Renting Tips for
Queensland Tenants
Whether you're renting for the first time or moving to a new property, these practical tips will help you rent smarter, avoid common pitfalls, and protect your rights from day one.
The 3 Most Important Things to Know
If you only read three tips, make it these. They apply to every tenancy, every stage.
Never agree to a lease sight-unseen. Visit the property in person, check for damp, test taps and appliances, open every cupboard, and look for signs of pests. First impressions don't always reveal hidden issues — bring a checklist.
Your condition report and move-in photos are your most important protection. Take date-stamped photos of every room, every mark on the wall, every scuff on the floor. Upload them to cloud storage on day one — they're your evidence if there's a dispute at the end.
Queensland tenants have strong legal protections. Minimum housing standards, limits on rent increases, rules around inspections and entry — knowing these before a problem arises means you can respond calmly and confidently instead of scrambling for information.
Finding the Right Property
What to look for, ask and consider before you sign anything.
Factor in a bond (up to 4 weeks rent), 2 weeks rent in advance, utility connections, a removalist, and a safety net for the first few months. Many tenants underestimate the upfront costs of moving.
Resist applying for the first place you see. Viewing several properties gives you a realistic sense of what's available at your price point and helps you spot red flags faster when you do find the right one.
A lease is a legal contract. Understand the fixed term, break-lease conditions, pet clauses, subletting rules, and what happens at renewal. Ask your property manager to explain anything you're unsure about before you sign.
Find out what's included (whitegoods, air conditioning, garden maintenance), who pays for water usage, whether the property has solar, NBN availability, and the landlord's history of maintaining the property.
Visit the area at different times of day. Check public transport options, proximity to shops and schools, parking, and local noise levels. A great property in the wrong location can become a source of daily frustration.
Your landlord's insurance doesn't cover your belongings. Contents insurance is inexpensive and can cover furniture, electronics, clothing and more in the event of theft, fire or water damage. Don't wait until after something goes wrong.
Getting Off to the Right Start
The first few days set the tone for your entire tenancy. Get these right.
You have 3 business days after moving in to complete and return your copy of the condition report. Note every mark, stain, and defect — no matter how minor. This document determines what damage is "pre-existing" when you move out.
Your bond must be lodged with the Residential Tenancies Authority — not kept by your landlord. Check the RTA website to confirm your bond has been lodged within 10 days of payment. Keep your bond lodgement number safe.
Electricity, gas and internet connections can take 5–7 business days. Organise them at least a week before you move in so you're not sitting in the dark on your first night. Compare providers for the best rate.
Walk through every room and photograph walls, floors, ceilings, appliances, windows and outdoor areas. Add these to your condition report as supporting evidence. Email them to your property manager the same day as a timestamped record.
Set up a mail redirection with Australia Post as soon as you have your new address. Update your address with your bank, Medicare, the ATO, your employer, subscriptions and anyone else who sends you mail or important documents.
Check every lock, tap, appliance, light switch, smoke alarm, power point and window latch on your first day. Report any issues in writing immediately — this protects you from being held responsible for pre-existing damage at the end of your tenancy.
Day-to-Day Renting
How to maintain a great relationship with your property manager and protect yourself throughout the lease.
Late rent is the single most common reason tenants receive formal notices and it follows you to future applications via tenancy databases. Set up a direct debit or calendar reminder so it never slips through the cracks.
Always report maintenance via email or a written request — not just a phone call. Written reports create a paper trail, trigger the landlord's legal obligations, and protect you if the issue is later disputed. Include photos where possible.
Your property manager must give you at least 24 hours written notice before a routine inspection and cannot inspect more than once every 3 months (unless you agree to more frequent visits). You have the right to be present.
Noise complaints, shared fence disputes and boundary issues are best resolved early with a friendly conversation. If that doesn't work, contact your property manager. In body corporate properties, the body corporate can also assist.
Even minor changes — painting a wall, installing hooks, putting up a TV bracket — may require written landlord approval. Unauthorised modifications can result in deductions from your bond. Always ask first and get the answer in writing.
Save every email, text and written notice from your property manager. A well-organised folder of correspondence is invaluable if a dispute ever goes to QCAT. Date everything and don't rely on memory.
Leaving on Good Terms
Get your bond back in full and leave a positive rental history behind you.
On a periodic (month-to-month) tenancy you must give at least 2 weeks notice. On a fixed-term agreement, check your lease — break-lease fees may apply if you leave before the end date. Always give notice in writing.
The standard is "reasonable wear and tear" — not brand new. Focus on cleaning thoroughly, filling any holes in walls, touching up paint if you're permitted, and having carpets professionally steam cleaned if required by your lease.
Request to be present at the final inspection so you can address any concerns on the spot. Bring your original condition report and move-in photos. If the property manager notes damage you believe is pre-existing, raise it immediately and follow up in writing.
Move-Out Checklist
Tick these off before handing back the keys.
More Tenant Resources
Everything else you need to rent with confidence in Queensland.
Every Queensland rental must meet 11 legal standards. Know exactly what your landlord is required to provide.
Queensland rental laws have changed significantly in recent years. Stay up to date with what applies to your tenancy.
Something broken at your Housit-managed property? Submit a request online and our team will coordinate repairs promptly.
In-depth articles on inspections, bond disputes, subletting, domestic violence provisions and more.
Renting with Housit?
Our team is here to help — from your first inspection to the day you hand back the keys.