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Tenant Checklist – Before You Move In

Protect your bond, your rights and your sanity.

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Use this checklist before you sign a tenancy agreement in Fiji. It covers rent, bond, receipts, repairs and what to do if things go wrong.

⚖️ FCCC highlight on tenancy agreements

“Landlords must provide duly executed tenancy agreements and receipts for all rent payments to tenants.”

– Fijian Competition & Consumer Commission guidance

1. Rent, Bond & Money

Do I have a written tenancy agreement that clearly states rent, bond and due date? Avoid “verbal deals”. Written agreements help if there is a dispute with the landlord later.
Is the bond amount written in the agreement and will I get a receipt when I pay it? Always demand receipts for bond and rent payments. Keep copies or photos safely stored.
How is rent paid (cash, bank transfer, M-PAiSA) and when will I receive receipts? Receipts or transfer confirmation are your proof if there is a dispute over “unpaid” rent.
Under what conditions can rent be increased and how much notice must the landlord give? Ask the landlord how they will handle increases and if they follow FCCC guidance on rent controls.

2. Condition of the Property

Have we done a walk-through and noted existing damage, leaks or broken items in writing? Take photos or video before moving in. Send a copy to the landlord or agent by email or message.
Who is responsible for repairs to plumbing, electrical, leaks and structural issues? Landlords usually handle major repairs; tenants handle day-to-day care. Get that clear upfront.
Is the property safe – secure doors/windows, safe wiring, no obvious hazards? If you see exposed wiring, rotten stairs or broken locks, insist on repairs before moving in.

3. Utilities & Bills

Who is paying for EFL, WAF, garbage and town/city rates? Clarify which bills you pay directly and which the landlord pays from your rent.
Will utilities be in my name or the landlord’s name, and how are previous arrears being handled? You don’t want to inherit the last tenant’s unpaid electricity or water bills.

4. Entry, Inspections & Privacy

How much notice will the landlord give before inspections or visits? The agreement should set out reasonable notice and frequency for inspections.
Are there house rules about visitors, noise, parking and pets written into the agreement? Make sure rules are clear before you move your whole extended family in for Sunday lunch.

5. Ending the Tenancy

How much notice must I give if I want to move out? Notice periods should be in the agreement so you can plan your next move properly.
Under what conditions can the landlord end the tenancy or ask me to leave? Eviction should follow the tenancy agreement and the law, not threats or harassment.

🚫 FCCC on eviction behaviour

“Landlords are not authorised to threaten tenants with eviction but rather hand eviction notice as per the tenancy agreement.”

– Fijian Competition & Consumer Commission public message

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Landlord Checklist – Renting Out Your Property

Protect your income, your asset and your reputation.

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Use this checklist before you advertise, when you sign up tenants and whenever you review rent. It focuses on written agreements, fair rent and good records – and if this already feels like a full-time job, it might be time to let Flagship Property Management handle the day-to-day while you focus on the bigger picture.

📑 FCCC on fair treatment

“All landlords must ensure they adhere to the FCCC Act and treat their tenants fairly.”

– Fijian Competition & Consumer Commission public statement

1. Before You Advertise

Is the property legally allowed to be rented (zoning, approvals, safety)? Check any council or lease conditions, especially for flats built under older approvals.
Are all rooms, flats and extensions approved on the plans? Unapproved structures can cause issues with insurance, FCCC complaints and council.

2. Tenancy Agreement & Documentation

Do I have a clear written tenancy agreement that both parties will sign? Avoid verbal tenancies. Written contracts protect both you and the tenant.
Will I issue receipts for every rent and bond payment and keep proper records? Good records help if an FCCC or Consumer Council complaint is made later.
Does the agreement clearly state bond, rent, payment method, due dates and notice periods? Clarity now prevents “I didn’t know” disputes in month three.

3. Rent, Increases & FCCC Rules

Have I checked current FCCC guidance on residential rent controls and increases? FCCC monitors rent movements, especially where there are controls or previous orders in place.
If I plan to increase rent, can I justify the amount based on condition and market? Sudden, large increases without justification are a common source of complaints.

4. Repairs, Maintenance & Inspections

Do I have a plan for timely repairs to essential services and safety issues? Ignoring leaks, wiring and structural issues can end up as formal complaints or legal issues.
Have I set a reasonable inspection schedule with proper notice written into the agreement? Respecting privacy while protecting your asset keeps the relationship healthy.

5. Ending Tenancies Fairly

Does my process for ending a tenancy follow the contract and local law? No surprise lockouts, removed roofs or cut utilities – those can be treated as unconscionable conduct.
Do I have a clear, written checklist for bond refunds and final inspection? Agree deductions in writing with evidence (photos, quotes) to avoid future disputes.

⚠️ Example of unconscionable conduct

A landlord was convicted after dismantling the roof of a rental property while the tenant was away.

– Case prosecuted under the FCCC Act in the Magistrates Court, Suva

If you’d rather have professional systems for rent collection, arrears, entry notices, inspections and compliance with FCCC guidance, talk to our Flagship Property Management team.

🧭 Learn about Property Management

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FCCC, Consumer Council & Getting Help

Where to go when things go sideways.

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The Fijian Competition & Consumer Commission (FCCC) and the Consumer Council of Fiji both deal with tenancy-related complaints and guidance.

📣 FCCC on tenancy relationships

“The relationship is governed through a private contract between landlords and tenants.”

– FCCC commentary on tenancy issues

When to Contact FCCC or the Consumer Council

Unfair or sudden rent increases that may breach rent control or previous agreements. Especially where landlords ignore written agreements or rent control directions.
Refusal to provide tenancy agreements, receipts or records of payment. Both tenants and landlords are encouraged to keep proper documentation.
Harassment, unfair eviction threats or actions that may count as unconscionable conduct. Removing roofs, cutting utilities or intimidation can cross that line quickly.

How to Prepare Before You Complain

Collect your tenancy agreement, receipts, messages and any written notices. The stronger your documents, the easier it is for FCCC or the Council to help.
Write a simple, dated timeline of what happened and when. This helps investigators quickly understand the pattern of behaviour.
Try to speak calmly with the other party once before escalating. FCCC has encouraged landlords and tenants to negotiate and resolve matters where possible.

Useful FCCC Links

Visit the official FCCC website for the latest announcements, enforcement actions and guidance. Opens in a new tab – always rely on the latest notices and media releases.
Message FCCC on Facebook if you have a consumer complaint or want to see recent tenancy-related posts. They actively post alerts, clarifications and contact details for reporting issues.

🌐 FCCC Website 📱 FCCC Facebook Page

Tenant & Landlord Guide (Fiji)