All tenants are required to enter into a standard Residential Tenancy Agreement (also called a ‘lease’).
The Residential Tenancy Agreement will be either;
- a Fixed Term Lease or;
- a Periodic Lease, which provides tenants with the assurance that they can remain in their home without an end date, as long as they remain eligible for the program and abide by the Residential Tenancies Act 1999 and their lease.
This includes:
- Paying rent on time and in full
- Keeping the home clean and tidy
- Making sure the home is not damaged and reporting any damage as it occurs; and
- Being a good neighbour.
This is an important legal document that, along with the Tenant Handbook should be kept in a safe place.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about your bond, lease and moving into your Venture Housing home.
Do I need to pay a bond? +
Yes, a rental bond is required before you move in. In the Northern Territory, the bond for social and affordable housing tenants is generally equivalent to four weeks' rent. Your bond is held securely by Venture Housing.
You may be eligible for Bond Assistance from the NT Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities. Visit nt.gov.au to find out more. Bond amounts and conditions are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act (NT). We encourage you to read your tenancy agreement carefully and ask us if anything is unclear before signing.
What type of lease will I have? +
All Venture Housing tenants enter into a standard Residential Tenancy Agreement. This will be either a Fixed Term Lease with a set end date, or a Periodic Lease which has no end date and gives you the assurance that you can remain in your home as long as you remain eligible for the program and abide by the Residential Tenancies Act and your lease conditions.
Your lease is an important legal document. Please keep it in a safe place along with your Tenant Handbook. If you have any questions about your lease, your Tenancy Engagement team is always happy to explain the terms in detail.
What happens at my move-in inspection? +
Before you move in, we'll complete a detailed condition report together that documents the state of the property — every room, fixture and fitting. This protects you at the end of your tenancy by providing a clear, agreed record of how the property looked when you arrived. We encourage you to take your time, add any notes you feel are missing, and keep a copy somewhere safe.
The condition report is a legally significant document. Both you and Venture Housing sign it, and it forms part of your tenancy agreement.
What do I need to set up before moving in? +
We want your move to feel as smooth as possible. Before your move-in date, you'll need to have signed your tenancy agreement, paid your bond and any required rent in advance, and arranged utility connections in your name (such as electricity and internet) where applicable. Your tenancy manager will walk you through the full checklist so nothing catches you off guard.
What are my responsibilities as a tenant? +
As a Venture Housing tenant, we ask that you:
- Pay your rent on time and in full
- Keep your home clean and tidy
- Make sure the home is not damaged, and report any damage as it occurs
- Be a good neighbour
A copy of your rights and responsibilities is also included in the Tenant Handbook, which we recommend keeping in a safe place.
Can I have someone else live with me? +
We understand that living situations change and families grow. If you'd like to add someone to your household, please speak with your tenancy manager before they move in. Unapproved occupants can affect your tenancy, so it's always best to have an open conversation with us first — we'll do our best to work with you.
Changes to household occupants may require a formal variation to your tenancy agreement and may affect your eligibility or rent assessment.