Free Shipping & Easy Returns | Over 26,000 5-Star Reviews Our new bedding colour Coast drops Tuesday December 5. 💙 Enter to win. Our new bedding colour Coast drops Tuesday December 5. 💙 Enter to win.
0

From not checking the reviews of the leasing agent to not factoring in additional costs.

| By Rachael Thompson | Interiors

Avoid These 8 Common Mistakes Before Signing Your Next Lease

From not checking the reviews of the leasing agent to not factoring in additional costs.

Owning a home isn't right for everyone. Whether you're living overseas, you can't afford to buy, or you simply don't want to, there are many benefits to signing a lease on a rental property. To increase your likelihood of renting the right home, it's crucial to assess your wants and needs and to understand your rights as a tenant.

Make sure you read the lease thoroughly and that you're 100% confident that you understand and agree to what you are signing. Once you understand your rights and responsibilities, you are now ready to sign the lease with the landlord or agent. There will be different laws for different states, cities, and countries so ensure you are familiar with your specific location.

Below, we look at eight of the most common mistakes people make when they sign a lease.

1. Not knowing the penalties for early lease termination

Ideally, you'll love your rental home and stay until the lease is up, but if there's a sudden reason you need to terminate your lease early e.g. sudden change of jobs or emergencies, it's worth being prepared and knowing before you sign what the penalties for doing so are — you’ll appreciate knowing the details in advance.

2. Not understanding your lease terms

Similarly to the above, you’ll want to make sure that you fully understand policies for everything, including late rent, subletting, pets, roommates, visitors, parking, etc. Rental laws vary by state and even city so make sure you know about anything that may become an issue later down the track. If there is anything you don’t understand ask the agent or landlord. Or ask for help from someone you trust.

3. Not checking for mould

Mould is caused by moisture, and it can become a health hazard – not ideal in your home. Knowing whether there is mould in your rental home before you sign the lease may change your desire to live there. In some instances, it may be up to a tribunal to decide whether the landlord or the tenant is at fault.

4. Not checking reviews of the leasing agent

Before signing take a look if there are any complaints/bad reviews about the leasing agent because they are the vehicle through which any issues are resolved. If the reviews are bad you may be setting yourself up for issues in the future.

5. Not knowing your rights regarding the bond

You shouldn't be asked to put forward a bond greater than the amount specified generally. The bond should not be more than one month's rent unless the rent is more than $900 per week. The bond you paid at the beginning of your tenancy will usually be refunded in full, unless; you owe the landlord or agent money, or, there is damage to the property.

6. Not checking all the lightbulbs

A property should be handed over to the tenant with all light bulbs working, but if you've not switched a specific light on or left it too long to say something, the issue will fall on you to deal with.

7. Not taking your own photos

While the rental agent should take photos before you move in of each of the rooms, it's a good idea to take your own photos or video of the property before moving in. This ensures if anything is brought up at the end of the lease you can provide evidence for prior damage etc.

8. Not factoring in additional costs

When looking for a rental property we might end up focusing solely on the rental fee and not any additional costs there may be. When considering signing a lease, make sure you're aware of the full costs: utilities, parking, insurance etc.

Enjoyed This?

Discover more rental home content.

Explore Lifestyle

Welcome to Bed Threads

It looks like you’re in Australia. Enjoy…

  • Free shipping Australia-wide
  • Easy returns
  • Plus, subscribe for $15 off your first order
Shop Now Change Location

Please select a country

Your Order (0)

Your cart is currently empty.
Not sure where to start?
Build Your Own Bedding Bundle Build Your Own Table Bundle Shop Sleepwear

Most Popular Additions to Your Home

  •  

     

  •  

     

  •  

     

  •  

     

  •  

     
    • Gifting has never been easier Perfect if you’re short on time or are unable to deliver your gift yourself. Simply enter your message and select how it is to be delivered:
    Send Now
    Send Later
    On Delivery
    Your message will be automatically delivered to your recipient as per the schedule you have chosen! By sending this gift, you agree to Giftnote's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and agree to receive notifications with gift updates.
    Add your gift message

    Enter who the gift is for

    Enter who the gift is from

    Enter a gift message

    Select at least one option

    Invalid email address

    Invalid phone number

    Select a delivery method

    Your gift message will be sent as soon as you complete your purchase
    Your gift message will be sent at the date and time of your choosing

    Select a date in the future

    Select a time in the future

    Your gift message will be sent when your order is marked as delivered by your courier. Note: Only available for physical products
    By sending this gift, you agree to Giftnote's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and agree to receive notifications with gift updates.
    Gift message summary
    Who is this gift for?
    Loading...
    Who is it from?
    Loading...
    Your message
    Loading...
    Delivery Schedule
    Send Now
    Your gift message will be sent as soon as you complete your purchase
    Send Later
    Your gift message will be sent at the following date and time
    Time
    Loading...
    Date
    Loading...
    Timezone
    Loading...
    On Delivery
    Your gift message will be sent when your order is marked as delivered by your courier
    Remember to enter your recipients shipping address during checkout!
    Delivery Method
    Email & SMS SMS Only Email Only
    Recipient's Phone Number
    Loading...
    Recipient's Email Address
    Loading...
    By sending this gift, you agree to Giftnote's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and agree to receive notifications with gift updates.