Tenant Information

Todays rental climate means that there is a higher demand for rental properties, however, there is also an increasing shortage of available properties for rent. Quality tenants are snapped up by astute investors. This means that if you're looking to rent, you must complete your application with care, providing as much information as possible with your application. Ensure all relevant documentation is attached and think about signing a long term lease upon acceptance of your application.

Property Selection

Make a list of needs and wants based upon your preferred location and property characteristics. Consider the location, land, accommodation, condition, style and features of the home. Research real estate websites for current listings to identify properties meeting your requirements and in your target area. Finally, determine your rent budget.

Tenancy Application

Download a Tenancy Application Form form from our website and have the following documentation ready to hand to your Property Manager:

1. Proof of Identity - 100 points are required to identify you. Your driver's licence is acceptable photo identification. If unavailable, you should supply other proof of identity with photo such as a passport or proof of age card.

2. Proof of capacity to pay rent - suitable documentation includes wage payslips, bank statements and any past tenant ledgers confirming your rental payment history.

3. References - provide current references (with contact numbers) which confirm your ability to look after the property. References are an important component in building character and professional profiles. Include personal references in addition to references which support your rental history from previous landlords or Property Managers. If you have a pet, include a pet reference from your current landlord or agent.

4. Covering letter - this letter should highlight the reasons your application should be considered by the landlord. Another factor to consider when lodging your application is whether you are able to pay rent in advance. Although not a requirement, some landlords may look upon this favourably.  

Rental Bond

Your rental bond will be lodged with the NSW Office of Fair Trading and is held as security against any unpaid rent or damage to the property. Shortly after lodgement of your bond, you will receive written confirmation from the Office of Fair Trading that your rental bond has been received. You will be provided with a Rental Bond Registration Number. Upon vacating the property at the end of your lease, your rental bond will be refunded to you provided your rent is current and there are no monies owing for cleaning or repairs to the property. 

Property Condition Report 

This report is an important document as it outlines the condition of the property at the commencement of your tenancy. The report will also be used when you vacate the property to determine if there are any variations to the condition of the property which you will in turn need to rectify.  Your Property Manager will provide you with two copies of the Condition Report when you sign your tenancy agreement. You should read the report thoroughly and ensure that you add additional comments where necessary. It is also important that after you have reviewed the report you return it to us within 7 days of the commencement of your tenancy. 

Keys

A duplicate set of keys will be retained by our office in case emergency access is required. If you wish to change the locks at the property you will need to speak to your Property Manager and then supply us with a complete set of the new keys.

Rental Payments

Your rent must be paid in advance at all times. If at any time you are unable to make a rental payment, please contact your Property Manager. If your rental payment is not received and you have not contacted us, you may be issued with a Termination Notice. 

Repairs and Maintenance 

All requests for repairs and maintenance must be reported in writing. To log your repair request, please email our Property Management Department or click on the 'Maintenance Request' link on our website. In the event of an urgent repair request outside office hours, where your Property Manager is not contactable, arrangements may be made directly with the contractors listed on your tenancy agreement. Repair requests will be attended to promptly, however, please bear in mind that the majority of repair requests require approval from the owner prior to the commencement of any work.  

Routine Inspections

During the course of your tenancy, your Property Manager may inspect the property. You will be contacted in advance to arrange a convenient time. We will ensure that you are given at least 7 days notice of any forthcoming inspection.    

Termination of a Tenancy Agreement 

A tenancy agreement is a legal contract which provides protection for both tenant and landlord. Should you intend to vacate the property at the end of your tenancy agreement, you are required to give 14 days written notice to us prior to the expiry of your agreement. Once the fixed term of the agreement has expired, unless you have been given notice to the contrary, you may continue living at the property. If you intend to vacate after your tenancy agreement has expired, you must give 21 days written notice in advance. If, due to unforseen circumstances you are forced to vacate the property prior to the expiration of your tenancy agreement, please contact your Property Manager immediately. In this situation we will endeavour to find a suitable replacement tenant. You will however, be responsible for payment of all rent until the new tenant moves into the property, payment of the letting fee plus payment of any costs incurred by the landlord in advertising the property. Please note that vacating notices cannot be sent via email or telephone.   

Vacating Inspection Checklist

To assist with the process of vacating your home we have compiled the following checklist as a guide. The property must be vacated in the same condition as it was received at the commencement of the tenancy; fair wear and tear excepted. Having the property prepared in top condition will assist with the timely refund of your bond.

• Flooring - clean carpets and remove any stains. Mop tiles and timber floors.
• Walls - remove dust from skirting boards, architraves and window sills. Wipe down light switches and remove any marks from walls.
• Windows and Doors - clean all windows, tracks, doors, flyscreens and shutters.
• Lighting - clean all light fittings and fixtures, ensuring no dust or cobwebs are evident.
• Kitchen - clean both inside and outside of all kitchen cupboards. Thoroughly clean and polish sink, bench tops, stove tops, oven and grill. Ensure dishwasher is clean and free of debris. Ensure exhaust fan is clean and free of residue.
• Bathroom - Clean shower recesses, glass screens, tapware, mirrors and vanities. Ensure exhaust fan is clean and free of dust.
• Bedrooms - clean inside built in wardrobes and polish mirrored doors.
• Laundry - clean tapware, tub and floors.
• External areas - ensure outdoor areas including garden, lawn, pool and garage are returned to original condition. Remove any rubbish and empty garbage bins. 
• Keys - return complete set/s of keys to your Property Manager.

For Further information, contact our property management specialists on 02 9875 1533