Renters Guideline

Harcourts Asap would like to provide as much information to our future renters.

Below is a breakdown of the rental journey from start to finish.

Renting for the first time can be daunting so we would like to make the process as easy as possible.

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 owner 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 owner.

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 owner.

Once the owner'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.

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.