 |
Merewether Office |
Mayfield
Office |
New Lambton Office |
 |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
TENANT SERVICES
FINDING A PROPERTY:
The first thing you need to consider when renting a property is how much you can afford to spend each week on rent. Set a budget and remember to consider such expenses as electricity, gas, water, telephone and groceries. Once you have established your maximum rental amount think about out what type of property you would like to live in. i.e. how many bedrooms you will need, parking facilities, if you have pets, if you would like a yard or fencing etc. For more tips visit http://www.domain.com.au/general/Display.aspx?mode=tipsrent&i=tips/rent/tenant
Once you have established your budget and the type of property you require it's time to start looking. All of Dalton Partners available rental properties are listed on our website at http://www.daltonpartners.com.au/ which includes a description of the property, address and may include a photograph. Alternatively, you can obtain a copy of our rent list at either of our two offices located at 72 Glebe Road, The Junction OR 183 Maitland Road, Mayfield. Or check out Wednesday & Saturdays Newcastle Herald.
Obtain the address(s) of the properties that suit your criteria and drive by the property. Have a look at the outside of the property and consider its location. Please remember: if the property is still tenanted - do not disturb the current tenants by peering through windows and walking into the yard. If you are interested in viewing the interior of the property call our office on (02) 49616464 to make an appointment with one of our property managers (keys are not given out).
Please ensure that you turn up to your appointment on time. When you arrive at the property remember to closely inspect the interior and make sure it fits your criteria. Hint: Most properties are leased in the condition you inspect it - so if you can't live with pink walls and purple carpet don't apply for the property. Ask the property manager questions so you are clear on the properties features, downfalls, amenities etc.
Once you have decided you would like to apply for the property ask the property manager for an application form or visit our website to download. Ensure you fill in each question with as much detail as possible - if a certain section does not apply simply write N/A. To accompany your application we require a copy of your drivers licence, passport or photo identification and any other relevant information to assist your application i.e. pay slips, written rental references, Centrelink payment advice etc. Basically we need to establish that you can meet the rental payments and will look after the property. Therefore, we confirm all employment details, previous rental references and check your name on Tenancy Information Centre of Australia (TICA). If you meet our criteria for tenancy we will then confirm with the owner of the property the details of your application. If the owner approves your application you will be notified and asked to bring a holding deposit to secure the property for you.
Generally, you will be asked to bring in a one weeks rent holding deposit and once this has been received all marketing for the property will cease and a lease commencement date will be agreed to between the tenant and agent (usually the lease commencement date will be required to start within seven days from paying the holding deposit).
The costs involved with the commencement of the lease are bond (four weeks rent for unfurnished properties and six weeks rent for furnished properties), one weeks rent in advance and a $15 lease preparation fee. All monies to be paid by bank cheque or money order.
Prior to signing the lease you will need to organize to have the electricity (Energy Australia), gas (AGL)and phone connected ready for when you move in. We can organize to have your utilities connected at no cost (tick appropriate box on application form) through Utility One - visit http://www.utilityone.com.au/ Once you have signed the lease, paid the appropriate monies, and received the keys you can move in!
DURING THE TENANCY
CONDITION REPORTS:
Condition reports need to be returned to our office within seven days of signing the lease for the report to be valid and used at the final inspection. It is to your benefit that you be very thorough when completing the report as you are held accountable for any damage done to the property not listed on the condition report.
RENTAL ARREARS:
When you sign your Residential Tenancy Agreement you agree to pay your rent on time. If the rent falls behind, even by one day, the following action is taken:
Please remember: If you are having difficulty making your rent payments please contact our office immediately to make arrangements with your property manager.
WATER USAGE PAYMENTS:
If the property is separately metered, a meter reading will be taken at the commencement of the tenancy. You will be required to pay the usage component within fourteen days of receiving the account.
We require you to make a separate payment with your Commonwealth Bank deposit book so that your payment can be easily identified as a water usage payment and not a rental payment.
MAINTENANCE REQUESTS:
Please ensure you advise our office immediately of any urgent repairs required at the property to guarantee the problem is rectified as soon as possible. Maintenance requests can be lodged in the following ways:
URGENT REPAIRS: If you are unable to contact our office and you have an urgent repair please contact the trades people as listed on the bottom of your lease agreement. (please refer to your copy of The Renting Guide to establish what an urgent repair is regarded as)
BREAKING THE LEASE:
If the tenant breaks the Residential Tenancy Agreement during the fixed term then the following is payable:
Notification must be given to us in writing. Please contact our office as soon as possible to discuss this matter.
PETS:
No pets of any kind are allowed on the premises (including visiting pets) without prior permission from the landlord. If you have received written permission to have a pet at the premises, you will be required as a condition of consent, to have the carpets professionally cleaned and after this professionally sprayed for fleas inside and out. Copy of receipts will be requested. These will be required even if you believe your pet has no fleas and were kept outside.
ROUTINE INSPECTIONS:
Routine inspections are conducted on the rented premises every six to twelve months. The aim of these inspections is to ensure the premises are being looked after and to report to the landlord any maintenance issues. The tenant is given the required seven days notice in writing. If no-one is home, a system key can be used with the tenants permission to enter the premises to conduct the inspection.
SECURITY & LOCKS:
Locks should not be changed or removed from the premises without written consent of the landlord. If locks are changed, a copy of the keys must be issued to our office immediately. If you are locked out of your property, we may hold a copy of your keys in our office. You can contact us to collect the keys if in working hours. Keys must be returned to our office on the day of issue. If you are unable to reach us, or if we do not hold a copy of your keys, entry to the premises is at your own cost.
LAWNS & GARDENS:
The tenant agrees (where lawn mowing is applicable) that they will attend to the lawn mowing and ground maintenance on a regular basis. Failure to do so is considered a breach of your agreement.
SHARED TENANCIES - TENANTS LEAVING:
If a person listed on the Residential Tenancy Agreement decides to vacate the property (and the other persons listed remain at the property), you are required to inform us so we can arrange for a "Change of Shared tenancy" bond form to be filled out and signed by all tenants. If there are any new tenants to move into the property, they are required to fill out an application form. Please contact our office for more information. Please remember: all tenants are equally liable for rental payments for the property. If one tenant does not pay their rent, all tenants are responsible for the arrears. Shared tenancies should try to keep a record of all payments made to ensure the tenancy does not get into arrears.
GIVING NOTICE TO VACATE THE PROPERTY:
Notice needs to be given to our office in writing and will apply from the day received. If you are on a current lease you are required to give 14 days notice up until the expiration date on your Residential Tenancy Agreement. If you are on an expired lease you are required to give 21 days notice. Our office will then send you confirmation of your vacating date along with a list of vacating requirements. Three days prior to your vacating date contact your property manager to arrange a bond inspection or alternatively hand your keys in to our office and we will conduct the inspection and advise if any problems.
|
