Congratulations on having your rental application approved!

You’re just a few steps away from moving into your new home. Before your tenancy can begin, there are several important documents to review, forms to complete, and payments to finalise.

This guide explains what you can expect after your application has been approved and how to prepare for a smooth move-in.

Review Your Tenant Information

After your application has been approved, your property manager will send you several important documents.

These documents help explain your rights and responsibilities as a tenant and outline the steps required before your tenancy begins.

One of these documents is the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) Pocket Guide for Tenants, which provides a helpful overview of renting in Queensland.

We recommend taking the time to read through this guide so you understand your responsibilities throughout your tenancy.

Sign Your General Tenancy Agreement

Before your tenancy can commence, every person listed as a tenant on the lease must sign the General Tenancy Agreement.

This agreement outlines:

• The tenancy start date.
• Rent amount and payment details.
• Responsibilities of both tenants and the property owner.
• Important terms and conditions of the tenancy.

Your tenancy cannot begin until all required parties have signed the agreement.

Pay Your Bond and First Rent Payment

Before collecting your keys, you’ll need to pay:

• Your rental bond.
• Your first rent payment (as outlined in your tenancy agreement).

In Queensland, the rental bond is generally equivalent to four weeks’ rent for most residential tenancies, unless otherwise permitted under legislation.

Once your payment has been received, the bond will be lodged with the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA), and you’ll receive confirmation that it has been successfully lodged.

Use the Correct Rent Payment Reference

When making rent payments, always use the payment reference provided by your property manager.

Using the correct reference helps ensure your payments are allocated accurately to your tenancy without unnecessary delays.

After each payment is processed, you’ll typically receive a receipt for your records.

If you don’t receive a receipt after making a payment, contact your property manager so the payment can be confirmed.

Your Tenancy Is Ready to Begin

Once:

• The tenancy agreement has been signed.
• Required payments have cleared.
• Your bond has been lodged.

your tenancy is ready to commence.

On the first day of your lease, you’ll receive additional move-in documentation to help you settle into your new home.

Your Tenant Key Record

When you collect your keys, you’ll also receive a Tenant Key Record (or Key Handover Form).

This document records every item issued to you, including:

• House keys.
• Garage remotes.
• Swipe cards.
• Access devices.
• Mailbox keys.

Before signing, check that you’ve received everything listed.

Keep this document safe, as all issued keys and remotes will generally need to be returned when your tenancy ends.

Complete Your Entry Condition Report

One of the most important documents you’ll receive is your Entry Condition Report.

This report records the condition of the property at the beginning of your tenancy and helps protect both you and the property owner.

After moving in, inspect the property carefully and compare its condition with the report.

You generally have seven days from the commencement of your tenancy to:

• Inspect the property.
• Add comments or corrections where necessary.
• Sign the report.
• Return it to your property manager.

Taking the time to complete this document thoroughly can help avoid disputes at the end of your tenancy.

Arrange Your Utilities

Before moving into your new home, don’t forget to organise essential services such as:

• Electricity.
• Gas (if applicable).
• Internet.

You can arrange these through your preferred providers or seek assistance from your property manager if utility connection support is available.

Having your utilities connected before moving day helps ensure a smooth transition into your new home.

Collect Your Keys and Move In

Once all required documentation has been completed and payments have been received, you’re ready to collect your keys and begin your tenancy.

Congratulations again—we hope you enjoy your new home and wish you a successful tenancy.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for your tenancy is straightforward when you understand each step.

By reviewing your documents, signing your tenancy agreement, paying your bond and rent, completing your Entry Condition Report, and organising your utilities, you’ll be ready to move in with confidence.

If you have any questions during this process, your property management team is there to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens after my rental application is approved?

You’ll receive important tenancy documents, sign your lease agreement, pay your bond and initial rent, complete your Entry Condition Report, arrange utilities, and collect your keys before moving in.

When do I pay my bond?

Your bond is generally paid before your tenancy begins and is lodged with the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) in accordance with Queensland legislation.

Why is the Entry Condition Report important?

The Entry Condition Report records the property’s condition at the start of your tenancy and helps protect both tenants and property owners if questions arise when the tenancy ends.

Why do I need to use the correct payment reference?

Using the correct payment reference ensures your rent payments are correctly allocated to your tenancy and reduces the risk of processing delays.

When can I collect my keys?

You’ll be able to collect your keys once your tenancy agreement has been signed, required payments have been received, and your tenancy is ready to commence.

Your Next Move

Have questions about your lease, bond, rent payments, or moving into your new home? Contact the Real Estate HQ team—we’re here to guide you through every step and help make your move-in experience as smooth as possible.