Moving in — your complete checklist

Why a moving-in checklist matters

The first few days of a tenancy are more legally significant than most tenants realise. What you document (and fail to document) at the start of your tenancy will directly affect your bond refund when you leave. Missing defects, skipping the condition report, or failing to photograph the property can cost you hundreds — or thousands — of dollars at the end of your lease. This checklist covers every stage: before move-in, move-in day, and your first week.

Before you move in

Complete these tasks before you bring in a single box:

• •Read the condition report carefully and mark any disagreements before signing it
• •Photograph every room from every angle — walls, floor, ceiling — before your furniture arrives
• •Photograph every appliance (oven interior, dishwasher, rangehood filter, washing machine drum)
• •Test all light switches and powerpoints
• •Test all taps for hot and cold water
• •Test the stove, oven, and dishwasher (run a short cycle)
• •Test the heating and cooling (air conditioning, heater, or reverse-cycle)
• •Check all windows open, close, and lock correctly
• •Check all flyscreens are intact and fitted properly
• •Test smoke alarms — press the test button on every alarm
• •Count all keys provided — front door, mailbox, garage, common area fobs
• •Check the property is clean to the standard you would be expected to leave it

On move-in day

Once you have documented the property condition, address these practical tasks:

• •Record all utility meter readings (electricity, gas) and photograph the meter displays
• •Confirm that electricity and gas are connected and working
• •Arrange internet connection — check whether there is existing infrastructure (NBN box, modem point)
• •Update your address with your bank(s) and credit card providers
• •Update your address with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) — via myGov
• •Update your electoral roll enrolment at aec.gov.au
• •Update your address with Medicare and any Centrelink records
• •Notify your employer's payroll or HR department of your new address
• •Forward mail from your previous address via Australia Post
• •Locate the property's fuse box and water shut-off valve
• •Find out bin collection days — check your local council website

Within your first week

There are time-sensitive obligations in the first week of your tenancy that you must not miss:

• •Return the signed condition report with any disagreements clearly noted — within the deadline for your state (3–14 days depending on jurisdiction)
• •Report any defects or faults discovered at move-in to the agent or landlord in writing — even minor ones
• •Set up your rent payment method (direct debit, BPAY, or bank transfer as specified in your lease)
• •Confirm you have received your bond lodgement receipt from the agent
• •Verify the bond has been lodged with the relevant state authority
• •Store your lease, condition report, bond receipt, and all correspondence in a dedicated folder (physical or digital)

Safety checks

Rental properties in all Australian states must meet minimum safety standards. Confirm the following on or before move-in:

• •Smoke alarms — must be installed and functional (battery-powered or hardwired depending on state). Test each one.
• •Carbon monoxide alarms — required in properties with gas appliances in some states (check your state's requirements)
• •Check for visible mould — particularly in bathrooms, under sinks, around windows, and on ceilings
• •Check for signs of pest activity — droppings, damage, or live pests
• •Confirm all external doors and windows have working locks
• •Identify the nearest fire escape from each bedroom

Record-keeping setup

Set up your record-keeping system at the start of your tenancy — not the end. Create a dedicated folder (physical or digital cloud folder) and store:

• •Your signed tenancy agreement (lease)
• •The completed and signed condition report (your copy with your notes)
• •Bond lodgement receipt and reference number
• •All entry photos and video (backed up to cloud storage)
• •All written communications with your agent and landlord
• •Copies of any repair requests and responses
• •Rent payment records or receipts

Know your essentials from day one

Before you settle in, make sure you have the following information written down and accessible:

• •Your property manager's name, phone number, and email address
• •The after-hours emergency repair contact number (different from the regular contact)
• •The name and contact of the landlord (required to be disclosed in your lease in most states)
• •Your bond reference number and the name of the bond authority holding your funds
• •Your lease start and end date, and the notice period required to vacate

Common mistakes to avoid

These are the most frequent and costly mistakes tenants make when moving in:

• •Not taking photos before moving furniture in — you lose the ability to show pre-existing condition
• •Not reading the meter on day one — you may be billed for usage before your tenancy began
• •Not noting defects on the condition report — the landlord's version becomes the accepted record
• •Missing the deadline to return the condition report — even if you noted disagreements, they must be returned on time
• •Not keeping copies of all documents — originals can be lost, damaged, or disputed
• •Assuming verbal agreements with the agent are binding — always get changes in writing
• •Using bond money as the last month's rent — this is a breach of your tenancy agreement in all states