Ending a Fixed Term:

If you are leaving at the end of a tenancy, we require at least 21 days (NSW) 28 days (VIC) notice in writing. A Notice of Termination by Tenant may be obtained from our office. The notice may also be emailed to your property manager. If you choose to put it in writing and post, the notice will begin from the day we receive it, not from the day it was posted.

Please see form: VACATING NOTICE

Ending a Periodic Term:

If you are on a Periodic Lease, we require no less than 21 days (NSW) 28 days (VIC) notice in writing, the Notice of Termination by Tenant form can be used

Breaking a Fixed Term VIC:

Should you wish to break your tenancy, we require your notice in writing, under no circumstances will verbal notice be accepted. A Break Lease Request Form is available from our office.

In the case of breaking your lease there will be costs incurred, which will include;

• Rent until an approved tenant takes possession, or the lease expires (whichever comes first)

• Re-letting fees, this is payable to Charles L King First National – equivalent to one weeks rent plus GST.

• Advertising costs to re-let the premises $100, rental properties are generally advertised in the local paper, online and our window display.

Please see form: BREAK LEASE NOTICE VIC

Breaking a Fixed Term NSW:

In the case of breaking your lease the following applies;

• If you have been in the tenancy for less than 25% of the fixed term = 4 weeks rent

• If you have been in the tenancy for more than 25% but less thank 50% of the fixed term = 3 weeks rent

• If you have been in the tenancy for more than 50% but less than 75% of the fixed term = 2 weeks rent

• If you have been in the tenancy for more than 75% = 1 weeks rent

Please see form: BREAK LEASE NOTICE NSW

Outstanding Rent:

Please note it is against the Tenancy Legislation to withhold paying rent at the end of the tenancy with the intention of it being deducted from the bond. Your rent must be paid in full on your vacate date.

Change of Tenancy:

Change of Tenancy Form is to be completed and signed by ALL parties and returned to the office. As per section 31.14.2 in the lease agreement there then be an invoice sent for $250.00. This is charged as a change of renter fee that will be required to be paid prior to the new lease being drawn.

The bond will be transferred electronically through the RTBA. We will need to know who's name the bond will be transferred into. Refund of the bond monies to the vacating person will need to be sorted out between you all along with any items that may differ from the original condition of the property as per the condition report.

In updating the tenancy we are required to have application forms for all people residing at the property weather they are on the lease agreement as tenants or approved occupants at the property.

Please see form: REQUEST TO CHANGE SHARED TENANCY 

Cleaning:

We suggest using the “Getting the Property Ready for Vacating” guide at the end of this handbook. Cleaning one property and moving into another can be very stressful and tiring, causing tenants to miss things when cleaning, which happens to the best of us. We encourage you to employ a cleaner, to have this done professionally, to reduce the possibility of having to go back to the property.

Austclean: 0499 720 284

Carpet Cleaning:

It is a part of your tenancy agreement to have all carpets professionally cleaned on vacating. The use of “do it yourself” machines is not accepted. A receipt must be provided when you return the keys to our office.

Austens Carpet Care: 0428 642 976 or Austclean: 0499 720 28

Final Inspection:

Once the property has been vacated and you have returned all keys to our office, only then will we conduct our Final Inspection. We will contact you with a list of extra cleaning or repairs are required, giving you 48 hours for you return to the property and attend to the issues speedy.

Getting Your Bond Back:

At the end of your tenancy, you will no doubt want your bond refunded as soon as possible. To ensure the return of your bond please ensure the following:

• All rent until your vacate date is paid, all invoices such as water, damages, fees are paid

• Property is cleaned, carpets professionally cleaned, flea fumigation complete (if applicable) and receipts provided

• All keys and remotes are returned, none being left at the property

Outstanding Monies and Damages:

It is important to know that if you vacate with outstanding monies and/or damages, your name may be added to the National Tenancy Database, where your details may remain for up to 5 years. This also may apply if you are evicted from the property

Ventilation:

Please ensure that all rooms are properly ventilated to avoid problems with condensation causing mould and possible health problems, after carpet cleaning.

Wet Areas: 

Shower Screens – any cracks to shower screens must be reported to our office immediately. Wired shower screens can crack under thermal expansion (constant hot/cold temperatures) where as toughened glass usually only cracks from impact.

Blocked Sinks & Drains – should a drain or sink be blocked you must first try a cleaning product such as Draino. If this does not work, please report the issue to the office in writing and we will have a contractor attend the property. If the blockage is caused by foreign objects from the tenant then any costs will be charged to you.

Taps Leaking – please report any taps leaking as soon as possible. If leaks are not repaired they can cause extensive damage, and the tenant can be held responsible if it has not been reported. If you notice any paint bubbling or peeling, this can be cause by a broken or leaking pipe internally.

Toilet Leaks – water running into the bowl from the cistern is usually caused by a worn cistern washer and needs to be repaired. This leak especially can inflate your water bill, therefore should be reported as soon as possible. A leak may also occur at the tap behind the toilet. Hot Water System – should you notice the hot water system leaking from the valve or from the base of the unit please advise as soon as possible, a leak at the base of the unit may indicate that it has rusted and may need to be replaced.

Loose Tiles – if any tiles become loose in the bathroom, toilet or laundry, it is important to report these as soon as possible. If water gets behind tiles, it can cause extensive damage.

Kitchen:

Chopping Boards – please ensure chopping boards are used at all times, and never cut directly onto the bench tops. Any marks or damage will be the tenants responsibility and can run into the hundreds of dollars to repair or replace.

Oven & Stove Top – please ensure that stove tops and ovens are kept free of food, grease and oils. Such residue can become burnt on and carbonised making it extremely difficult to remove. Please also ensure that care is taken when cleaning stove tops and oven by not using an abrasive product or scourer as this can cause damage. Take special care and follow product instructions as many of them can be harmful to those using them.

Range Hoods & Exhausts – all exhaust fans must be cleaned on a regular basis to ensure that they work properly. Please be careful when removing these, if you believe that it is unsafe, perhaps because of a high ceiling, please contact the office. In addition, range hoods should be kept free of food, grime, fats and oils as these can be extremely hard to removed if left.

Cupboards & Drawers – please be aware light coloured melamine can be stained very easily. Cupboards and drawers should be wiped over on a regular basis.

Dishwashers – dishwashers must be cleaned on a regular basis, and any food scraps removed to ensure the unit operates properly. If the unit requires maintenance or repairs because of lack of care, the tenant may be held responsible

Watering Systems:

Please ensure all watering systems are working correctly, and are checked regularly throughout the tenancy. Watering systems can only be used if restrictions allow.

Watering Gardens and Lawns:

Although watering your gardens and lawns must be done within watering restrictions, we insist that watering is conducted to the maximum allowed. Do not stop watering your lawn completely unless there is a total water ban.

Lawn & Garden Maintenance:

Lawns must be regularly mowed, edged and neatly maintained. If you would like to have the lawn mowing done professionally, we would be happy to recommend a trusted contractor. All weeding of lawns, gardens, paths and paving is the responsibly of the tenant. Trimming, and general care of all plants is also the tenant’s responsibility. If any plants are dead or dying and require replacing, this may be at the tenants cost.

Parking:

No vehicles are permitted to be parked on any lawns, gardens and nature strips at anytime. Damage to lawns and landscaping can be costly to repair and will the tenants responsibility.

Rubbish:

No rubbish is to be stored at the property for long period of time.

Oil Drippage:

Drips trays must be placed under any vehicle that may be leaking oil. If oil seeps into any surface, it can be extremely hard to remove and may need to be done professionally, which will be at the cost of the tenant.

Pools & Spas:

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES IS THE TENANT TO ACQUIRE, INSTALL OR ERECT A PORTABLE POOL AND /OR SPA ON THE PREMISES. If the Property has an existing pool and/or spa, it is the Tenants responsibility to ensure the gate is not kept open and that they notify us immediately if the gate ceases to be self closing. The Tenant must ensure there are no objects that would allow a person to gain access to the pool, other than via the pool gate.

All cleaning and maintenance, unless stated in the lease agreement, is the responsibility of the tenant. This includes pool chemicals and any equipment needed to help maintain the pool or spa. All equipment, accessories and furniture supplied to the tenant must me maintained and stored in a secure area away from the weather

Pets:

No pets are permitted to be kept at the property unless written approval from the Landlord. Should you be permitted to have a pet, it must be kept outdoors at all times unless stated otherwise.

1. Yard must be kept free of animal faeces

2. Any rubbish or damage must be removed or repaired immediately

3. The property must be Flea Fumigated and receipt provided and end of tenancy

4. No pets other than those approved can be kept at the property, including “pet sitting”

5. Any offspring of the pet must be removed from the property within 45 days

6. You must prevent your pet from disturbing neighbours

7. You must abide by all local, city or state laws, licensing regulations and health requirements including vaccinations

General – All Rooms:

† All exhaust fans throughout the property to be cleaned

† Air vents to be dusted

† Venetians to be washed thoroughly (if applicable)

† Fly screens to be removed carefully and hosed or brushed to remove dirt/dust (if applicable)

† Windows and windowsills to be cleaned thoroughly

† Doors and door frames to be left clean and undamaged

† Marks to be removed from walls with sugar soap

† Cobwebs to be removed from ceiling cornices & walls

† All light fittings to be cleaned and free from insects

† All floors and skirting boards to be washed

† All ceiling fans throughout to be free from dust (if applicable)

† Clean all mirrors throughout including wardrobe door mirrors (if applicable)

† All vertical strings to be attached and secure

† TV Booster (if applicable) to remain at property

Outside Areas:

† Lawns to be mowed and edges trimmed within 2 days of vacating (if applicable)

† (DO NOT dump grass clippings or tree off cuts in garden beds or behind sheds)

† Flower beds and pebble areas to be weeded (if applicable)

† No rubbish to be left in the gardens or around the property (if applicable)

† All garbage bins to be emptied and washed cleaned

† Driveways, carports, garages and any concrete areas to be free from oil and grease stains

† Garage floor area to be swept and cobwebs removed

† Cobwebs to be removed from outside eaves, awning & ceilings (where applicable)

† Pool and spa to be cleaned, vacuumed and at the correct pH factor (if applicable)

† Pool equipment to be in accordance with the in-going inventory and must be stored in the garage at time of vacating

Bathroom:

† Shower recess to be scrubbed

† Grouting to be free of all soap residue or mildew

† Shower curtain (if applicable) to be replaced and shower screen to be cleaned

† All plugholes are to be clean and free from debris

† Mirrors to be wiped over

† All drawers and cupboards to be cleaned and wiped out

† Toilet to be cleaned thoroughly, including bowl, seat & cistern

† Exhaust fan cover to be washed and cleaned and light fitting to be cleaned

Laundry:

† Washing machine and clothes dryer filter to be cleaned out

† Clean under laundry tub and clean plughole and free from debris

† Cupboards to be cleaned thoroughly inside and out

Carpets:

† Carpets are to be professionally cleaned and a carpet receipt produced to our office with the return of the keys. Please note: If you choose not to use our offices’ recommended carpet cleaner you could be liable to have the carpets re-cleaned should they not meet our standard of cleanliness.

Recommended Cleaners:

Austens Carpet Care 0428 642 976 Austclean 0499 720 284

Damage Damage that occurs due to the tenants neglect will be rectified at the tenants cost.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

 † DISCONNECT THE POWER / ELECTRICITY/GAS

† DISCONNECT THE TELEPHONE

† REDIRECT MAIL ADDRESS