New tenant checklist
What you can expect from us
Before/at the start of your tenancy, we will provide you with:
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- a copy of this information sheet
- a copy of the property condition report
- keys to your new home
If applicable, you will also receive:
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- Instructions for heating
- a copy of the subdivision rules
- a copy of the rules if your home is part of a body corporate or apartment complex
The tenancy agreement
Before you sign the agreement, make sure you read it thoroughly. If there is anything that you do not understand, please ask questions.
Remember, you are committing to a legally binding contract with no cooling-off period. You want to be certain you understand and agree to what you are signing.
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- Read the agreement and ask questions if there were things you do not understand.
- The length of the lease is negotiated before you sign, which means it can be for 6 months, 12 months, or some other period.
- Tenancy Services are the Government Advisory on all tenancy matters and you can seek free independent advice from them at any time during your tenancy or prior to signing.
- Rent is to be paid weekly into the our trust account using the correct reference number.
- Any additional terms to the lease should be be negotiated before you sign.
Promised repairs
For any promises made by the landlord or agent (for example, replace the oven, paint a room, clean up the backyard, etc.)
- Made sure these have already been done, OR
- Ensure you have an undertaking in writing (before signing the agreement) that they will be done.
Ingoing costs
When signing with FRASER FLYNN, you are not being charged:
- more than 2 weeks rent in advance, which is the legal maximum, unless I freely offer to pay more
- more than 4 weeks rent as a rental bond, which is the legal maximum. Pet bonds are unlawful
- I am not being charged: a letting fee, letting fees are unlawful
- the cost of preparing my lease
- the initial supply of keys and security devices to each tenant named on the lease.
After you move in
Please read through the property condition report which is emailed to you on your start date. You are able to add your own photos and comments within 7 days of the tenancy starting. This is an important process to ensure you avoid liability for existing damage.
If you have concerns about the maintenance or cleanliness of the property when you first get the keys, please contact us.
Renting with flatmates
Each tenant is equally liable for the tenancy, the condition of the property & the rent.
We recommend tenants type up an agreement between flatmates & having each person sign to confirm how much bond they will pay on entering the property, how much rent they will pay for their room & how much notice they can give if they wish to leave the tenancy. If one tenant wishes to leave the tenancy, often this means the remaining tenants paying out their portion of the bond or a replacement tenant doing the same. This process should take place at the same time as the relevant forms are signed.
Ending a fixed term early
If you wish to end a fixed term tenancy before the end date, you are able to either:
1) Follow the break lease process. This involves paying your rent until another tenant is found, and paying all reasonable costs associated with this process. Based on recent fixed term breaks this can be between $550 - $800 for actual costs incurred, and is invoiced once new tenants take possession.
2) If you believe you will suffer from severe hardship if the tenancy continues, you are able to apply to the tenancy tribunal for them to terminate the tenancy.
Our Top Tips
- We recommend you keep a copy of all tenancy documents where you can easily find them later.
- Tenants are not permitted to have pets or have people living at the property that have not been agreed to by the landlord.
- We recommend lodging maintenance in writing so that you have an accurate communication record with us.
- We recommend taking out contents insurance for your possessions in the home. The landlords insurance policy covers the building only.
Your bond
Your bond of 4x weeks rent is required to be paid before you are released the keys to the property.
Once we receive the bond, we are legally required to pay the monies to Tenancy Services within 23 working days.
You can expect to receive a confirmation notice from Tenancy Services within 3x weeks of moving into your home.
Complaints
If you wish to make a formal complaint, please email us with as much detail as possible. In our experience, the best results come from remaining patient and profesional with all communication.
We'll respond to you either by phone, email and/or ask to meet with you in person.
If this process is not to your satisfaction, we recommend seeking independent advice from Tenancy Services.
Have questions? Get in touch