Move-in checklist for AU tenancies

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check walls, doors, windows and floor coverings.

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

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

• Handrail
• Treads and risers
• Lighting

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

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

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

• Roof and supports
• Floor
• Lighting

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

• Cladding and paintwork
• Gutters and downpipes

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

• Lawns and gardens
• Fencing
• Clothesline
• Letterbox

Check every screen is fitted, intact and closing properly.

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

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

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

List furniture and inclusions provided by the landlord.

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

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

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

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

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

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 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