During tenancy
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It is your responsibility to arrange for the connection of utilities (gas, electricity and telephone). Starting an account with providers of utilities is a quick and easy process once you have selected your providers. You can find different providers in the Yellow Pages and this useful website on Energy Consumer Toolkit
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In a share-house situation, arrange how you will pay the bills (i.e. whose name is going to be on what account). Check the readings on all the meters (gas, electric etc) before you start using any of them. Decide in advance what other amenities the residents will wish to share and divide the rental of (i.e. Pay TV, Internet connection, TV/video, washing machines, etc.).
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Get a receipt every time you make a payment to your landlord. Click here for details of what your receipt should include. The receipt for your security bond should be provided within 48 hours of payment.
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Safely store all records of your lease, inspection sheets and receipts for all payments.
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In the first days of moving in, check the property for evidence of mice or other pests. Don’t delay reporting them to the landlord, as they are only the landlord’s responsibility if you can prove they were there before you moved in.
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Record important local numbers (i.e. licensed taxi companies, local police stations, etc.) and keep these by the phone. Ask the landlord about the arrangements if you have a plumbing/electrical emergency. Normally it’s best for you to report all repairs (even emergency repairs) directly to the landlord, as under the legislation the landlord is not responsible to attend to the repair or to pay for the cost of the repair unless he has been informed of the repair and been given the opportunity to do the repair. Also, if you call the tradesperson direct, you may be billed for the work done, and not the landlord.
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In the event of a leak or a burst pipe you need to shut down the water system immediately. It is advisable to ask the landlord where the stop valve is before an emergency occurs. It’s far more difficult to do this when the property is being flooded.
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When reporting non-urgent maintenance issues, make sure you do this in writing (email is acceptable).
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Find out when bin day is (the day that rubbish bins get emptied) and what is required from you in order to dispose of any rubbish.
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Find out if the landlord has plans to sell the property. If this is the case, it means that he/she might need access for prospective buyers to view the property. The landlord needs to give you reasonable notice regarding the time of open inspections.
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Save money! Consider buying second hand furniture, clothing, etc. A comprehensive listing (with online maps) of second hand dealers and recycled clothing shops can be found in the Yellow Pages telephone directory. Just type in "Secondhand" and the location eg. "Adelaide Metro SA".
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Prevent a fire in your home. Take a look at the practical tips on the SA Metropolitan Fire Services website.
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Take out contents insurance to cover your belongings; landlords are only responsible for the building if it is an unfurnished property. Various insurance providers are found in the Yellow Pages.