We are excited to launch our Top Tips for Tenants video series!
A chance for Tenants to pick up valuable rental tips from experienced Property Managers across Queensland including understanding rental obligations and where to find rental resources.
To launch our series, Head of Property Management and Business Development Manager Zsa-Zsa Piercy from Chris Liu Real Estate in Marsden shares her top rental tips.
From signing your General Tenancy Agreement and getting the keys to your tenancy to what happens when a maintenance issue crops up, Zsa-zsa explains the how-to skills Tenants need for a successful tenancy in your rental property.
Watch Zsa-Zsa’s rental tips here:
Top Tip 1: What are important tips for Tenants to know when they first enter into a General Tenancy Agreement?
When a Tenant first collects the keys to their new rental property, it’s exciting! But don’t forget the important information a Tenant needs to ensure your tenancy goes well. Tenants should receive a Tenant Pack from the Property Manager that includes details such as: how to pay your rent, how to pay your bond and what happens in an emergency? Importantly, seek to understand how the rent ledger works including what day of the week to pay the rent. Paying the rent on time prevents the Tenant from entering rent arrears which will negatively impact their rent history.
Top Tip 2: How are keys managed once a Tenant has signed a General Tenancy Agreement?
All Tenants listed on the General Tenancy Agreement are likely to receive a full set of keys when signing for the new rental property. While people listed on the General Tenancy Agreement as Approved Occupants are unlikely to receive a set of keys. Should the Tenant need additional keys cut, liaise with the Property Manager, who will request that the Tenant pays for the additional set of keys. All keys, including additional keys cut throughout the tenancy, will need to be returned at the end of the lease. Communication skills for renters are really important if a Tenant or Approved Occupant loses keys to the rental property during the tenancy. In this instance, the Tenant should communicate the keys lost straight away to the Property Manager, who is likely to advise that the Tenant is responsible for the cost of cutting new keys to the rental property.
Top Tip 3: Why is it important to keep the property in a reasonable, neat and tidy state as a Tenant?
The General Tenancy Agreement states that the rental property is to be kept in a reasonable, neat and tidy state. The Property Manager can advise the Tenant if they have concerns about how the rental property is being kept. For example, it may contribute to pest problems. The Property Manager may also request tidying of cluttered areas to ensure a clear view to the structure of the property. This is to prevent maintenance issues being hidden, which could lead to longer-term structural issues. It is best practice for the Tenant to make an effort to maintain the rental property in a reasonable, neat and tidy state as this will assist the Property Manager when approaching the Landlord to support recommendations for pest control if needed, for example.
Top Tip 4: What steps should a tenant take to lodge a Maintenance Request?
When receiving the Tenant Pack at the start of the tenancy, it should be clear to the Tenant the preferred way to lodge any maintenance requests for the new rental property. If it’s not clear, it is recommended the Tenant finds out at the outset of the new tenancy. Some Property Managers will accept maintenance requests via an app where the Tenant logs in, uploads photos and includes comments regarding the maintenance issue. Other Property Managers may request the maintenance request be in writing via email with photos attached, and other Property Managers may accept a phone call. Best practice is to put the maintenance request in writing via one of these methods, so that there is evidence of the date and time that the Tenant sent the maintenance request.
Top Tip 5: As a Tenant, what should you be aware of if you are required to pay for water?
If the General Tenancy Agreement states that the Tenant is responsible for 100% of water usage it will mean that a Water Compliance Certificate has been completed for the property. In this case, ensure that the property is individually metered for water and that the starting water meter reading is correct on your Entry Condition Report. Property Managers will usually allow fourteen (14) days for a Tenant to pay the water bill. If you don’t pay the water bill on time, the Landlord is likely to incur a late fee which will then be passed on to you as the Tenant to pay.
Keen to increase your rental success by learning more?
Visit our Students Page to start our Tenancy Skills Course today. Upon graduation, you will receive a Certificate recognised by hundreds of Property Managers throughout Australia, demonstrating your up-to-date tenancy skills!
The Tenancy Skills Institute thanks our network of Property Managers for sharing their valuable expertise in this video series especially made for Tenants.
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