Move-in checklist for AU tenancies

Check the front door operates smoothly and locks securely. Note the condition of the doorbell and entry lighting.

• Front door No issues Requires attention
• Lock and hardware No issues Requires attention
• Doorbell No issues Requires attention N/A
• Lighting No issues Requires attention

Check walls, doors and floor coverings along the hallway. Note any marks, scuffs or trip hazards.

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention N/A
• Lights and power points No issues Requires attention
• Floors and floor coverings No issues Requires attention

Check walls, doors, windows and heating. Test that all lights and power points work.

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention N/A
• Lights and power points No issues Requires attention
• Floors and floor coverings No issues Requires attention
• Windows No issues Requires attention
• Blinds and curtains No issues Requires attention N/A
• Heating and cooling No issues Requires attention N/A

Test all appliances, taps and lights. Check cupboards open and close properly and note any damage to benches or surfaces.

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention N/A
• Lights and power points No issues Requires attention
• Floors and floor coverings No issues Requires attention
• Windows No issues Requires attention N/A
• Blinds and curtains No issues Requires attention N/A
• Cupboards No issues Requires attention
• Sinks and benchtops No issues Requires attention
• Oven and cooktop No issues Requires attention
• Fridge No issues Requires attention N/A
• Rangehood No issues Requires attention N/A

Test taps, shower pressure and toilet flush. Check for leaks, mould or damage to fittings.

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention
• Lights and power points No issues Requires attention
• Floors and floor coverings No issues Requires attention
• Windows No issues Requires attention N/A
• Blinds and curtains No issues Requires attention N/A
• Mirror and cabinet No issues Requires attention
• Bath No issues Requires attention N/A
• Shower No issues Requires attention N/A
• Basin and vanity No issues Requires attention
• Toilet No issues Requires attention
• Exhaust fan No issues Requires attention N/A

Test the washing machine and check the laundry tub for damage or leaks.

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention
• Lights and power points No issues Requires attention
• Floors and floor coverings No issues Requires attention
• Windows No issues Requires attention N/A
• Blinds and curtains No issues Requires attention N/A
• Washing machine No issues Requires attention N/A
• Laundry tub No issues Requires attention N/A

Check walls, doors, windows and floor coverings.

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention
• Lights and power points No issues Requires attention
• Floors and floor coverings No issues Requires attention
• Windows No issues Requires attention
• Blinds and curtains No issues Requires attention N/A
• Built-in robes No issues Requires attention N/A

Check the handrail is secure and treads are free of damage or hazards.

• Handrail No issues Requires attention N/A
• Treads and risers No issues Requires attention N/A
• Lighting No issues Requires attention N/A

Check rubbish bins, locks and insulation. Confirm smoke alarms are present and working throughout the property.

• Rubbish bins No issues Requires attention
• Locks No issues Requires attention
• Insulation No issues Requires attention
• Smoke alarms present and working No issues Requires attention

Check the garage door and remote operate correctly. Note the condition of the floor and any damage to walls.

• Walls No issues Requires attention
• Doors No issues Requires attention
• Lights and power points No issues Requires attention
• Floor No issues Requires attention
• Door and remote No issues Requires attention

Check the roof and supports are sound and free of damage.

• Roof and supports No issues Requires attention
• Floor No issues Requires attention
• Lighting No issues Requires attention

Check cladding and paintwork, gutters and downpipes. Note any signs of moisture or damage.

• Cladding and paintwork No issues Requires attention
• Gutters and downpipes No issues Requires attention

Check lawns, gardens and fencing are in reasonable condition. Confirm the letterbox is present and usable.

• Lawns and gardens No issues Requires attention N/A
• Fencing No issues Requires attention N/A
• Clothesline No issues Requires attention N/A
• Letterbox No issues Requires attention N/A

Check every screen is fitted, intact and closing properly.

• Flyscreens present and free of tears No issues Requires attention
• Security screens and doors No issues Requires attention N/A
• Screen locks and latches No issues Requires attention

Run each unit in both heating and cooling. Note the last service date if it is recorded.

• Each unit heats and cools No issues Requires attention
• Filters clean No issues Requires attention
• No water leaking from the unit No issues Requires attention
• Outdoor condenser unit No issues Requires attention
• Remote controls supplied No issues Requires attention

Check the barrier and any certificate or registration required in your state or territory.

• Pool fence and gate self-closing and self-latching No issues Requires attention
• No climbable objects near the barrier No issues Requires attention
• CPR sign displayed and legible No issues Requires attention
• Pool safety certificate or registration current No issues Requires attention
• Pump, filter and cleaning equipment No issues Requires attention
• Pool and surrounds condition No issues Requires attention

List furniture and inclusions provided by the landlord.

Photograph all keys supplied and record how many of each, then test every key in its lock.

• Door keys Number answer keys
• Spare keys Number answer keys
• Garage remotes Number answer remotes
• Letterbox keys Number answer keys
• Access cards and fobs Number answer
• Keys tested in their locks All working Some not working Not tested

Record gas, electricity and water meter readings at the start of the tenancy. Leave a reading blank if the property has no such meter.

• Gas meter reading Number answer
• Electricity meter reading Number answer
• Water meter reading Number answer

Alarm type, placement, interconnection and who is responsible for testing differ by state and territory. Check the requirements that apply where the property is.

• Smoke alarm in each bedroom Yes No
• Smoke alarm in hallways connecting bedrooms Yes No
• Smoke alarm on each storey Yes No
• Alarms are photoelectric Yes No
• Alarms interconnected where required Yes No N/A
• No alarm past its expiry date Yes No
• Alarms tested All sounding Some not sounding Not tested

Passing water charges on to a tenant generally requires water-efficient fixtures and no leaks. Record the condition of each fixture at the start.

• Showerheads water efficient Yes No
• Taps in kitchen, bathroom and laundry water efficient Yes No
• Toilet cisterns dual flush Yes No
• No leaking taps or cisterns Yes No
• Water efficiency confirmed in writing Yes No

Minimum standards for rental properties vary by state and territory. Check what applies where the property is before the tenancy starts.

• Fixed heating in the main living area Yes No
• Locks on all external doors and windows Yes No
• Adequate ventilation in every room Yes No
• Free of mould and damp Yes No
• Working cooktop, oven and sink in the kitchen Yes No
• Vermin-proof rubbish bins supplied Yes No
• Privacy coverings on windows in bedrooms and living areas Yes No
• Structurally sound and weatherproof Yes No