Tenant checklist

Checklist for tenants beginning a tenancy

Starting a new tenancy? Use the checklist below to set your tenancy up for success and avoid any problems later on.

• Before choosing a property

  • Have you thoroughly inspected the property before agreeing to rent it to make sure it meets minimum standards?
  • Have you provided references?
  • Have you searched the RTB website for any dispute outcomes involving the landlord?
  • Do you know about your rights and responsibilities as well as your landlord’s rights and responsibilities?

• Deposits

  • Do you have a written record and receipt for the deposit you paid?
  • Do you know who will hold your deposit and return it to you?
  • Are there any conditions on returning your deposit when you move out?

• Tenancy agreement

  • Do you have a written tenancy agreement? If not, you can use a sample tenancy agreement.
  • Does your agreement include all of the following:
    • Basic terms of the agreement, property, landlord and tenant details
    • Payments and payment methods for rent and deposits
    • Tenant’s responsibilities
    • Landlord’s responsibilities
    • Any additional terms that apply to the agreement
    • Ending the tenancy
    • Serving notice or documents to the tenant
      • Preventing disputes
      • Signatures
  • Have you received a copy of the agreement before the start of the tenancy?

• Inventory and records

  • Have you received a list of contents and their condition (inventory report) signed by both parties? Have you taken dated photos to accompany the list?
  • Have you received a rent book and receipts (if rent not being paid electronically)?

• Required documents and contact information

  • Do you have your landlord’s contact details (or their agent’s contact details if there is one)? Even if you are dealing with an agent, by law you can ask for your landlord’s name and contact details. These can help the RTB to find your landlord if you take a dispute against them in the future.
  • Have you provided your contact number and PPS number?

• If the property is in a Rent Pressure Zone (RPZ)

  Have you received a statement outlining:

  • The last rent amount
  • The date it was last set
  • Details of how their rent was set using the RPZ calculator?

• Final step

  • Your landlord must register your tenancy with the RTB within one month of when your tenancy starts. You will receive a registration confirmation letter from us with an RT (Registered Tenancy) number to show your landlord has registered the tenancy with the RTB.
  • If your landlord does not register your tenancy, you can report this to the RTB.