As a landlord you can choose to either manage your rental property yourself or have it managed by a property manager. Matters to take into consideration when deciding on which option is best for you include:

• Are you aware of your rights and responsibilities as a landlord?
• Are you aware of the latest legislation, rights and responsibilities of tenants?
• Do you have the time and energy to manage the property and organize and manage potential repairs yourself?
• Are you committed to being a responsible landlord?
• Is it financially worth your while?
• How does renting your property affect your tax position?

Many of these questions only you can answer, but you must at least be up to date and aware of the various laws, rights and responsibilities that are required of you as a landlord and also you need to know what to expect from a tenant and what their rights are.

Find out the current legislation in your state by viewing the Important Links

See Appointing a Manager and use the Find A Property Manager and Request a Rental Quote services to find a property manager in your area to manage your property.

Documents Required

Irrespective of whether you self manage or appoint a property manager to your property, the following documents will generally be required:

1. Any type of 'renting guide' which must be given to tenants before signing the lease in which it explains the rights of tenants as required by your state legislation eg. in NSW it is the 'Renting Guide'
2. The lease agreement
3. A Property Conditions Report
4. A bond application form

You can obtain these documents from various outlets including the relevant rental authority in your state, real estate institutes, larger news agencies, consumer affairs departments and some stationery supply businesses.

Landlords Obligations

Whether done direct or via a property manager, the following basic actions and conditions must be done for a tenant at the beginning and during the term of tenancy:

1. A signed copy of the lease agreement given to the tenant
2. A signed copy of a Property Conditions Report given to the tenant
3. The bond lodgement form signed and submitted on your behalf to the rental bond board or trust
4. The provision of a clean, safe and secure property ready for immediate occupancy
5. Provision of one set of all keys to each tenant on the lease
6. The regular servicing and maintenance of all fixed appliances such as water and gas heaters
7. Payment of water and sewerage rates
8. The issue of detailed receipts for rental payments to the tenant
9. The financial and resource preparedness to conduct necessary and urgent repairs when needed
10. Respecting the right of the tenant to peaceful and quiet enjoyment of the premises, observing rules for notices for inspections and access.

Help is at hand for you by contacting the customer call centre of the rental authority in your state.