When you first shift into your new rented home, sometimes you're so busy unpacking the last thing you are worried about is paperwork.
But as well as signing the lease and organising the bond, the entry condition report also needs to be completed in the first few days of living in your new rented home.
The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) and the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) are working together to better explain your rights and responsibilities when renting in Queensland.
REIQ managing director Dan Molloy said the desired outcome for all parties is for a tenancy to begin, and end, in agreement with an entry condition report often helping to achieve this mutual goal.
"It might not seem significant at the time, but it is important that a tenancy begins with the end in mind. This can help prevent any disagreements at the end of a tenancy," he said.
"Under the Residential Tenancies Act, the tenant should be given two signed copies of the entry condition report on or before the day they take possession of the property.
"This is commonly presented on the day they move. The tenant has three days - not working or business days - to note any more comments on the report and return a signed copy to the agent."
RTA general manager Fergus Smith also said it was imperative that the tenant completes an entry condition report properly.
"While it may not be a major issue at the time of moving in, when it comes time to move out and collect your bond, it can be the difference between getting the bond back or not," Mr Smith said.
"Unfortunately, most people don't understand the importance of the form until it's too late.
"As tedious as it may seem, tenants and agents/lessors need to record every last detail so that when it comes time to move out at the end of the tenancy, there is absolutely no confusion as to whether or not a mark on the wall or stain on the carpet was already there."
And Mr Smith said information recorded on an entry condition report could also be used as evidence before the Small Claims Tribunal if there is a dispute.
"So what takes five minutes now, could save a lot of time if a dispute arises further down the track," Mr Smith said.
Further information on the rental process and tenancy law is freely available on the RTA website at www.rta.qld.gov.au. To find out if your agency is accredited with the REIQ go to www.reiq.com.au.
