To Whom It May Concern

We, the undersigned, respectfully request that the relevant authorities implement a requirement for all rental properties in Australia to undergo a pre-rental inspection conducted by a designated agency, such as the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA), prior to any property being advertised including before the commencement of a new or renewed lease agreement.

**Purpose of the Petition:**

Currently, renters are often moving into properties that do not comply with applicable rental and housing laws, including standards for cleanliness, safety, and functionality. This oversight poses significant risks to tenants' health and safety. It has become apparent that both real estate agents and property owners are not always adhering to legal standards, resulting in properties that may be unsanitary, unsafe, or in disrepair.

**Key Points:**

1. **Compliance with Laws:** Ensuring that rental properties adhere to all relevant laws and standards is essential for protecting tenants' rights and well-being. Properties must meet the minimum requirements set forth by local and state regulations.

2. **Health and Safety:** Properties must be maintained to meet health and safety standards. This includes ensuring that properties are clean, free from pests, and that all essential services (such as heating, plumbing, and electrical systems) are fully operational.

3. **Security:** Rental properties should provide a safe environment for tenants. This includes secure locks on doors and windows, functioning smoke alarms, and adequate security measures to protect tenants from potential threats.

4. **Functionality:** The property must be in good working condition. This includes ensuring that appliances, fixtures, and systems such as heating, cooling, and plumbing are functioning correctly and that there are no significant maintenance issues that could affect tenants' quality of life.

5. **Accountability:** A formal inspection process will hold real estate agents and landlords accountable for maintaining rental properties to a standard that reflects current regulations and provides tenants with a safe and functional living environment.

**Desired Outcome:**

We propose the introduction of a mandatory "pre-rental inspection" requirement for all rental properties. This inspection should be conducted by a qualified agency, such as the RTA, to verify that properties meet state standards for health, safety, security, and functionality before any property is advertised including before the commencement of a new or renewed lease agreement.

We believe that this measure will significantly improve the rental experience for tenants across Australia and ensure that all rental properties are safe, clean, functional, and legally compliant.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.