Renting guide
How Trulet works, how to avoid the common traps, and where bonds actually go. Australian rentals only; that is all we do.
Scams to recognise
The deposit before the inspection
You ask to inspect, and they want a small deposit to hold your spot or prove you are serious. Real owners never charge to show a place. Walk away and report the listing.
The overseas owner
They cannot show you through because they are abroad, but a courier or agent will bring keys once you transfer the bond. There are no keys. Report it.
The too-good price
A beachside two-bedder at half the going rate, available now, pressure to decide today. Price pressure plus time pressure is the scam formula. Slow down, inspect, verify.
The recycled photos
Photos from years ago, or of a different property entirely. On Trulet, misleading photos are grounds for removal; report them and a person checks.
Renting your place out instead? The owner guide covers the scams that target owners and how to do it right.
How we run the place
A person checks every listing
Nothing goes live until it has been looked at, and reports get read the same day.
Listings per account are limited
Accounts get a small number of concurrent listings, which keeps bulk uploaders and agency spam out. Genuine owners in good standing can have the limit raised; just ask.
Messaging is free, both ways, always
Contacting an owner or answering a renter will never cost money or need an upgrade.
Reporting keeps this place clean
Every listing page has a report link. Pick the reason that fits and a person reads it, usually the same day. A scam report takes the listing down immediately while it is checked. Accurate reports help your standing here; the house rules cover the rest.
Where bonds actually go
A bond is the renter's money, held by your state government, never by the owner and never by Trulet. After a bond is paid, the owner must lodge it with the state authority below. If someone wants a bond paid to a personal account, that is your cue to leave.
New South Wales
NSW Fair Trading, Rental Bonds Online
Victoria
Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA)
Queensland
Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA)
Western Australia
Bonds Administration (Consumer Protection WA), BondsOnline
South Australia
Consumer and Business Services, Residential Bonds Online
Tasmania
Rental Deposit Authority (RDA)
ACT
ACT Revenue Office, Rental Bonds
Northern Territory
NT Consumer Affairs
Links go to the official government sites. Rules differ by state; check yours for amounts, timing, and refunds.