The owner of a property, also known as a landlord (or lessor), can rent out a property privately (where you have direct contact with the owner) or through a real estate agency. You as the person renting are the tenant.

When renting, the tenant has the right to ‘exclusive possession’ of the property that they are renting. This means that he or she is given permission to stay in the house and can exclude anyone from the premises including the landlord or the agent.

You will usually need to sign a lease before you start living in a rental property. You will be asked to pay a bond of approximately 4 weeks rent plus 2 weeks rent in advance.

Before you start looking for a property you should:

• know which suburb you want a home in and what size property you need;
• select a property that you know you can maintain;
• work out and set your rental budget;
• have a think about what you need in a property such as parking, disability access, a backyard or whether you would like to have pets; and
• know whether you are living by yourself or sharing with others.

In Tasmania, Colony 47 may be able to assist you with bond and rent assistance for public and community housing as well as for private rental accommodation through their Housing Connect program.