TIPS FOR FINDING THE RIGHT PROPERTY
-
Prepare a list of requirements for your new rental property, allowing for some flexibility. For example, will a carport be adequate instead of a garage if there is other storage.
-
Take a drive around the area that you are looking at, including adjoining areas. You may find a nearby suburb is equally appealing and may offer better value for money.
-
Check our website daily for updates on our latest properties, or subscribe to our Rental Property Alert to have them sent directly to your inbox.
-
Take advantage of our open for inspection times or make an appointment to view properties that interest you.
-
When you find a suitable property, be ready to apply. You will need to provide identification and references, see the Tenancy Application page on our website for further details.
-
Give as much detail as possible on your application form to avoid delays, and improve your chance of success.
Frequently Asked Question
Q: Why do I need to provide so much information with my application?
A: Apart from helping to establish that you will make a good tenant, the properties managed by our office are protected by Landlord Insurance Policies. These policies require documented evidence to confirm the following: – Proof of Identity – Proof of Income /ability to meet rental payments – Proof that you will make a good tenant.
Q: How long will it take to process my application?
A: We will commence checking your application as soon as we receive it; however the total time taken depends on how readily we can contact your references and how many other people have applied for the same property. Average time is 1-3 days.
Q: What can I do to improve my application?
A: Be organised. Make sure that you have all of the necessary documentation to accompany your application, and provide plenty of contact numbers for your references.
Q: What can I do to improve my chances of success?
A: We look for tenants with good rental history. Most importantly, we need to establish that your rent has been paid on time and the property has been well maintained and cared for.
Q: What if my application isn’t approved?
A: Normally there are several applicants for each property, and unfortunately not everyone can be approved. We will advise you if this is the case as soon as we receive confirmation from the owner of the property. If you are interested in another one of our rental properties you may request to transfer your application to that property.
Once Your Application Has Been Approved
On approval of your tenancy application, you will be asked to pay a holding deposit equivalent to one weeks rent. This deposit not only secures the property for you, but also becomes the first weeks rent when the tenancy commences.
You will be required to sign the Residential Tenancy Agreement and Rental Bond form. A signed copy of the Agreement will be handed to you, along with a copy of the New Tenant Checklist.
Prior to collecting the keys to the property, you will be provided with a detailed Property Condition Report which forms part of the Residential Tenancy Agreement. This is an important part of the agreement that will be used to determine any damage or costs that you may be responsible for at the end of the tenancy. It is important that you complete the ‘tenant agrees’ section of the condition report, sign it and return one copy to the agent within 7 days of the commencement date of the tenancy.
The balance of money must also be paid to the managing agent, prior to the collection of the keys. This includes the full bond and advance rent.
Rental Bond
Your Rental Bond will be lodged with the NSW Department of Fair Trading. The Bond is held as security against any damage or undue wear and tear. The Bond will be refunded promptly after you vacate, provided the property is left in as close as possible condition to when the Residential Tenancy Agreement commenced (allowing for fair wear and tear) and there are no monies owing.
The Bond will vary depending on the price of the rental property, in NSW the maximum Rental Bond that can be asked for is 4 weeks rent.
Length of Tenancy Agreement
The length of a Tenancy Agreement varies within NSW, however the standard term is usually 6 or 12 months. Other lease periods may be negotiated. Once the Tenancy Agreement has expired, the tenant may be offered a new fixed term lease, or alternatively the tenant can stay in the premises at the same rent (or at an increased rent if the rent is increased in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act 1987), but otherwise under the same terms unless or until the Agreement is ended.
Connection of Electricity, Phone, Gas etc.
You can contact each of the utility providers separately or utilise the services of a free utilities connection company such as ConnectNow to have all of your services connected at once. Water will remain connected at the property in the owners name and you will receive your first water usage bill during the first three months of your tenancy.
Paying Rent
When you sign your Residential Tenancy Agreement you undertake to pay your rent on or before the due date. If at anytime you are unable to meet your rental payment commitment please make immediate contact with your Property Manager. Acceptable methods of payment will be shown on the application form and on the front page of your Lease.
Rental Increases
The rental can be increased on the property only when the current Tenancy Agreement has expired, or is due to expire unless there is an agreed clause within your Lease. A minimum of 60 days written notice must be given before the Landlord can increase the rent.
Property Inspections
During the period of your tenancy the premises will be periodically inspected by the Landlord and/or the Landlord’s Agent. You will be given appropriate notice, (no less than 7 days) that the inspection will take place.
The purpose of these inspections is to check on any repairs or maintenance concerns the tenant has. It is also the job of the Agent to ensure the property is being maintained in a satisfactory condition by the tenant. Our first inspection is usually carried out in the first 8-12 weeks of occupation; and thereafter usually on a 6 monthly basis.
Repairs and Maintenance
You may request a repair by calling our office or by submitting your request in writing, by email or via fax. Repairs are attended to as promptly as possible, however, it is often necessary to obtain the Landlords approval and/or quotes before any work can commence, so unfortunately a time lag is sometimes unavoidable.
Termination of the Tenancy Agreement
Your Residential Tenancy Agreement is a legal and binding contract, providing protection for both you and the Landlord.
The agreement can be terminated by you in the following ways:
a) If you intend to vacate at the end of your Residential Tenancy Agreement you are required to give 14 days written notice prior to the expiration of the fixed term of the Agreement.
b) Once the fixed term has expired you are at liberty to continue living at the property or to vacate. If you intend to vacate, written notice of 21 days must be given prior to the vacating date.
NOTE: Verbal notice will not be accepted
It is essential that you return keys on the due day as rent will be charged up to and including the day the keys are returned.