Williamstown VIC 3016
Williamstown VIC 3016
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Use this checklist before you sign a contract if the property is being sold with a tenant in place. Please read this checklist together with the general disclaimer at the end.
☐ Decide whether you are buying the property to keep as an investment, move into later, or renovate after settlement.
☐ Confirm whether you are happy for the tenant to stay in place after settlement.
☐ If you need vacant possession, check whether that is realistic before you sign.
☐ Make sure the contract matches your plan for the property
☐ Ask whether the tenancy is fixed term or periodic.
☐ Confirm the lease start date and end date.
☐ If the tenancy is periodic, do not assume the tenant can simply be asked to leave. In Victoria, notices to vacate require a valid reason and the correct notice period.
☐ If the tenancy is fixed term, assume the renter may have the right to stay until the end of that term unless the law allows otherwise.
☐ Obtain a copy of the signed residential rental agreement.
☐ Check the rent amount and how often it is paid.
☐ Check whether the rent is up to date or in arrears.
☐ Check the bond amount and the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA) details.
☐ Obtain the condition report.
☐ Ask for any special conditions, side agreements, pet approvals or other written permissions.
☐ If the property is in an owners corporation, ask for any rules that affect occupancy, pets, parking or use of common property.
☐ Compare the current rent to similar local rentals.
☐ Check when the rent was last increased.
☐ Remember that in Victoria the minimum notice period for a rent increase is now 90 days.
☐ Ask whether the current rent still works for your budget if it cannot be increased quickly.
☐ Ask whether any notices to vacate, breach notices or other notices have been issued.
☐ Ask whether there are any unresolved repairs or maintenance requests.
☐ Ask whether there are any Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) or Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria matters on foot.
☐ Check whether there is a history of urgent repairs, water leaks, mould, damage or complaints.
☐ Confirm the bond is actually lodged and recorded correctly.
☐ Confirm who is listed on the bond.
☐ Make sure the bond records can be updated properly after settlement through the RTBA system.
☐ Ask your conveyancer to confirm how the tenancy and bond handover will be handled at settlement.
☐ Understand that if you buy the property with the tenant in place, you usually step into the vendor’s shoes as the new rental provider.
☐ Assume the lease continues on its current terms unless changed lawfully.
☐ Check whether there are any promises, repairs, rent arrangements or practical issues you will be inheriting from day one.
☐ Ask your conveyancer to review the contract together with the tenancy documents.
☐ Check whether the contract is for vacant possession or subject to the tenancy continuing.
☐ Make sure any critical tenancy assumptions are dealt with before signing.
☐ If your plan depends on moving in, renovating quickly or changing rent, make sure your conveyancer explains the timing risk.
General disclaimer
This checklist is provided for general information only and discussion purposes. It does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Property, tenancy and notice rules are State-based and can change. You should obtain your own legal, tax, financial and other professional advice before relying on this checklist or making a purchase decision. Version 1 – Updated 29 March 2026
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