Top 10 Questions First-Time Renters Ask: Answers You Need to Know

Renting your first home comes with plenty of decisions—and a few unfamiliar terms. Between inspecting properties, preparing applications and budgeting for moving day, it is easy to overlook details that matter later.

Understanding your agreement, upfront costs and responsibilities can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and start your tenancy with confidence.

This guide answers ten common questions for first-time renters in Western Australia.

Understanding Rental Agreements

1. What should I check before signing a rental agreement?

Your rental agreement sets out the terms of your tenancy. Read the complete document, including any additional conditions, before signing.

Check:

• Names and property address: Make sure the details are correct.
• Rent: Confirm the amount, payment frequency and payment method.
• Tenancy dates: Understand when the agreement starts and whether it has a fixed end date.
• Upfront payments: Check the bond and rent in advance.
• Included items: Confirm which appliances, furnishings, parking bays and storage areas form part of the rental.
• Additional conditions: Read any terms about gardens, pets, modifications and shared facilities.
• Strata rules: Ask for the applicable by-laws if the property is in a strata scheme.

In WA, written residential tenancy agreements must use the prescribed Form 1AA. Tenants must also receive the relevant information sheet explaining their rights and responsibilities.

If something important was promised during the inspection—such as a repair before you move in—ask for written confirmation.

2. What is the difference between a fixed-term and periodic agreement?

A fixed-term agreement runs for a specified period, with a stated start and end date.

A periodic agreement has no fixed end date and continues until it is ended through the appropriate process.

The right arrangement depends on your plans. Before committing, consider how long you expect to stay and ask what happens if your circumstances change.

Do not assume you can leave a fixed-term tenancy whenever you wish without potential costs. Equally, a periodic tenancy does not mean either party can end it immediately. Check the applicable notice requirements before making moving arrangements.

3. Which rental terms should first-time tenants understand?

A few common terms can make the paperwork easier to follow:

Term	What it means
Lessor	The landlord or property owner renting out the home.
Tenant	The person renting the property under the agreement.
Security bond	Money held as security against certain unpaid amounts or tenant-caused damage.
Rent in advance	Rent paid before the period it covers.
Property condition report (PCR)	A written record of the property’s condition at the beginning and end of the tenancy.
Fair wear and tear	Deterioration caused by normal use and ageing, rather than damage or neglect.
Breach notice	A formal notice identifying a failure to meet an obligation under the agreement or tenancy law.

The PCR deserves particular attention. Check it room by room, record anything missing or inaccurate, and take dated photographs. In WA, tenants should return their completed copy within seven days of receiving it. Keep a copy and evidence of when you sent it.

Deposits and Bond Requirements

4. What is a rental deposit, and how much will I need upfront?

“Deposit” is often used loosely. Before paying anything, ask whether the amount is a security bond, rent in advance or an application option fee.

For a standard WA residential tenancy, a landlord can generally request:

• Up to four weeks’ rent as a security bond. An exception applies where the weekly rent exceeds $1,200.
• Up to two weeks’ rent in advance.

For example, at $600 per week, a four-week bond would be $2,400 and two weeks’ rent in advance would be $1,200—a combined $3,600. Moving costs, utility connections and any applicable pet bond would be additional.

Build your budget around the full cost of moving, including a buffer for unexpected expenses.

5. What is the difference between a deposit, bond and option fee?

These payments serve different purposes.

A security bond is held separately from rent. In WA, it must be lodged with Bonds Administration within 14 days of payment. You should receive confirmation of the lodgement.

Rent in advance pays for a specified rental period. It is credited towards your rent, rather than held as security.

An option fee may be requested when you apply for a property. Legal limits depend on the weekly rent and location. If your application succeeds, the fee must be refunded or credited towards your first rent payment. If your application is refused, it must be returned within seven days.

Always request a clear breakdown and keep payment records.

6. How can I improve my chances of receiving my full bond back?

Protecting your bond begins when you move in.

An accurate PCR and clear photographs help establish which marks, defects and maintenance issues already existed. During the tenancy, report problems promptly and keep copies of your correspondence.

Before moving out:

• Check the original PCR.
• Clean thoroughly, including appliances, cupboards and bathrooms.
• Attend to garden maintenance for which you are responsible.
• Remove belongings and rubbish.
• Return all keys, remotes and access devices.
• Settle outstanding rent and legitimate charges.
• Photograph the property after cleaning.

You are not responsible for fair wear and tear. You may, however, be responsible for damage caused by you, your guests or your pets. No checklist can guarantee a full refund if legitimate amounts remain owing.

If a deduction is proposed, ask for the reason and supporting evidence before agreeing.

Rights and Responsibilities of Tenants

7. What rights do I have as a first-time renter?

Being new to renting does not reduce your rights.

WA tenants have protections relating to the condition and maintenance of their home, privacy, lawful entry, rent increases and the handling of their bond.

Owning the property does not give a landlord unrestricted access. Entry must follow the relevant legal requirements, with different rules applying to inspections, repairs, emergencies and other circumstances.

Ask questions when a request is unclear. Understanding why access is needed, how notice has been given and what your agreement requires can prevent unnecessary conflict.

8. What maintenance am I responsible for?

Tenants generally need to keep the property reasonably clean, take reasonable care of it and report damage or maintenance issues promptly.

Your responsibilities may include routine garden care, depending on the property and your lawful tenancy obligations. The landlord generally remains responsible for maintaining the premises in reasonable repair.

Responsibility for a repair depends on the cause. An appliance failing through age is different from damage caused by misuse.

Report non-urgent repairs in writing, with photographs where helpful. For urgent issues, contact the property manager or landlord immediately and follow the emergency repair instructions. WA has specific procedures for arranging urgent repairs when the landlord cannot be reached or fails to act.

Continue paying rent while a repair issue is being resolved. Withholding it can create a separate tenancy problem.

9. What can I do if my tenancy rights are not respected?

Start with a clear written explanation. Describe the issue, include relevant evidence and state what outcome you are requesting.

For example, a useful maintenance report identifies the fault, when it began, its effect on the household and any earlier attempts to report it.

If the issue remains unresolved, contact Consumer Protection WA or seek independent tenancy advice. Formal breach notices require the correct forms and procedures.

The appropriate dispute pathway depends on the issue. Certain bond, pet and modification disputes can be decided through Commissioner determinations, while other matters may require the Magistrates Court. Seek advice promptly when a notice or deadline is involved.

Common Rental Myths Debunked

“The bond can cover my final weeks of rent.”

Your bond is separate from rent. Continue making rent payments as required and use the proper bond release process.

“I need to offer more than the advertised rent to be considered.”

WA landlords and agents cannot encourage or pressure applicants to offer more than the advertised rent. Focus on providing a complete, accurate application.

“A convincing advertisement proves the property is legitimate.”

Scammers can copy genuine listing photographs and impersonate owners or agencies. Warning signs include unusually cheap rent, pressure to transfer money and excuses preventing an inspection.

Inspect the property before signing or paying. Verify the agency independently and confirm payment instructions using contact details you have checked yourself.

“There is nothing I can do about misleading advertising.”

Agents must ensure advertising is accurate and can be substantiated. Save screenshots, messages and payment records if you believe you have been misled. Contact Consumer Protection for guidance, or report suspected rental scams to WA ScamNet. If you have transferred money to a suspected scammer, contact your bank immediately.

Your first tenancy is easier to manage when you understand the paperwork, budget beyond the weekly rent and keep good records. Ask questions before committing, document the property’s condition and communicate early when something needs attention.