A Guide to Renting Your Home with us
Renting a home comes with a series of obligations for both tenant and landlord so it’s important to understand the rules that apply.
One Agency Gungahlin’s guidebook outlines everything you need to know, from the sorts of documents needed for a winning application right through to what happens once your application is approved.
The information provided here is a guide only and does not take the place of sound legal advice; that decisions by the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal may result in different interpretations of the Act; and a residential tenancy agreement should be read in conjunction with the Residential Tenancies Act 1997, The Residential Tenancies Act 1997 commenced on 26 May 1998. The Act is amended from time to time.
Please visit ACT and NSW Legislation Register for current and previous versions of the Residential Tenancies Act 1997. The Act applies to both private and public tenancies. If a person rents a house, unit, flat or room from a private owner, a community organisation, or the government, the Act will apply.
As a Tenant you need to consider many things before renting a property.
Here are some information you need to know:
FINDING THE RIGHT HOME FOR YOUR FAMILY.
The first step to renting is finding the right home that suits your family’s needs. There are several different options to consider when choosing a suitable property; locations, number of bedrooms, bathrooms, parking spaces, price, size of the property etc. Make sure you have a checked all the boxes before you make a decision. Don’t just rush - keep your options open.
If you need assistance in finding a rental home or just have a general enquiry about renting please do not hesitate to contact our Property Management Team on 02 6182 8526 or [email protected]
RENTAL APPLICATION
Once you have found a suitable rental property you will need to apply for the property. The property manager will have applications on the day of open for inspection. Our rental application can also be downloaded from our website and you can apply online through 1form. To ensure your application is reviewed you must answer all questions and provide all supporting documentation including 100 points ID. International applicants must also provide a copy of their visa together with their passport.
If you are unsure about filling out the Tenancy Application please do not hesitate to contact our Property Manager and she/he will be happy to assist you.
Once your application is complete and you have all your supporting documentation you can hand it in at our office or email to [email protected]
We always make an effort to process the applications within 24 – 48 hours but, this can depend on contacting references, owner of the property and number of applications. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by email or phone.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
• Drivers License, Passport or Photo ID
• Your Letter of employment and Pay Slips
• Reference of your Employer
• Property Manager Reference or Landlord’s Reference
• Your Recent Rental Ledger
• Reference from a neighbor or Personal references
• A recent utilities or phone bill or Rego Papers
• Current Visa for international Applicants
RENTAL AGREEMENT
Once your application has been approved you will be notified, our property manager will give you details of making the payment of ingoing costs for the property (bond and one month’s rent), an appointment will be made for the rental agreement to be signed. Only when all documents are signed and payment has been made will you receive the keys for your new rental home. All copies of documents will be signed will be given to you, please keep them in a safe place as they are legally binding contracts.
ENTRY CONDITION REPORT
One of the most important documents for a residential tenancy is the entry condition report. This document is a report on how the property is when you start the tenancy. Your property manager will fill out their part prior to you moving in, also take photos of the property to have existing(if any) damage on record. You MUST go through the property and fill out your comments on the condition report. Please hand back the entry condition report signed within 5 business days. Failure to return your Property Condition Report will mean that the original, unaltered report will be considered to reflect the true condition of the property. The Entry condition report is used during the tenancy for inspections and at the end of tenancy to compare property condition. If the property is not left in the same condition when handed to you, allowing for fair wear and tear you will be asked to return the property to its original condition, the cost of any repairs or cleaning will be deducted from your bond if you fail to do so.
RENT PAYMENT
All rental payments are due in advance and must be paid in accordance with the tenancy agreement. If you fail to pay your rent on time you are breaching the Residential Tenancy Agreement. You will be sent a rent reminder via email and text. If you do not pay the rent due with 14 days you will be issued with a Notice to vacate the property.
Each time your rental payment is in arrears, it will be recorded in your tenant’s ledger which may affect your chance of being approved for a rental property in the future. If you have any problems with paying your rent before the due date, please advise your Property manager.
Rental payments can be made by EFT transfer into the account provided to you at the start of tenancy.
MAINTENANCE REQUEST & ROUTINE INSPECTIONS
In an urgent repairs situation please be sure to contact you Property manager on the mobile number provided to you.
In the case of general repair please visit our website and fill out a maintenance request form, or simply email your property manger the maintenance request. Be sure to allow your property manger some time to get back to you about the maintenance request.
Routine inspections are conducted every 6 months. Your property manager will advise you of the date and time the inspection will take place. If you are unable to attend the inspection please advise your property manager. Routine inspections are conducted to check if the property is being looked after and to record any maintenance that may need to be done.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON TENANCY AND RENTING A PROPERTY please do not hesitate to contact our property management team your property manager will provide you with a copy of Renting – a guide for tenants at singing of tenancy agreement.
Must do’s and don’t
It is highly recommended to inspect a property thoroughly before signing a lease. If you need an extra set of eyes, take someone with you.
Take photos before you move in. This is important for the condition report and bond.
Before you apply, make sure you have all of your documentation ready to go. This means you can fill out application forms as quickly as possible.
Make a list of your all you are living on someone else’s property and you must take care of it as yours.
Useful links –
https://justice.act.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-01/Renting%20Book%202021.pdf
https://www.revenue.act.gov.au/rental-bonds?result_1060955_result_page=1
https://www.acat.act.gov.au/case-types/rental-disputes
https://www.legislation.act.gov.au/a/1997-84/
https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-2010-042
https://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-01-residential-tenancies-act?gclid=Cj0KCQjwvO2IBhCzARIsALw3ASrCxnSepMfJ51Vwiw8cIzVmOrGVzdDkJXSBkWpiA0_0e75JMFBxVYsaAsGPEALw_wcB