What you need to know

 

Applying for a property

When you find the right property, you will need to complete a Tenancy Application Form. You may need to provide copies of identification copies to the value of 100 points with your application. For example, a Driver Licence, ATM card, credit card and a bill addressed to you at your current address.

Bond

The rental bond is requested as financial protection should there be a breach in the tenancy agreement. Your rental bond will be lodged with the Residential Tenancy Bond Authority. The bond is held as security against any property damage, undue wear and tear or in the event there is money owing at the end of tenancy. Once it is established that all conditions of the tenancy have been met, the bond will be refunded promptly. The amount of bond payable is specified in the tenancy agreement. Please note, the bond required may increase where there is a rent increase. As the primary tenant of the property, it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to ensure rent is paid in full and on time and that the property sustains no damage. If damage does occur and rent is not paid, it will be YOUR bond which is claimed against.

Occupancy

Only the people (and the number of people) included on your tenancy agreement are permitted to reside at the property on a permanent basis. Should a tenant wish to move in or out you are required to contact us in writing immediately. Please note, a new tenant will need to be approved through the application process prior to moving in.

 

Paying the rent

It is your legal responsibility to pay your rent to the Landlord in advance. Please ensure that your payments reach us on or before the due date. Harcourts Property Management will not physically collect your rent. Rent should be paid by the method stated on your tenancy agreement. If you have any problems with your rent payments please notify your Property Manager at the earliest possible time. If you fall into arrears, we will be obligated to follow the procedures outlined in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 to collect the rent on behalf of the Landlord.

Inspections – Pre Inspection and Routine Inspections

Inspections will be made at regular intervals during your tenancy to highlight the condition of the property to the owner. We are required under the guidelines of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 to provide you with written notice of an upcoming inspection. This letter will specify the date that the Property Manager will enter your premises to conduct the inspection. Unfortunately due to time constraints, it is not possible to alter the inspection date. You don’t have to be present, but are most welcome to be there so we can discuss any problems or aspects of your tenancy that require attention. Please note, photos may be taken during the inspection to highlight the condition to the owner. Please ensure any pets you may have are secured.

Repairs and Maintenance

We ask that you always try to contact your Property Manager first, however if it is after hours and you cannot contact the Property Manager, you are permitted to contact an emergency contractor directly. It’s important that you know that should the issue not be deemed an emergency, you may be responsible for the account.

Emergency Repair

Listed within this guide you will find details of what to do in case of emergency. If there is a problem, we ask that you always try to contact your Property Manager first, however if it is after hours and you cannot contact the Property Manager, you are permitted to contact an emergency contractor directly. It’s important that you know that should the issue not be deemed an emergency, you may be responsible for the account. An emergency repair is something that is likely to cause injury, undue inconvenience, or which makes the property unsafe or insecure (e.g. burst water service, serious leak, serious electrical fault).

Ending The Tenancy And Leaving The Property

Contact your Property Manager to discuss your legal requirements with regards to ending your tenancy, as written notice periods will be required. Once the Property Manager has received/issued your ‘Notice of Intention to Vacate/Notice to Vacate’, they will contact you and advise requirements for handing over vacant possession. Once vacant possession is established (that is, all keys have been returned) a bond/final inspection can be completed. Please note: The bond will only be returned once it has been established that all rent is paid as required, the property has been returned in its original condition as per the entry condition report (excluding fair wear and tear) and all applicable invoices have been paid. Please note: if you do not return the keys within the time frame we may change the locks to the property and you will be liable for the cost.

Breaking The Lease

Your tenancy agreement is a legally binding contract. There is no obligation of the Landlord to release a tenant early from a fixed term agreement. If your situation changes, please contact your Property Manager to discuss the options that maybe available.