How quickly will you find me a tenant?
Unfortunately no one can guarantee an exact time frame, but as your property managers we will inform you of our effective methods for locating tenants.
How much will my property rent for?
We can't always quote the exact dollar amount, but we should be able to give you a fairly specific range. We'll tell you what similar properties have leased for in the area & how your property compares as a basis for valuation.
How will you find me a tenant?
- Internet listings on a variety of industry websites
- Print media
- Signboards
- Our database
- Brochures/flyers
- Open homes or private appointments
How do you qualify tenants during the approval process?
Sometimes the first tenant is not the best tenant for your property. Tenants should be selected on the basis that they meet the following criteria:
1. Ability to pay rent
2. Ability to maintain the property.
In order to verify that the tenant meets these criteria, as your chosen property managers we will qualify the tenant using the following methods:
- Completion of a highly detailed application form.
- Verification of the information provided in the application including means of income, employment & previous tenancies.
- Search of the tenant on at least one of the available databases, e.g. National Tenancy Database (NTD) or Trading Reference Australia (TRA).
Once we obtain this information, we will then discuss it with you & together you will choose the right tenant.
How do I choose a tenant?
Stability of employment - this will give you an indication of whether the tenant will be likely to stay for the nominated lease period & whether they will have the funds to pay for it.
- Good tenancy track record - this should reflect both areas in a positive way.
- Good credit history - ability to pay the rent.
- Property owner - ability to pay, as they pay their mortgage.
- Avoid overcrowding - ask about the number of people who will be living in the property. Overcrowding can cause excessive wear & tear.
- Avoid pets (unless you agree) - even the best-behaved pets can cause damage.
- Proof of identity - most agencies complete a 100-point check, like banks do & keep a copy of ID documents with the application.
- Ensure the property manager has phoned each of the referees.
Under no circumstances can you or the property manager discriminate against the tenant.
You cannot discriminate on the grounds of:
- Race, colour, nationality, ethnic or religious background
- Sex (including pregnancy)
- Marital status
- Disability (physical or intellectual)
- Homosexuality
- Age
When & how will I receive my money?
Most commonly agencies will pay you twice a month, usually on the 15th & the 30th.
How is the money paid to you? Is it by Electronic Funds Transfer? Have in mind which account you prefer the property manager to transfer the funds to.
If your rent money is going to be paid direct into your mortgage account, it is always a good idea to have your account paid several months in advance, just in case the tenant is late with their payments or the property becomes vacant for a short time. These circumstances can happen sometimes & it is best to plan ahead to avoid bank fees.
How do you collect the tenant's rent?
Tenants are often given two options in paying rent:
1. A direct debit for the rent to be taken from their bank account on the due date.
2. A rent payment card or number for them to pay their rent via:
- B Pay
- Phone Payment
- Internet
All of these options make it quick & easy for tenants to pay rent & reduce the possibility of arrears.
What happens if the tenant does not pay their rent on time?
Legally we cannot take steps to evict the tenant for non-payment of rent until the tenant is 14 days in arrears. The means that on the 15th day, the property manager may issue the tenant with a Termination Notice for the tenant to vacate the property in 14 days time. If the Notice is to be posted, four working days are allowed for postage.
Prior to this time, we will have spoken to the tenant by phone, sending them letters or visiting the tenant at the property to try & ascertain why they have not paid the rent.
If you feel that the tenant's reason is genuine, you are welcome to ask us to work out a payment plan that is suitable to you & the tenant.
If the tenant does not comply within the specified time on the Notice to Vacate, the property manager will apply to the NSW Civil & Administrative Tribunal to have the tenants evicted.
Property Inspections
Regular inspections of the property should be completed. There are three types of inspections that are carried in order to minimise any problems that may arise to do with tenant damage to the property.
The first is the Residential Premises Condition Report. This is completed by the property manager prior to the commencement of the tenancy.
This report:
- Is a legal requirement
- Constitutes Part 2 of the Tenancy Agreement
- Determines bond refund at the end of the tenancy
- Must be accurate (this is critical).
The tenant is given a copy to approve. Any discrepancies should be resolved at this time rather than at the end of the tenancy.
Another type of inspection is a Routine or Periodic Inspection.
Legislation permits:
- At least one inspection per year (NSW P,S & BA Act)
- A maximum of four inspections per year (NSW RT Act)
- That tenants must be given 7 days notice of each inspection.
The purpose of these reports is to see how the tenant is keeping the property, report any repairs or maintenance needed, review the rent & report back to the landlord on these items & offer solutions. Digital photos can be used in these reports as well as written information.
If you wish to be present, notify us to contact you prior to arranging the inspection.
Lastly, the Final or Bond Inspection is carried out once the tenant has vacated the property. The Residential Premises Condition Report is taken to the property & the current condition of the property is compared to that on the original report. Allowances are made for reasonable wear & tear to the premises.
How are repairs & maintenance handled?
Allow your designated property manager an expenditure limit, so they may action small repairs without disturbing you each time.
Major repairs should be discussed with you first. Quotes should be obtained first to ensure the correct work is being carried out, by the best tradesperson, at the best fee.
Not every repair must be attended to by the landlord; however urgent repairs outlined in the Residential Tenancy Agreement, such as burst sewers or hot water services, must be acted upon regardless of whether the property manager has been able to reach you.
You may nominate your own tradesperson if you have a friend, family member or a regular tradesperson that you feel confident in.
How often will I hear from you?
Would you prefer to hear from your property manager every time something occurs with the tenancy or would you prefer them to handle situations with your best interests in mind?
Advise the property manager of your expectations to avoid confusion. Also discuss your preferred method of communication - is it by email, your home phone, your mobile?
What documents do I need to sign & why?
- Management Agency Agreement: This agreement is you, authorising the property manager to act on your behalf in all matters that are noted in relation to the management of your property. The property manager cannot legally act on your behalf without your signature on this document (not even advertise your property for lease).
- Letting Agency Agreement: This is used if the agency is only going to find you a tenant, not manage the property.
- Residential Tenancy Agreement: This is the lease. It is an agreement between you & the tenant to allow the tenant to occupy your premises for a specific period, for a specific amount of rent, with specific terms & conditions. The property manager signs this agreement on your behalf.
Do I require insurance on the property?
It is highly recommended that you protect your rental income along with property & contents insurance, public liability insurance & if it is a strata unit, strata insurance.
Ask the property manager if they recommend any landlord insurers. It is the tenant's responsibility to have their belongings insured.