APART from food and water, shelter is also a very important thing for a person.
To get this shelter, a lot of people rent flats or single rooms to either pursue their studies or work.
While some tenants are able to strike a good agreement with their landlords, others often face problems and end up seeking assistance from various authorities, especially the Consumer Council of Fiji, to have their problems solved.
A major problem often faced by many tenants is the non-refund of their bond money by the landlords even if they have given notice to vacate or there is no damage to the property.
Of importance in any deal is the existence of a written tenancy agreement between the landlord and the tenant, and the need for both parties to abide by it.
But before signing any tenancy agreement, there is a need for the tenant to inspect the property thoroughly and ensure that faults are pointed out to the landlord in writing.
"The record of inspection provides clear proof of the condition of the premises should there be any dispute over your bond money when you leave," said the Consumer Council.
"If you are able to negotiate certain improvements, ensure that the agent or landlord commits himself/herself in writing, including dates of completion."
The council said the maximum rental bond usually acceptable is for four weeks rent and the amount should be written on the agreement.
It said the bond amount cannot be increased during the tenancy, even if rent increases and the rent should be agreed upon before the tenancy begins.
Section 21 of the Fair Rents Act states that receipts must always be given for rents paid and not providing a receipt is an offence, said the council.
Tenants also have the basic right to privacy and quite enjoyment of the premises that must be respected by their landlord.
The landlord, agent or other authorised person may enter the premises only in certain circumstances.
It is also the responsibility of the landlord to make sure the premises are reasonably clean and fit to live in at the start of the tenancy.
Landlords are also obliged to organise any urgent repair, possibly within 30 days of the receipt of such notice to carry out repairs.
The council said under no circumstances should the tenant stop paying the rent if repairs are not carried out.
"There are provisions in Section 16 of the Fair Rents Act for the tenant to carry out the repairs and deduct the reasonable cost of so doing from any rent payable or to become payable by him or her to the landlord," said the Consumer Council.