Moving into a new home is an exciting milestone. Your lease has been signed, your bond and initial rent have been paid, and your tenancy has officially begun.

Before you start unpacking, it’s worth taking a little time to familiarise yourself with the property and complete a few important tasks. These simple steps can help prevent problems later and ensure your tenancy gets off to the best possible start.

Check Your Keys and Property Access

One of the first things you should do is confirm that you’ve received all the keys, remotes, and access devices issued for the property.

Check that everything listed on your key record has been provided and that each key works correctly.

If you believe something is missing or isn’t working as expected, contact your property manager as soon as possible so the issue can be resolved promptly.

Familiarise Yourself with Important Safety Features

Take a few minutes to walk around the property and locate important services and safety features, including:

• The electrical switchboard.
• The water meter.
• The main water shut-off valve.
• The gas meter and isolation valve (if applicable).

Knowing where these are located can be extremely helpful if an emergency or maintenance issue ever occurs.

It’s also a good idea to check that the smoke alarms are present and operating correctly. Your property manager will ensure the property meets Queensland compliance requirements, but understanding where the alarms are located is always worthwhile.

Inspect the Property Before You Unpack

Before filling every room with furniture and boxes, take the opportunity to inspect the property while it’s still empty.

Walk through each room and look for anything that may require attention, such as:

• Damage that wasn’t noticed previously.
• Maintenance issues.
• Faulty fixtures.
• Items that aren’t operating correctly.

If you notice anything that requires maintenance, email your property manager as soon as possible and include clear photographs where appropriate.

Reporting issues early allows repairs to be organised quickly and helps prevent small problems from becoming larger ones.

Complete Your Entry Condition Report

One of the most important tasks after moving in is completing your Entry Condition Report.

You generally have seven days from the start of your tenancy to inspect the property, add your comments, sign the report, and return it to your property manager.

Take your time during this process and inspect:

• Cupboards.
• Doors and windows.
• Walls and ceilings.
• Floors.
• Appliances.
• Taps.
• Light fittings.
• Ceiling fans.
• Air conditioners.
• Locks.

If you notice existing marks, scratches, dents, chips, or other signs of wear that haven’t already been recorded, add them to the report.

Photographs are also highly recommended, as they provide a valuable record of the property’s condition at the beginning of your tenancy.

For a complete guide, read our article on the Entry Condition Report.

Test Your Appliances and Utilities

If you’ve already arranged your electricity connection, now is the ideal time to test the property’s electrical items.

Check that:

• Lights operate correctly.
• Power points are working.
• Air conditioning units function properly.
• Appliances supplied with the property are operating as expected.

If something isn’t working, notify your property manager in writing as soon as possible so appropriate repairs can be arranged.

Keep Communication in Writing

Throughout your tenancy, it’s always best to communicate with your property manager by email whenever possible.

Written communication creates a clear record and makes it easier to:

• Report maintenance.
• Request approvals.
• Ask tenancy questions.
• Follow up on previous conversations.

Keeping everything documented helps protect both tenants and property owners while ensuring requests can be managed efficiently.

Start Your Tenancy on the Right Foot

Moving into a rental property is the beginning of a new chapter.

Taking the time to inspect the home, complete your Entry Condition Report, test essential services, and report any maintenance concerns early will help create a smooth tenancy from day one.

Good communication and careful record-keeping can make your tenancy easier, reduce misunderstandings, and help ensure a positive renting experience.

First-Day Move-In Checklist

Before you start unpacking, make sure you’ve completed the following:

✓ Check all keys, remotes, and access devices.
✓ Locate the electrical switchboard.
✓ Find the water meter and shut-off valve.
✓ Locate the gas meter (if applicable).
✓ Familiarise yourself with the smoke alarms.
✓ Walk through every room before unpacking.
✓ Photograph any existing damage or wear.
✓ Report maintenance issues in writing.
✓ Complete your Entry Condition Report.
✓ Test lights, appliances, and air conditioning.
✓ Return your completed Entry Condition Report within seven days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do on the first day of my tenancy?

Take time to inspect the property, check your keys, locate important utilities, test appliances, complete your Entry Condition Report, and report any maintenance issues to your property manager.

How long do I have to complete my Entry Condition Report?

You generally have seven days from the commencement of your tenancy to inspect the property, make comments, and return the completed report.

Should I take photos when I move in?

Yes. Taking photographs of the property’s condition provides an additional record that may help prevent misunderstandings later in your tenancy.

What if I find maintenance issues after moving in?

Notify your property manager in writing as soon as possible and include clear photos where appropriate. Reporting issues early helps ensure repairs can be organised promptly.

Why should I communicate by email?

Email creates a written record of conversations, maintenance requests, approvals, and tenancy questions, making it easier to track communication throughout your tenancy.

Your Next Move

Just moved into your new rental home? If you have any questions about your Entry Condition Report, maintenance, or settling in, contact the Real Estate HQ team. We’re here to help make your tenancy as smooth and stress-free as possible.