Renting a property is a huge deal. You are essentially caring for and enjoying another persons investment. That is why it can be such a tough process in order to obtain a rental property.
Put your best foot forward –
Putting your best foot forward means you should always fill out an application with as much detail as possible. Do provide as many identification documents as you can – this assures agents that you are organised, and that being organised and paying rent on time is something you are likely to do. Always organise your day around open homes and ensure you register prior to the inspection – this shows the agent that you are extremely keen to apply for the property. It is a great idea to ask questions – ask your agent how they handle maintenance requests, is this property pet friendly, would there be a chance to renew for a further term after the initial fixed term? Questions that are going to show the agent that you are switched on and actively looking for a rental property.
Identification Documents tenants can provide:
- Drivers Licence (COMPLUSORY)
- Proof of income (COMPLUSORY)
- Previous rental receipts
- If you owned a property a bill with that address on it
- Proof of age card, or key pass
- Passport or Visa
- Current car/motorbike registration papers
- Written reference from a previous landlord/agent
- Copy of a utilities bill with your current address
Documents you will receive once approved
Once your application is approved, you should receive a phone call, followed with a written approval (usually in the way of an email). The email should have the details of your tenancy, and where you can pay your first two weeks rent and your bond too.
The agent will prepare the lease agreement for you. Here at SA Homes & Acreage it is likely we will ask you to docusign the lease agreement. This is a third party electronic signing company. This allows this process to take place quickly and effectively for everyone involved. Once you have signed a lease agreement your agent will notify you that the property has been taken off the internet and they will no longer be advertising.
When the property is handed over to you, your agent will prepare a few documents for your files;
- Executed lease agreement (if not given prior)
- Trust account details with reference number (if not given prior)
- Copy of the bond lodgement form (if you have already had your bond processed)
- Two copies of the ingoing condition report. One copy is for you to keep, and the other copy is for you to write your valuations on and the agent to keep.
- Tenancies information booklet – the agent is required to legally provide you with this booklet.
- Key handover sheet with all the keys you are taking responsibility for
- Emergency maintenance and contact details
- Welcome to renting booklet
- Agent business cards
What is a residential tenancy agreement?
A residential tenancy agreement is a legal binding written contract between you, as a tenant or resident and a property landlord, is also commonly called a lease. This document should be given to the tenant before paying any money or being committed to the tenancy. Make sure you read it carefully and ask any questions.
What goes into the Tenancy Agreement?
- The name and address of the tenant, and the property manager/owner or provider
Tthe dates when the agreement starts and ends (or state that the agreement is periodic)
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- Details about how the tenant should pay the rent and how much rent is to be paid
- Details about what the tenant and the property manager/owner or provider can and cannot do, known as ‘standard terms’
- Any special terms (these should be agreed in advance, e.g. that dogs are allowed but must be kept outside)
- The length and type of tenancy – either a fixed term agreement where the tenant agrees to rent the property for a fixed term such as 6,9,12 months or a periodic agreement when a tenant / resident lives there for an indefinite period
- The amount of bond required
- Other conditions and rules.
What is a bond?
A bond is a separate payment to rent, it is money that acts as security for the landlord in case you don’t meet the terms of your lease agreement.
At the end of your agreement if the property is in need of cleaning or repairs or if items need to be replaced the landlord or owner may claim some or all of the bond.
Routine Inspections
It can be confronting having your first routine inspection. You will receive no more than 14 days, no less than 7 days to when you are booked for your routine inspection. The agent will provide you with a two hour time frame for the inspection as well. You are not required to be present for this inspection, the agent has a set of keys for this reason. If you have approved pets, please ensure they are restrained (or that you speak to your property manager beforehand).
The agent will be looking for things such as;
- Damages to the property
- Unapproved pets
- Breaches to the lease agreement
- Wear and tear to the property
- Maintenance issues
- General cleanliness of the house