Applying for a property
When
you find the right property, you will need to complete a Tenancy
Application Form. You may need to provide copies of identification
copies to the value of 100 points with your application. For example, a
Driver Licence, ATM card, credit card and a bill addressed to you at
your current address.
Bond
The rental bond is
requested as financial protection should there be a breach in the
tenancy agreement. Your rental bond will be lodged with the Residential
Tenancy Bond Authority. The bond is held as security against any
property damage, undue wear and tear or in the event there is money
owing at the end of tenancy. Once it is established that all conditions
of the tenancy have been met, the bond will be refunded promptly. The
amount of bond payable is specified in the tenancy agreement. Please
note, the bond required may increase where there is a rent increase.
Occupancy
Only
the people (and the number of people) included on your tenancy
agreement are permitted to reside at the property on a permanent basis.
Should a tenant wish to move in or out you are required to notify us in
writing immediately. Please note, a new tenant will need to be approved
through the application process prior to moving in.
Paying the rent
It
is your legal responsibility to pay your rent, to the Landlord in
advance. Please ensure that your payments reach us on or before the due
date. Harcourts Property Management will not physically collect your
rent. Rent must be paid by the method stated on your tenancy agreement.
If you have any problems with your rent payments please notify your
Property Manager at the earliest possible time. If you fall into
arrears, we will be obligated to follow the procedures outlined in the
Residential Tenancies Act to collect the rent on behalf of the landlord.
Inspections – Pre inspection and Routine Inspections
A
property condition report is used to determine the condition of the
property at the commencement of your tenancy. It also ensures that you
are not held responsible for damage at the expiry of your tenancy which
may have been there prior to your occupation. You are required to make
comment and additional notes, sign and return the document to our
office. The document will be filed with your Tenancy Agreement and used
as evidence of the property condition at the commencement of the
tenancy.
Routine Inspections will be made at regular intervals.
The primary role of these inspections is to advise the owner of the
condition and care of their property and what, if any, maintenance is
required. This is an opportunity for you to point out any maintenance
required at the property. Photos may be taken by the Property Manager
during the inspection.
Repairs and Maintenance
It is
important when you notice a maintenance issue that you inform our office
as soon as possible (in writing). This can be done using the
maintenance request form and can be issued via email, fax or mail. Jobs
requiring attention by tradespeople firstly require permission from the
landlord.
Once the Landlord's approval has been obtained, a work
order is forwarded directly to the specific tradesperson, who will then
be in direct contact with you to arrange a convenient time to address
the approved maintenance. Please be aware that works carried out on the
property by any person not approved under a work order from a Harcourts
office may result in your liability to pay the account.
Emergency Repair
Listed
within the 'Welcome to Renting with Harcourts' guide, you will find
details of emergency contacts for emergency repairs. We ask that you
always try to contact your Property Manager first, however if it is
after hours and you cannot contact the Property Manager, you are
permitted to contact the emergency contractors directly.
The
legislation is specific about what constitutes an emergency repair and
it's important that you know that should the issue not be deemed an
emergency, you will be responsible for the account. An emergency repair
is something that is likely to cause injury, undue inconvenience, or
which makes the property unsafe or insecure. (For eg. burst water
service, broken toilet (where there is no other toilet), serious leak,
serious electrical fault ).
Ending the Tenancy and leaving the Property
Contact
your Property Manager to discuss your legal requirements with regards
to ending your tenancy as written notice periods will be required. The
amount of notice required varies from State to State. Once the Property
Manager has received/issued your 'Notice of Intention to Leave/Notice to
Leave', they will contact you and advise requirements for handing over
vacant possession. Once vacant possession is established (that is, all
keys have been returned) a bond/final inspection can be completed.
Please
note: a Property Manager cannot complete a bond/final Inspection until
vacant possession has been established and rent may be payable until all
keys are returned. The bond will only be returned once it has been
established that all rent is paid as required, the property has been
returned in its original condition as per the entry condition report
(excluding fair wear and tear) and all applicable invoices have been
paid. Some offices may complete a pre-final inspection, however this is
not a requirement in all States.
Breaking the lease
Your
tenancy agreement is a legally binding contract and as such process
needs to be followed to break any tenancy agreement. In the first
instance, please contact your Property Manager to inform them of your
intention. They will forward you a 'break lease form' and details of
your obligations. Please note, the office cannot begin to advertise your
property for rent until the 'break lease' form has been executed and
returned. In accordance with the relevant Residential Tenancy Act, you
will be required to pay all costs incurred as outlined in your break
lease form.
Your obligations are as follows:
- You
are required to pay rent and maintain the condition of the property
including gardens until such time as a suitable replacement tenant is
located, approved and in the property. Standard tenant selection
procedures apply to all applicants. You will be responsible for a break
of lease fee and a portion of advertising costs in accordance with the
Residential Tenancy Tribunal Guidelines.