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LANDLORD GUIDE

Starting a tenancy

A clear tenancy start aligns the offer, agreement, money, property condition and communication before possession changes hands.

By RentSeekr editorial teamPublished Reviewed

Key points

What starting a tenancy involves

A clear tenancy start aligns the offer, agreement, money, property condition and communication before possession changes hands.

  • Confirm the arrangement’s legal classification.
  • Use current prescribed documents and disclosures.
  • Agree the start date, rent method and handover plan.

Prepare before taking action

Set the decision criteria, responsibilities and jurisdiction checks before the time-sensitive work begins.

  • Confirm the arrangement’s legal classification.
  • Use current prescribed documents and disclosures.
  • Agree the start date, rent method and handover plan.

Use a repeatable process

Follow the same documented sequence each time, while adapting forms, notices and timeframes to the property jurisdiction.

  • Sign and distribute the agreement.
  • Follow the official bond pathway.
  • Complete condition, inventory and key records.

Keep evidence and communication connected

Good records support clear decisions, reliable handovers and fair resolution when memories differ.

  • Executed agreement and disclosures
  • Bond lodgement evidence and rent receipts
  • Condition report, images and key register

Common mistakes to avoid

Pause when the facts, authority or next legal step are unclear. A fast but unsupported decision usually creates more work later.

  • Using an internet template from another jurisdiction
  • Holding bond money informally
  • Leaving repair and emergency contacts unclear

Continue through the landlord workflow

Rental agreementsContinue with the RentSeekr rental agreements guide.Read the guide Condition reportsContinue with the RentSeekr condition reports guide.Read the guide Rental bondsContinue with the RentSeekr rental bonds guide.Read the guide

Sources and further information

Official guidance changes. Check the source for the current rule in your jurisdiction.

Related RentSeekr guides

Rental agreementsContinue with the RentSeekr rental agreements guide.Read the guide Condition reportsContinue with the RentSeekr condition reports guide.Read the guide Rental bondsContinue with the RentSeekr rental bonds guide.Read the guide