# One month before your move

**Source**: https://housing.unimelb.edu.au/pages/one-month-before-your-move
**Parent**: https://housing.unimelb.edu.au/pages/house-hunting-guide/

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#### Book in for an inspection

Most real estate agents or rental providers set specific times for when you can inspect a rental property. Some may expect you to pre-book an appointment with them. This may even be required for ‘open inspections’, where you may be inspecting the property at the same time as others. We recommend you check to see if you need to pre-book (sometimes called “registering”) before attending an inspection to avoid getting turned away.

##### Minimum standards for rentals

There are minimum standards that must be met for properties being rented out from 29 March 2021, these include rules about:

- Locks and windows
- Toilet, bathroom, kitchen and laundry facilities
- Building structure, mould and damp
- Lighting, ventilation and heating.

For a full listing of minimum standards, visit [Tenants Victoria’s](https://tenantsvic.org.au/advice/starting-your-tenancy/minimum-standards/) website.

When you inspect the property, check everything thoroughly – both inside and outside – to make sure you will be comfortable living there.

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#### Like the place? Put in your application

If you like a property, you will need to fill in an application and provide the relevant documents requested by the rental provider or their agent.

You can obtain an application form from the real estate agent or property manager before the inspection, ask for a copy at the inspection, or see if there is one available via the property listing.

Before you submit your application, make sure you tell the people you have listed as your references that rental agents may contact them, so they are prepared to answer any questions.

Please click [here](https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/renting/changes-to-renting-laws/resources-for-practitioners/fact-sheet-inappropriate-questions-and-discrimination) to access the Victorian Government Consumers Affairs Website for important information about applying for a property, including what to prepare, and things you should not be asked.

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> **Tips:** if you negotiate anything with the rental provider or agent about the property while inspecting or applying for the rental (for example, that an air-conditioner is installed), make sure you get the commitment from the real estate agent or property manager in writing, and make sure this is written into the additional terms of the rental agreement, along with any specific details which are important to you (so in this example, when it will be done by, the energy efficiency rating, and which room(s) will have air conditioning).

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#### What you need to know before you sign a lease

##### Rental Agreement (lease)

For more information on types of rental agreements visit: [Different rental agreements - Consumer Affairs Victoria](https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/renting/starting-and-changing-rental-agreements/different-rental-agreements)

##### Bond

For information about bonds, including amounts and who to pay it to, please visit [Bond – Consumer Affairs Victoria.](https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/renting/rent-bond-bills-and-condition-reports/bond)

##### Condition report

Your rental provider (landlord) or agent must provide a condition report. They must fill in their part of the report, sign it and give you two copies before you move in.

Inspect the property and add your own notes on its condition, including any damage. Take photos if you can. Give one copy of the completed, signed report to your rental provider or agent within five business days of moving in.

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> **Tips:**Keep your copy of the condition report. You might need it if there is a dispute about who should pay for cleaning, damage, or replacement of missing items.

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