Form 18a General Tenancy Agreement

Form 18a General Tenancy Agreement is the official Residential Tenancy Authority approved agreement that is used when renting a residential property. The legally binding agreement outlines the legal rights and responsibilities of a tenant and property manager.

A tenancy agreement must include:

• the name and address of the tenant and property manager/owner
• the start and end date of the agreement (or state that it is periodic)
• how the tenant should pay rent and how much is to be paid
• standard terms (what the tenant and the property manager/owner can and cannot do)
• any special terms  (these should be agreed in advance, e.g. a dog is allowed but must be kept outside)

The lease agreement is prepared by the property manager. The tenant must sign the agreement and return it to the property manager within 5 days. Once fully executed, the property manager should send a copy to the tenant within 14  days.

There are 2 types of general tenancy agreements. The preferred type of agreement is a fixed term agreement where a tenant will enter into a 6 or 12- month agreement. A fixed term agreement does not necessarily have to be for a 6 or 12-month term, as long as there is a set period with an identified end date the agreement is classified as a fixed term. While fixed term agreements are generally the preferred type as it provides security for both parties, sometimes it can be beneficial to enter into a periodic tenancy which is an agreement that has no set end date, also known as month to month lease.

You can enter into a periodic agreement at the commencement of the tenancy by stating a move in date with no expiry date, or if a fixed-term agreement is not renewed for a further term, it will automatically revert to a periodic agreement. This agreement provides both parties with flexibility in giving notes. This flexibility is usually requested if the landlord wishes to sell the property or the tenant is looking to purchase a property.

Source: www.rta.qld.gov.au