria.
Who do I contact if I need more information as a renter?
Consumer Affairs Victoria covers a wealth of information for renters, including your rights and responsibilities.
Information and assistance for both renters and rental providers can also be accessed from Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria or from the not-for-profit organisation, Tenants Victoria.
The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. As distributor, RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 230039 receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. Product issued by Insurance Manufacturers of Australia Pty Ltd ABN 93 004 208 084 AFS Licence No. 227678.
