Tips for Tenants

Preparation

Areas in high demand can be competitive for tenants. Therefore it is important to impress a prospective real estate agent, be prompt for appointments, well presented and prepared. You should try to obtain references from your previous real estate agent and employer prior to inspecting properties, this will give you a competitive edge over other tenants and prove to the agent that you can afford the rent and properly maintain the property. Complete an “Application for Tenancy” form, found on our website, and bring this to your viewing.

Tenancy Agreement

A tenancy agreement (the lease) is a legally binding agreement that you enter into. You and your DAD Realty Property Manager will sit down together and read the agreement together to make sure you understand all the conditions prior to signing. Please ask any questions. If during the tenancy you breach the agreement then your personal information may be listed on TICA (Tenancy Information Centre of Australia), which would make it nearly impossible to secure a rental property in the future.

Rent and Bond

Real Estate Agents require you to pay 2 weeks rent in advance and a rental bond equivalent to 4 weeks rent prior to moving into a property. At the time of signing the lease this will need to be paid in cash or have deposited directly to the DAD Realty Trust account. All subsequent rents will need to be paid in advance without fail. You may qualify for Department of Housing Bond Assistance and Rent in Advance loan to cover these fees – check with your local Centrelink office.

Property Condition Reports

At the time of signing the lease DAD Realty will provide you with a property condition report, which documents the state of the property at the time when you move in, once you have taken possession of the property check this report carefully and make any notes of differences. Please discuss any issues with your property manager. You need to return this checked report to DAD Realty within 14 days. This report is compared to the property when you vacate and may affect the refund of your bond.

Insurance

Owner’s insurance does not cover the tenant’s possessions, therefore it is the tenant’s responsibility to insure their own belongings and furniture.

Paying Rent on Time

Paying your rent in advance and on time is your responsibility and defaulting on this could have long term effects for you. DAD Realty will provide you with our trust account bank details and lodgement numbers, for you to arrange internet banking, to ensure your rent is paid on time every time. DAD Realty will not tolerate late rent.

Routine Inspections

Regular inspections will be carried out by DAD Realty, usually 6 weeks after moving in, and then 3 monthly thereafter. These are a legal requirement as outlined in the tenancy agreement, they ensure that the property is being cared for properly and no damage has occurred, and also keeps an eye on any maintenance that may be required.

Repairs

It is the tenant’s responsibility to look after the property, to keep it clean and tidy, having regard to the condition of the property when you took possession. If any damage is caused to the property please report this to DAD Realty immediately. The owner’s permission is required for any alterations (fixtures, hooks, holes etc). And of course, avoid causing a nuisance to the neighbours and no illegal activities.

The landlord is responsible to keep the property maintained in good repair and secure. If any problems arise it is important to report maintenance problems or concerns in writing to DAD Realty. We have a “Maintenance Request Form” on our website. We do allow for fair wear and tear.

Rent Increases

Rental increases are a common occurrence when renting a property especially in areas and times of high demand. If a rental increase occurs the tenant will receive 60 days notice in writing of the changes. Rent increases can not occur during a fixed term lease (unless there is a rent review clause in the tenancy agreement).

Giving Notice

Terminating a tenancy must be done in accordance with the tenancy agreement and legislative requirements. Generally 21 days notice to vacate must be done in writing and we have a “Notice to Vacate” form on our website. If you are on a periodic tenancy you need to give 21 days notice in writing. If a landlord requires vacate possession he must give you 60 days notice in writing.

Communicate

Open and honest communication is the best way to maintain a happy and professional ongoing relationship with your real estate agent. Always keep the lines of communication open with your agent to ensure a positive relationship.