Property Inspections will be carried out on a quarterly cycle as part of the contract that we have with our property owners. We expect the property to be presented in clean and tidy condition and the grounds tidy at all times. We will always inform you in advance – your co-operation is appreciated. We do not make appointments for inspections.

Early detection of problems and rapid remedial action is desirable for both tenant and owner. In general tenant has to maintain the property and ground in reasonable condition. Urgent situations (serious plumbing/drainage, electrical or structural damage problems) will have our attention immediate. Non urgent maintenance. If the work is an excess of $350 we may need to get more than one quote.

Listed below are some of the situations where the tenant is responsible for remedy, repairs and maintenance.

• Blocked Drains (if investigation shows tenant negligence)
• Grounds and lawns (unless specified otherwise)
• Whenever a tradesman has been called out on a false alarm
• Any damage done to the property during a tenancy eg reglazing windows, broken door panels, gates, fences and garage doors, damaged door locks, flyscreens, roofs damaged by installation of radio or TV aerials, damaged clothesline or damage to any furniture
• Replacement of light bulbs
• Replacement of plugs for baths, basins, sinks and waste disposal units
• Any other damage caused through negligence or mis-use by the tenant

Unless pets are specifically allowed (and appropriate special conditions are included on the tenancy agreement at the time of signing) NO pets are allowed at any time during your tenancy.

A fixed term lease is a binding contract. Please be aware of what you are signing. A “Head Tenant” is nominated prior to signing, and our dealings are with that person. These requirements are necessary for your own protection as tenants. You should also have contents insurance to protect your belongings, and a personal liability policy to protect you from any careless damage you or your guests may cause.

Prior to vacating the property, please ensure that:

• The house has been left clean and tidy, especially whiteware, carpets, windowsills and walls, stove and all surfaces.
• Personal possessions and rubbish have been removed from the property.
• Lawns and grounds are tidy and well maintained as at the commencement of the tenancy.
• Disconnection of telephone, gas and electricity has been arranged, and a forwarding address for all mail has been recorded.
• All keys must be delivered to our office by 12 noon on the first working day after the date of vacation unless otherwise arranged.
• We will email you a detailed checklist on receipt of notice.

A bond inspection will be carried out as soon as possible after vacation, and upon receipt of the keys to the property. Provided that the terms of your Tenancy Agreement have been adhered to, the bond will be refunded by the Department of Building and Housing. Where the property requires additional cleaning, maintenance etc, the cost will be deducted from the bond. This could cause delay in refunding the balance; therefore, we recommend attention to all points noted in the “moving out” letter.

Most of our tenancies are for a fixed term. A fixed term means that the tenancy can not be terminated by either party during this period. The advantage to the tenant is that the rent can not be increased during this term. However, we can assist you if you wish to break you tenancy agreement and the following conditions will apply: 1. The tenant is responsible for and must pay rent until the property is relet to a suitable tenant and a binding agreement has been entered into. 2. The tenant must also pay for all advertising costs expended by the office in the process of securing a new tenant.

A periodic tenancy may be ended by giving us 28 days notice in writing; we would also appreciate a phone call at the same time. Notice must be posted or faxed to us; please allow an additional 5 days for postage.

Rent must be paid weekly/fortnightly in advance by automatic payment or direct credit. Rent must be paid out of one bank account only. We have completed an AP form for you, if you haven't left it with us please complete your bank acc details and return to your bank at least 3 days before your next is due. Please do not pay rent direct into our account as it can be very difficult to track rent payments without the correct information appearing on our bank statement. If we have to trace a payment that appears on our bank statement with no reference then there will be a $15.00 charge for this. If you have to pay cash please pay at our office which is open between 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

If you are having difficulty paying rent please contact us to discuss the problems, we may be able to help. If you become behind in rent we are obliged to issue you with a 14 day notice which gives you 14 working days to bring your rent up to date. Should no rental payments be received by the end of the 14 days we will apply to Tenancy Services for a Tenancy Hearing. We will go to mediation and if we can not resolve the issue we will go to the Tribunal and an adjudicator will make a decision for us.

Only the people originally included on your application or lease agreement are allowed to reside at the property permanently. Any alteration to this must be discussed with our office as you may become in breach of your Tenancy Agreement if you choose to allow other people to reside at the property. The total numbers of tenants that may reside at the above property is written at the top of your lease agreement.