When renting, little problems can turn into big problems if you are not aware of who is responsible for taking care of the issues that may arise.

As a tenant you are obliged to do the following:

• Keep the property clean
• Not cause damage to the premises
• Inform the landlord ASAP if any damage is done
• Ask for the landlords permission to install fixtures or make alterations, renovations etc
• Avoid causing a nuisance to the landlord or neighbours
• Do not initiate or participate in any illegal activities on the property

The landlord is obliged to:

• Keep the premises in good repair
• Ensure the security of the property by making sure all doors have locks and windows are secure
• Immediately provide the tenant with a key after changing any locks
• Avoid disturbing the tenant unnecessarily

Once you have signed a lease / tenancy agreement and paid a bond you should be provided with a Condition Report. This report records the condition of the property. Check this report carefully and immediately discuss any issues you may have with the landlord.

Photographs are a great way to record the condition of the property when you first move in. Keep these in case the landlord objects about returning your bond at the end of your tenancy.

So, you're looking for an house or apartment to rent or share with a roommate. Whether you're a first-timer or an experienced house/apartment-hunter, it's worth taking the time to decide what's most important to you in where you live and to plan your search strategy accordingly. With that in mind, here are eight tips to consider:  

1. Make a list of your top housing priorities.  

Do you need extra parking spaces? A place that welcomes pets? A large kitchen or linen closet? A ground-floor entrance to your home? Or what? Thinking through your needs ahead of time can help you find a house or apartment that meets those needs, instead of one that just strikes your fancy at first glance.  

2. Check out the property.  

In addition to examining the condition of the for-rent house or unit, walk through the property to see whether it appears to be well-maintained. Is the landscaping healthy or dying? Nicely trimmed or growing wild? Are any windows, steps or railings broken or dangerous? Do the access doors open easily and shut tightly? Walk through at night, too. Are the parking areas and pathways well lit? What about the stairwells and hallways? Is the yard secure? What maintenance am I up for? Is it easy to maintain? 

3. Talk to the neighbors.  

If you're serious about a particular house or apartment, knock on a few doors and ask your potential neighbors whether they're satisfied with the neighbourhood, or for an apartment, building's amenities, management's responsiveness to repair needs and other issues of concern to you. Ask: Would you tell a friend to move into this area or building ?

 4. Examine the lease.  

A lease is a legal obligation to pay rent for a specified length of time, and every lease has variations on the terms and conditions of tenancy. How much notice must you give before moving at the end of the lease term? Can the rent be increased? Are pets allowed? What provisions cover your security/bond  deposit and end-of-lease cleaning costs? If the terms of the lease agreement don't suit your needs, negotiate or reconsider renting the apartment.  

5. Consider security.  

Does the building have controlled access? If so, are the exterior security gates and doors closed? Are the locks in working order? Is the yard secure? Does the garage and outbuildings lock up securely? For Apartments, does your individual unit have secure door locks and window latches? Does the building have a security service? If so, is a guard on duty 24 hours or does he or she just drive by periodically?  

6. Ask about shared facilities.  

For Apartments, or Community Titles, does the building have a swimming pool? A recreation or fitness room? Tennis courts? Laundry facilities? Who is allowed to use those facilities and during what hours? Is there an extra fee charged for use of the facilities? Where are the facilities located in relation to your prospective apartment? Do you really want to live poolside or near the laundry room?  

7. Ask about utility costs.  

Is the water bill paid by the owner or separately by the tenants? Are electrical or gas utilities included in the rent? Is there a single thermostat for the entire building? If so, who controls it?

8. Take notes.

Before you move in, document the condition of your unit and make note of any nonfunctioning doors or windows, leaking plumbing, missing fixtures, stained carpets and so on. Ask your landlord to initial a copy of your documentation to prevent disputes when you eventually move out. Better yet, take pictures or make a video of the premises before you bring in any of your furniture or belongings.