Tenant Information

What documents will I be given when I move in?

As a tenant, there are several key documents you should expect to receive before moving into a property.

• Tenancy Agreement: A copy of the lease agreement outlining the terms and conditions of your tenancy.
• Rental Information: Details about renting in NSW and facts that include your rights and responsibilities.
• Bond Lodgement Form: This will likely be emailed to you with a link from the Rental Bond Board (NSW Fair Trading) so you may pay and lodge your bond directly with them. A tenants bond must be paid prior to the handover of any property keys.
• Condition Report: A report detailing the property’s condition at the start of your tenancy, which you must review, sign, and return.

Additionally, you will receive:

• Receipts: Proof of payment for the initial rent, lease fees, and bond.
• Access Keys and Remotes: Copies of keys and any remote controls for the property.
• Emergency Contact Information: Contact details for urgent repairs outside of regular hours.

We can also assist you to connect your utilities

The completion of these documents will ensure a smooth start to your tenancy and assist you in protecting your rights as a tenant.

What different ways are there to pay my rent?

Payment methods we accept include:

• Electronic Payments: Convenient and secure, often the preferred method.
• BPAY: You may like to set up an automatic transfer from your bank account.
• Bank Cheques: Traditional method we may accept
• Cash Payments: Generally not accepted.

What to Do if You Can’t Pay Rent ?

If you find yourself temporarily unable to pay your rent, it’s important to take action right away:

1. Reach Out to Us: Let us know about your situation as soon as possible.
2. Stay in Communication: Keeping us informed helps in finding a solution if your financial difficulty is temporary.
3. Keep Us Updated: Continue to provide updates on your circumstances.
4. Understand: Be aware that you may still receive reminders or notices, even if you’ve communicated that your inability to pay is temporary.
5. Don’t ignore the situation, it will only make it worse when we can work together and discuss options.

What Happens When my Lease Expires?

Your lease agreement will specify the expiry date. Once this date passes, your lease typically transitions to a ‘continuing agreement,’ meaning all parties remain bound by the original lease terms.

You have a few options at this point:

• Request a Lease Renewal: You can ask us if the owner is happy for you to renew your lease.
• Continue Under Original Terms: The owner may allow the lease to continue under the same terms.
• Vacate the Property: The owner can issue a notice requesting that you vacate the property.

It’s crucial to discuss your intentions with us well before the lease expiry date. This ensures that everyone can make the necessary plans and arrangements.

I need to vacate and my lease hasn’t expired?

If you need to move out of the property before your lease ends, here’s some things to think about:

Covering Costs: You are responsible for any reasonable expenses the owner or agent incurs while finding a replacement tenant.

1. Continuing Rent Payments: You must continue paying rent until a new tenant is found and a new lease agreement is signed. Both you and the agent can look for a new tenant, but the new tenant must go through the standard application and approval process.
2. Notify us: It’s crucial to inform your us before leaving. Failing to do so can result in the loss of your bond and may negatively impact your rental history, making it harder for you to rent in the future.
3. Property Condition: When you vacate its important to the leave the property as per your ingoing inspection report, we will be checking the home is the same as when you moved in, minus normal fair wear and tear.

Breaking Your Lease with a Replacement Tenant

If you need to break your lease but have someone ready to take over, it’s important to handle the process correctly and legally. Here’s what you should do:

1. Contact Your Agent: Inform your agent or property owner as soon as possible about your intention to break the lease and introduce the new potential tenant.
2. Understand Approval is Not Guaranteed: The agent or owner is not obligated to accept the new tenant automatically. The new person must complete an application, provide references, and go through the standard approval process.
3. Wait for Approval: If the new tenant’s application is approved, they should not move in until a final inspection is completed and all necessary arrangements, including the release of your bond, are made with the agent or owner.
4. By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth and legal transition.

What Happens if the Property I’m Renting is Sold?

If your owner decides to sell the property you’re renting, several scenarios can unfold, depending on the terms and expiry of your lease agreement:

1. Sale to an Investor: If the property is sold to another investor while you’re still within the term of your lease, your rights as a tenant remain intact. The new owner will take over as your landlord, and your lease continues as usual.
2. Sale to an Owner-Occupier: If the property is sold to someone who intends to live in it, you will receive a notice to vacate. This notice typically provides ample time for you to find a new place to live.

As an existing tenant, we will try and assist you in finding another rental property that fits your budget and preferences, ensuring a smooth transition.