2.1 Looking for Somewhere to Live

Lists of private rental accommodation can be found in the Classified section of "The West Australian" each day (particularly on Wednesday and Saturday), "The Sunday Times", and local community newspapers.

You may also check with real estate agencies as they sometimes have properties available for rent which are not advertised in the newspaper.

TAS suggests you avoid using Home Finding companies as they are expensive and tend to only do the same things you can do.

If you are looking for share accommodation this can also be found in local papers or "The West Australian". Shared accommodation may also be found by contacting the university student guilds and housing offices as they sometimes keep a register of people wishing to share.

Tenants who rent a room or do not have their name on the tenancy agreement may not be protected by the Residential Tenancies Act (1987), especially when disputes arise between the people sharing. See the sections on Boarders and Lodgers and Shared Tenancies for more information.

What to look for - Tenant Beware !

When you are starting a tenancy you will usually have to apply for the property. The owner/agent will decide if they accept your application. If you are accepted you will need to decide whether or not you want to take up the tenancy but, beware; depending on the clauses in the application form you filled in, you may have committed yourself to the tenancy. A tenancy agreement may be either a written or verbal agreement. See the sections on The Tenancy Agreement and The Application for Tenancy for more information.

There are a number of things to look out for and do during the application process which may help you avoid running into problems later. Things to cheek before applying for tenancy include:

• Is the property close to amenities such as shops, schools and public transport?
• Is the property clean?
• Does everything provided work, especially things like fridges, washing machines and stoves?
• Is the property free of mice, cockroaches and fleas? (Check in draws and cupboards for any signs.)
• Are there power points in all the rooms?
• Are there any gaps around doors or windows which would let in the cold, dirt or rain?
• Is any mould appearing on walls or doors?
• Can the doors and windows be closed and locked?
• Do the taps (inside and outside) leak?
• Does the hot water in the shower work if you have any other tap turned on?
• What sort of heating/cooling is provided? Does it work?
• Is the guttering free from leaves?
• Is the property fenced?
• Is there parking space for you and your visitors?
• Who is responsible for maintaining the garden?

Ask the owner if s/he intends getting any work done and to agree to fix any problem areas. Make sure you write the things you want done on the Application for Tenancy and if they are not done, again on the tenancy agreement. You can make it a requirement of your agreement that the owner does certain things. It is also a good idea to specify a deadline for completing work.

Some questions to ask before signing

If possible clarify these points in the contract or confirm them in writing.

• If there is a pool, who is responsible for: cleaning, chemicals, repairing equipment?
• Looking after the gardens- who pays for fertiliser, hoses, the lawn mowing, who does the pruning and clears the guttering?
• Who pays for water costs? (Try to arrange it so that you don't pay more than 50% especially if you are maintaining the garden).
• Is electricity connected through the SEC or through sub-meters? If it is through sub-meters is there any charge for the owner/agent to read the meter and send you the bill? Do they charge the same amount as SECWA for power used?
• If you are in a unit or a strata titled property are you liable for any communal and additional fixed charges, for example common area lighting and power? Who pays for the gardening?
• Ask if the previous tenants had pets, and if so was the property fumigated? Ask for evidence, eg: receipts.
• Who will fix those things not presently working and when?
• Who is responsible for vermin/pests?

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