Before signing: ask the right questions

Clear questions leave room for both parties to explain the purpose, wording and practical arrangements before signing.

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Letting authority and payment

  • Letting authority and payment recipient

    Could you explain who has authority to let this property, how I can check that independently, and who will receive each payment? If the recipient differs from the landlord, could you explain and document their authority to collect it?

Deposit terms

  • Deposit deductions

    Could we confirm which deductions the deposit clause allows, how any claimed loss or cost would be itemised and supported, and how we would clarify a disputed amount?

  • Deposit return timing

    Could we record when the deposit balance will be returned after handover, what conditions affect that timing, and how any pending bill or deduction will be explained?

Repairs, services and utilities

  • Repair cost cap basis

    If there is a repair cost cap, does it apply per item, fault, visit or another basis? If a cost exceeds it, who pays which portion, and how are repeat faults treated?

  • Existing defects, ageing, wear and damage

    How does the agreement distinguish pre-existing defects, equipment ageing, ordinary wear and tenant-caused damage? Could we record existing issues and clarify how responsibility would be assessed?

  • Repair approval and urgent faults

    Who do I contact for repairs, what approval is needed before booking work, and what is the agreed process for an urgent fault when that person cannot be reached? How would costs and receipts be handled?

  • Aircon servicing

    If aircon servicing is required, could we confirm the frequency, scope, who arranges and pays for it, and what records are needed? How are servicing and breakdown repairs distinguished?

  • Utilities inclusion versus a cap

    Are utilities included in rent, paid separately at actual cost, or subject to an allowance or cap? Could we record what the amount limits, who pays any excess, and how shared usage and bills are calculated?

Exit terms and written records

  • Early-exit trigger, notice and costs

    If an early-exit clause applies, which events trigger it, when and how can notice be given, what evidence is needed, and what costs or deposit treatment follow? Could we distinguish this from a separately agreed early surrender?

  • Letter of intent and tenancy agreement consistency

    If we have a letter of intent (LOI), could we compare it with the tenancy agreement (TA), including rent, dates, promised works and exit terms, and record how any difference will be resolved before signing?

  • Referenced schedules and addenda

    If the agreement refers to schedules, house rules or addenda, could I receive the versions intended to form part of it before signing? Could we confirm their relationship to the main agreement and any conflicting wording?

  • Move-in and handover documentation

    Could we agree how to record the inventory, condition, meter readings and keys at move-in and handover, how to report any later-noticed issue, and how both parties will retain the dated records?

Educational questions, not legal advice or findings about your agreement. Answers are not proof that a person, property or agreement is safe. Responsibility and outcomes depend on the wording, facts and applicable rules.

Before-signing guides