frequently asked questions - tenants

Once you've found the perfect rental property and feel that it's the right place for you, you'll then need to complete an application form online.  Once received, we'll then run some background checks and inform you if your application is successful.

Inspections are done every 3-4 months.  Your property manager will give you a minimum of 48 hours' notice before the inspection. During the inspection photos of the property will be taken to keep track of any signs of damage or maintenance needed. We'll then put a report together including the photos taken and forward on to the property owner to review. 

Contact your Property Manager immediately.  A spare set of keys can be arranged for you to gain access to the property.   If after-hours, a callout fee may apply.  Alternatively, if a spare set cannot be arranged, you may need to engage in the services of a locksmith. Please note: any new replacement locks will be at the cost of the tenant and spare keys will need to be re-cut and given to your Property Manager to be passed on back to the owner. 

Notify your Property Manager immediately and explain what has happened. If the damage was intentional or careless, the tenant will be liable for any repairs. if this is non urgent, then feel free to utilise our tenant concierge available HERE to request any maintenance.  

Once you have moved out, your property manager will conduct a final inspection. If there is no need for extra cleaning, rubbish removal, or repairs done on the property, you'll receive the bond form to sign within a few days of the inspection. However, if there are any issues, your Property Manager will be in touch to discuss them with you and arrange for these to be remedied. The cost of any work done will be deducted from your bond, and then your refund form will be sent to you for signing. Typically, it may take up to 5 working days for the refund to be processed by Tenancy Services. 

Your first rent payment will be stated on the Tenancy Agreement you signed.  After that, rent is paid either weekly or fortnightly in advance. "Rent in advance" means you are paying for the week/fortnight you are about to live in the property you rent. It is crucial that rent payments are not missed and are always made on time. 

When a property is advertised, we'll state whether pets are permitted.  This will also be outlined in the Tenancy agreement. 

If you are in a periodic tenancy, you'll need to provide at least 28 days notice in advance.  If you are in a fixed-term tenancy, it is a legally binding agreement, and breaking the tenancy agreement before the end date is usually only possible in exceptional circumstances, with the landlord's agreement which If agreed upon, there may be a fee incurred. 

Depending on the maximum tenants allowed to live at the property, this will need to be agreed upon by remaining tenants and the property owner.  Once all parties have agreed, the change must be documented in writing and signed off. The usual application process will need to be completed before approval is given.  A Change in Tenant Form will also need to be completed and submitted to update the tenant details to match the agreed tenant changes in the tenancy agreement.

We utilise modern software that tracks all rent transactions.  Rent payments are made into a secure trust account before being paid to the owner.  This trust account is balanced each day and your property manager is notified when there is a late or missed payment.  Your property manager will then contact you to follow up on any outstanding payments until this has been resolved.  If there are ongoing issues with rent arrears, it may mean that Tenancy Services become involved to assist with recovering any overdue rent. 

Tenants can request to have fibre broadband installed in their rental property, and landlords are generally required to allow it, unless:

• The installation would jeopardise the structural integrity, weatherproofing, or overall character of the property.
• The installation would violate any regulations.
• The landlord intends to undertake significant renovations or repairs within 90 days of the tenant's request, and the installation would interfere with that work.
• The landlord applies to the Tenancy Tribunal, and it determines that the landlord is not obligated to install fibre.

Landlords must respond to fibre requests from tenants within 21 days of receiving them.

Move in costs consists of one or two weeks rent in advance (depending on the frequency you have chosen to pay when signing your Tenancy Agreement) plus, a bond of four weeks rent which will be lodged with Tenancy Services.  

Although this is not a mandatory requirement, we suggest that tenants get contents insurance  to protect their personal belongings.