Renting Tips

For tenants looking for a new home to lease, we have outlined the leasing process in a simple guide for you:

Firstly you should:

  • Have thoroughly researched your accommodation needs as they relate to your overall lifestyle pattern and those of any other people involved
  • Work out exactly what you can afford to pay in rent and have evidence of this capacity available together with references if asked to produce them
  • Have looked at an extensive range of rental properties before deciding
  • Examine the proposed tenancy agreement, the list of inclusions if any and satisfy yourselves that the premises condition report is accurate. If you feel the need to take photographs, do so but to be valid, they must form part of the agreed premises condition report before taking occupancy. It is vitally important at this stage before signing any agreement, that you are happy with its terms
  • If there is any part of the agreement which you do not understand or agree with then ask the agent managing the property to explain it and if necessary seek changes from the owner.
  • Do not hesitate to seek independent advice from a solicitor or the relevant government organisation in your State or Territory set up to assist in these matters.
  • In some instances, competitive demand may preclude this level of detailed check, however, as a tenant you must be aware of and in agreement with your obligations as noted in the agreement.

If you would like to lease the property you have inspected, the agent will provide you with a tenancy application form. You will need to fill this out and usually provide the agent with supporting documentation for processing including:

  • Photo ID – Passport, driver’s license or 18+ card;
  • Proof of present address;
  • Proof of income – including employment details, pay slip, bank statement or a Centrelink letter;
  • Any previous tenant ledger/receipts (if available)
  • Proof of ownership of a property (if applicable)
  • Proof of savings indicating your ability to pay the rent and associated costs

Once an application has been submitted and the relevant checks have been carried out, the agent will make contact with the owner to discuss the application. The owner will then decide, based on the information submitted, whether to accept or decline your application. If accepted, the agent will contact you to discuss the monies owing and any special conditions. They will also arrange a “sign up” date and your “move in” date.

Question: What happens if I let my rent payments fall behind?

Answer: By signing your lease agreement you are signing a legal document in which you agree to keep your rent payments in advance. We give you enough options of methods to pay rent that there can be no excuses for late rent payments.

We have a strict Arrears Policy that involves checking arrears and following up any outstanding rental payments If you fall more than 15 days in arrears you will be issued with a Termination Notice and we will commence action to recover any outstanding monies.

Question: What happens if I need to break my Lease Agreement?

Answer: If you need to vacate the property before your Lease Agreement ends, you will need to give us notice in writing of the date you would like to vacate. We will advertise the property for rent as soon as we receive your notice and make every effort to find a new tenant quickly. We will organize times with you that we can bring prospective tenants through the property.

You will need to pay rent up until the day the new tenant moves into the property, all associated advertising costs as well as 1 week’s rent to cover the Letting Fee. Please note, we will not take any of these funds from your bond. Please contact us immediately if you are concerned that you will need to break your lease and we can discuss these costs with you.

Question: Why do I pay for water (not applicable for units or unmetered property)?

Answer: The Residential Tenancies Authority specifies that the landlord must provide you with a ‘reasonable’ amount of water and the tenant must pay for any “excess” water above the reasonable amount.

The excess water amount is charged every three months.

Question: Who do I speak to when I call Prime Property Partners

Answer: Each staff member of the Property Management Department has specialized areas that they handle.

  • Accounts enquiries: The Accounts Department accounts@prime-property.com.au Reconnect Onecard Enrolments/Payments/Problems Late Rental Payments/Arrears
  • Property Management enquiries: The Property Management Department info@prime-property.com.au New rental properties/queries Keys Condition Reports Repairs/Follow Ups Rent increases Bond Refunds Lease Renewals Vacating/Outgoing condition report

Question: What do I do when I have an emergency repair and can not reach the office?

Answer: In an emergency, please contact the appropriate tradespeople listed in your lease agreement if you are unable to contact our office. Alternatively, you can call our office to advise of the repair and we will attend to it immediately and request that you also put it in writing at a convenient time.

Please be very careful when proceeding with a repair without the permission of a staff member. You may not be reimbursed if it is not considered an emergency. Please refer to your Residential Tenancy Agreement for a list of all emergency repairs.

Options for Tenants

Finding a suitable property to meet your needs

Although it may not involve the long-term obligations of buying a home, deciding to rent a property is a significant financial commitment and should be approached carefully. Choosing a place you want to rent, at a price you can afford, should involve asking what you need in a home, and what you want but could do without. The first decision might be about the kind of home you want to rent:

  • House/Semi
    The biggest advantage of renting a house is the amount of privacy & floorspace you will have. Although having a big backyard sounds great, remember it takes a lot of effort to maintain it.
  • Townhouse/Terrace
    These are great if you need more space than an apartment but don’t need the headaches involved with the maintenance of a backyard
  • Apartment/Unit
    Much more affordable!!! Apartments and units also provide less maintenance, some come with fantastic views and potentially in a better location. A great way to start if you’re a first time renter!

Don’t forget to consider other features you are looking for:

  • Size. How many bedrooms do you need? How many bathrooms?
  • Location. How close is this property to your workplace, school, shops & public transport?
  • Design. Do you need a separate lounge and dining room? Do you need a backyard or courtyard? Do you need an internal laundry?
  • Parking. Is parking in this area a problem? Do you need a lock up garage? Do you need off street parking (i.e security carspace, carport)?
  • Features. What extra special features matter to you? Airconditioning? Are Pets allowed? Is a dishwasher important?

A Guide to Renting Tips for tenants

Tenant's qualifications

When you visit an estate agent and apply to rent a property, be prepared to provide references and information about yourself and other intending occupants. As agents are entrusted with the management of the landlord's property, it is essential that they check a tenant's credentials before the property is let. Refer to our checklist for further information.

The Tenancy Agreement

A Tenancy Agreement allows a tenant to take 'possession' of a property for a limited period of time on certain conditions including the payment of rent. The Tenancy Agreement is a legally binding contract in which both parties agree to abide by the conditions set out in the agreement. Make sure that you read the Agreement in full and are familiar with all of the conditions included in it.

When you sign the Tenancy Agreement you will receive a copy so that you have a record of each party's rights and responsibilities. You will also receive a Condition Report setting out the condition of the property at the beginning of the tenancy, which you should check for accuracy and return a signed copy to the agent within 7 days.

Expenses

It is normal practice in New South Wales for the tenant to reimburse the landlord for preparing the Tenancy Agreement. The maximum cost is $15. A reservation fee is an amount of money (no more than one week's rent) that is sometimes paid to reserve the premises while an application for tenancy is under consideration. However payment of this fee does not guarantee your application will be successful. If your tenancy does not go ahead this amount will be refunded. If your application is successsful and you choose not to proceed, this amount will be forfeited to the landlord.

Rental bond

A rental bond is paid by a tenant as a form of security for the landlord against breaches of the Tenancy Agreement. The amount of bond to be paid varies according to the type of property involved, and can be summarized as follows:

  • Four weeks rent for unfurnished premises
  • Six weeks rent for fully furnished premises with a rent of less than $250 per week
  • Unlimited if the property is fully furnished and the rent is more than $250 per week.

You will be required to sign a bond lodgment form to be lodged with the Rental Bond Board. Upon vacating the property, providing all is in order, the agent will sign a claim form so that you can have the bond paid back to you. If all or part of the bond is to be paid to the landlord (eg for arrears in rent, cleaning or repairs), and you agree to the amount deducted, you should sign the form claiming repayment accordingly.

Possession

The Tenancy Agreement will state when you are able to take possession of the property (ie the day on which your tenancy commences). You will be required to pay rent from that date even if you move into the property later. Rent may be paid on a mutually agreeable basis (ie weekly, fortnightly or monthly). If in unforeseen circumstances you have to vacate before the Tenancy Agreement is due to end, contact the agent who will explain your obligations in accordance with the lease agreement.

Locks and keys

  • The changing of locks or other security devices are alterations which should not be conducted without the written consent of the landlord.
  • Keys held by the agent are for their use in case access to the property is required in an emergency.

Privacy

You have the right to use and occupy your home without unreasonable interference from the landlord or their agent. However, they do have the right of access when it is necessary to inspect your home or carry out repairs, so long as you are given reasonable notice. They can also show your home to prospective tenants after notice terminating your tenancy has been given and to prospective buyers if the property is for sale.

The Tenancy Agreement allows access between certain times on any day except Sunday or public holidays as long as it is mutually convenient. Access may be obtained at any time however, with your consent or in an emergency.

Your responsibilities

  • Rent is to be paid in advance as set out in the Tenancy Agreement. You are entitled to receive receipts for rent paid. If you send payments by mail you should make some arrangement for the collection or forwarding of your receipts. If at any time you cannot pay the rent when it is due, it is important that you inform the agent and make arrangements for payment. If you allow overdue payments to mount up the agent would be entitled to terminate your Tenancy Agreement.
  • Your Agreement requires that you do not damage the property and that you keep it clean and tidy. Do not fix posters or pictures to the wall or make alterations to the premises without the consent of the landlord.
  • If you are renting a house you are required to keep the grounds and gardens tidy and free from rubbish. This includes mowing the lawns and generally keeping the garden in order.
  • The Tenancy Agreement expressly forbids you to have pets in the property without the landlord's consent. If you have a pet, advise the agent and do not attempt to conceal the fact as this could create a problem for all parties.
  • Notify the agent promptly of any loss, damage or defect in the premises, regardless of how it may have been caused. You should be prepared to pay for the repairs if damage has been caused by your carelessness, negligence or failure to observe the conditions of the Tenancy Agreement. In other circumstances the agent will arrange for damage to be repaired at the landlord's expense if it affects your use of the property. If necessary arrange to be home on the appointed day to give tradespersons access and to explain the problem.

Strata schemes

By-Laws under the Strata Schemes Management Act will apply to any tenant who occupies a Strata Title home unit. These by-laws include restrictions on car parking facilities and the use of common property. The Tenancy Agreement contains the by-laws and any specific rules or regulations affecting the use of the units.

Termination

The Tenancy Agreement provides for the notice you must give before vacating the property. In preparing to leave make sure that the property will be left clean. Inside windows, blinds, walls and woodwork should be cleaned. Pay particular attention to the stove, oven and griller in the kitchen. Special attention should also be paid to cleaning the bathroom when preparing to vacate. All appliances and fittings should be left in good working order for the next occupant.

Make sure all of your belongings are removed from the property and that any rubbish is removed. Arrange for an inspection of the premises by the agent, leave a forwarding address and finally return all keys.