"Poor record-keeping is a common issue identified in tenancy law breaches. Maintaining accurate and complete records is essential—not only for demonstrating compliance but also for ensuring tenants are treated fairly and responsibly.” says Brett Wilson, National Manager, Tenancy Compliance and Investigations.

He noted that the most common breaches his team identifies are non-compliance with:

• the healthy homes standards compliance statement
• the insulation statement, and
• the insurance statement.

These are required statements that need to be attached to tenancy agreements to meet the law.

Where non-compliance is identified, this could lead to enforcement action.

To help make it easy for you, we have templates you can use. Our tenancy agreement templates include all these statements, but you can also download the statements separately to add to your tenancy agreements.

Required statements for tenancy agreements

Other records that must be kept

Landlords must keep all documents related to the rental property during the tenancy and for 12 months after it ends. Rent and bond records must be kept for 7 years after the relevant tax year. Tenants are also encouraged to keep similar records.
Examples include:

• rent and bond records
• inspection reports
• water bills and repair/maintenance receipts
• communications between the landlord and tenant.

Keeping clear records also helps resolve any disputes.

Healthy homes standards records

On top of having the healthy homes standards compliance statement in the tenancy agreement, landlords must also keep documents showing compliance with the standards, such as:

• heating capacity calculations
• assessor’s name and qualifications (where appropriate)
• receipts and professional evaluations.

If claiming an exemption to the standards (or part of them), extra documentation may be required.

For more information about keeping good records, see our website:

Receipts and accurate records

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