Owners

Q. What is a management fee?
A. A management fee is the fee charged for looking after the property. This is a percentage (as per your Management Authority) of the weekly rent (plus GST). This includes advertising, rent collection, re-letting, inspections and administration such as statements.

Q. What do you do to ensure I get the best tenants?
A. This includes our practical experience in dealing with people, carrying out reference checks by telephoning previous landlords or employers, credit checks and checking prospective tenants with our debt collection agency.

Q. What happens if the tenant doesn’t pay rent?
A. Rents are checked on a daily basis. If a tenant misses a payment they will be contacted via phone, text or email to bring the failure to the tenant’s notice. If the tenant does not respond immediately a 14 day Breach of Tenancy Letter is issued. This advises the tenant that they have 14 days to resolve the situation.

Q. How often will inspections be carried out?
A. An initial inspection is normally carried out before the tenant moves into the property. Their first inspection is one month after tenancy commences, after that we carry out extensive property inspections every 13 weeks using iPads with the latest technology.

Q. When will I receive payments?
A. Payments to owners are made twice a month – on the 1st of the month (or the next working day) and on the 15th

Q. What Does EFT mean?
A. Electronic Funds Transfer, this is how we pay our owners twice per month.

Q. I didn’t receive a statement from you for my payment on the 15th?
A. Statements are emailed once a month with the payment on the 1st of the month. If you have not received your statement (via email) please remember to check your junk mailbox or contact your Property Manager to ensure your details are correct.

Q. How can I see my statements, invoices or end of year statements?
A. Our owners have the option to create an owner portal login. Through this portal, you can see your statements, invoices and end of year payments at any time.

Q. Can I do any repairs and maintenance myself?
A. We have a large range of contractors which we can organise at a great rates. Using our contractors saves you the hassle of dealing with emergency call outs and allows us to keep a record of what goes on at the property. It also makes it easier for your accountant at the end of the year as it keeps all income and expenditure on one end of year statement.

Q. What do I do if I want to sell my property?
A. You are legally required to advise the tenant that you are intending to sell. We have the appropriate letters that cover these legal requirements.

Q. How much notice do I need to give the tenants if I wish to move back into my property
A. Notice for tenants is either 42 days or 90 days. If you sell or want to move into the property it is 42 days. For any other reason it is 90 days. If you do decide to return to the property please allow extra time after the tenant vacates to ensure that cleaning or maintenance is carried out if required.

Tenants

Q. How do I apply for a property?
A. You can apply for all of our properties by completing an online application form. Click “Apply for this property”, you’ll find the blue button on the right hand side of the page of the property you want to apply for.

Q. What do I need to go with my application?
A. We require photo ID or a Statutory Declaration (available from the court) as well as a minimum of two rental references.

Q. How long does it take to process my application?
A. It takes up to two working days for applications to be processed. You will be notified via email or phone if you are successful or unsuccessful.

Q. Why was I unsuccessful for a property?
A. We do not give out reasons as to why you were unsuccessful for a property. It doesn’t mean you aren’t a suitable tenant for any property, sometimes there are a lot of applications for a property and only one person can get it.

Q. Can I apply for a different property if I am unsuccessful for one property?
A. Yes you can.

Q. Can I have pets?
A. This differs from property to property. Some properties will allow certain pets and others will not. Check the description of the property online for more information.

Q. What fees do I have to pay before I move in?
A. We require one week rent in advance, and bond (four weeks rent).

Q. When do I have to pay my fees by?
A. We require the first weeks rent prior to handover. We continue to advertise the property until such time as money is received. Bond is required by the day you move into the property.

Q. Can I transfer my bond from one property to another?
A. No, we do not do bond transfers.

Q. Can I pay off my bond?
A. No, we require all fees to be paid upfront prior to move in.

Q. Do I need tenants insurance?
A. It is highly recommended that you get tenants insurance as the landlord’s insurance policy does not protect your belongings or cover any tenant (accidental) damage to the property.

Q. What is the difference between a fixed-term and a periodic tenancy agreement?
A. A fixed-term tenancy has a definite commencement and expiry date (usually a 12 month term). A periodic tenancy has a commencement date but no expiry date you are just required to give 21 days notice when you wish to leave.

Q. What happens if something at my property needs repairing?
A. When you become a tenant with us, you will receive a link to create a tenant login. Here you can see where you are up to with your rent payments, you can see any invoices and you can create maintenance requests for anything that needs repairing. If it is an emergency such as a major leak with a water pipe please call us straight away on 09 407 6677. If it is an after-hours emergency, contact your property manager on their mobile.

Q. Do I need to give notice to move out of the property I am in?
A. Yes appropriate written notice needs to be given to move out of a property however, this is dependent on the type of tenancy. Notice can be given via email.
Periodic Tenancy
We require at least 21 days’ written notice for a tenant on a periodic tenancy to move out. For more information about notice for a periodic tenancy click here
Fixed-term Tenancy
If you are on a fixed-term tenancy you cannot give notice to move out of your property. However, if your circumstances change before your fixed term tenancy expires; please contact your property manager immediately.

Q. What do I do if I am on a fixed-term tenancy agreement and want to break my lease?
A. Please contact us to discuss this.

Q. How do I get my bond back at the end of my tenancy?
A. On giving notice a letter will be sent to you advising the requirements of vacating the property. A comprehensive checklist for cleaning is included. You will receive your bond back in full if the property is presented in a reasonably clean & tidy condition, all chattels present and in good condition, all light bulbs working and if rent is paid in full.