Preparing Your Property For Lease

RECOMMENDATIONS TO PREPARE YOUR PROPERTY TO LET

The Premises and inclusions are to be clean and are to comply with local and state authority building regulations with it being safe and fit to live in.
Legislation states that smoke alarms are mandatory in all buildings in which people sleep, including rental properties. Landlords are responsible for the installation of smoke alarms and must put a new battery into the smoke alarm at the commencement of a Tenancy, including at renewal. After the Tenancy begins the Tenant is to arrange to replace the battery unless it is a hard wired smoke alarm or if Tenant advises they are physically unable to change the battery. In these cases, the Landlord is responsible for battery replacement. The Property has working smoke alarms installed.
All windows and doors including cupboard doors open and close easily.
All locks are secure and operate effectively with keys.
Full set of keys to be provided – one set for the managing Agent and one full set of keys and access items for each Tenant/s named as the lease holder/s under the Tenancy Agreement.
The Property provides adequate security to enable Tenant/s to obtain contents insurance for personal items.
All corded internal window coverings comply with Trade Practices (Consumer Product Safety Standard - Corded Internal Window Coverings) Regulations 2010
Carpets are professionally steam cleaned with receipt if possible as evidence for Tenant.
Pest control is current – annual service is a requirement.
Telephone line installation approval has been given. (Tenant is responsible for the connection)
If a unit or a townhouse – two copies of the Strata By-Laws are provided to the Managing Agent – one for the Agent's file and one for the Tenant.
Refuse bins are available for Tenant's use.
If water usage charges are to be passed onto the Tenant ALL the minimum criteria is to be met as Legislation requires. At your request our Agency can arrange a Contractor on your behalf.
If your Property has a pool, ensure it meets current Government Regulations in regards to pool registration, compliancy certification, fencing, CPR signage and water consumption/use. The Pool Owner must hold a current Pool Certificate of Compliance to lease or sell the property.
If the Property is under a Builder's Maintenance Warranty, the Agent will endeavour to have the Builder attend to any defects/repairs required during the period. However it will remain the Owner's responsibility to ensure items are followed up and rectified. Should the Builder not attend to urgent/required items under the Tenant's Tenancy Agreement, then the Owner authorises the Agent to employ qualified Tradespeople to attend to the requirement and the Owner will seek reimbursement from the Builder for payment.
Landlord Protection Insurance. Whilst rental reference checks are completed as thoroughly as lawfully allowed, we cannot predict or know how a Tenant's future ability to meet their Tenancy obligations can be affected eg in event of death or long illness, loss of job, relationship split etc. We recommend all Landlords arrange an insurance policy to protect their investment. Brochures are available upon request.

Other recommendations

Arrange contents insurance for your Property's fittings and fixtures. This may be included with your Property insurances or incorporated in a Landlord Protection Policy. As your Managing Agent we require that you have Public Liability Insurance for your Property. If your Property is a unit the cover must include the internal unit space. NOTE: Public Liability under the Building Insurance, taken out by the Strata, only covers the common areas. It does not cover events or items inside your unit.
Provide Agent copies of operating instructions or manuals for appliances or other items which Tenants require instructions to use.
Provide Agent with Warranty details for any applicable item or building works, if applicable.
Install a Safety Switch
If a telephone line is not currently installed in the Property then please authorise the Agent to give permission to the Tenant to have one installed and further authorise the Agent to reimburse the Tenant installation costs applicable at time of commencement of Tenancy.
Pre-place picture hooks on walls in best locations – this helps control placement and number of picture hooks allowed and protects walls.
Leave specific cleaning instructions for specific items eg solid stove hotplates
Arrange for lawns and gardens to be trimmed and maintained regularly until Tenant commences Tenancy Agreement. Untidy lawns / gardens do not attract Tenants.
Plan for a 'pre-Tenant' spot clean which may be required following leasing activity and just before a new Tenancy begins.
Weed and mulch the gardens.
Consider including lawn/garden or pool maintenance in the rent. We can arrange quotes for regular services and adjust the recommended rent accordingly.
Consider installing lawn and garden sprinklers with timers. Installation will assist in the maintenance of the garden and lawn, subject to local council water restrictions which may be applicable from time to time.
If the Property has a pool or spa, provide a copy of Approval Certificate to the Agent or obtain and supply to Agent. A copy must be given to the Tenant when leasing the property.

If it is your home being leased, we suggest the following:

Re-direct mail via Australia Post
Notify the Council of your forwarding address for Rates Notices if you have not instructed our Agency to pay the rates on your behalf.
Notify Energy, gas, phone and other utility companies to finalise accounts if applicable, and provide your forwarding address details.
Notify your Insurance Company and Mortgagee Holder of the change of occupancy status.
Advise the Agent if intending to list the Property for sale during the term of the Tenancy Agreement on offer as laws require Tenants to be advised if the Property is for sale or proposed to be listed for sale prior to entering into a Residential Tenancy Agreement. Please advise if a Contract for Sale has been prepared for the property.