The lease (residential tenancy agreement) - In NSW

The lease or residential tenancy agreement is an agreement between you (the tenant) and the landlord. It is made up of two parts. The first part sets out both the tenant's and the landlord's rights and responsibilities. If you sign the lease it means that you agree to abide by its terms and conditions. It is a legal document and you should read it before you sign it. The second part of the lease is the condition report.

Before you sign the lease you must be given a written copy of the lease, a list of costs that you will need to pay when you sign the lease and a booklet called the Renting guide. This booklet explains both your rights and responsibilities as a tenant and those of the landlord. It is available free from the Office of Fair Trading.

You should check the following on the lease:

• the amount of rent that is payable
• the amount of bond money required
• the term of the lease
• if any tradespeople are nominated on the lease to call in case of an urgent repair
• any additional terms.

The lease (residential tenancy agreement) - In Victoria

The lease or residential tenancy agreement is an agreement between you (the tenant) and the landlord. It sets out both the tenant's and the landlord's rights and responsibilities. If you sign the lease it means you agree to abide by its terms and conditions. It is a legal document and you should read it before you sign it.

Written agreements must be on the official 'Residential Tenancy Agreement' which is available from Consumer Affairs Victoria. Verbal agreements are valid as long as they comply with the Act.

When a bond is paid, the landlord and the tenant must complete a Condition report and both keep a copy for their records.

There are two types of tenancy agreements - fixed-term and periodic. A fixed-term agreement is for a set period of time, whereas a periodic agreement goes from week to week or month to month.

Before you sign the lease you must be given a copy of the lease, a list of costs that you will need to pay when you sign the lease and a booklet called 'Renting a Home - a guide for tenants and landlords'. This booklet explains your rights and responsibilities as a tenant and those of the landlord. It is available free from Consumer Affairs Victoria.

You should check the following on the lease:

• the amount of rent that is payable
• the amount of bond money required
• the term of the lease
• if any tradespeople are nominated on the lease to call in case of an urgent repair
• any additional terms.