The most common renter questions answered
Perhaps this is your first rental property or maybe you’ve rented before, but either way it’s natural to have questions about the process of renting a property.
So let’s look at some of the most common questions renters have and offer a little clarity…
How much is the bond?
Set aside for the duration of the rental agreement, the rental bond is held as security to cover the costs of any damage or rental arrears.
The amount of the bond is usually up to the value of four weeks rent, so if you’re renting a property for $650 a week, the bond would likely be $2600.
If there are no issues or damage to the property at the conclusion of the rental agreement, this sum will be refunded to you in full. In the meantime it is lodged and held with an independent authority.
You can find more tips on getting your bond back in full here.
Can I hang pictures?
It’s natural to want to make a rental property feel like it’s your home, but there are things that you can’t do to the property in terms of alterations.
This includes putting picture hooks in the walls, painting, installing curtain rods, adding a TV antenna outlet, and more.
As a general rule of thumb, if you’re looking to do something that changes the property and is long-term, you will need to seek permission from the property owner, and this can be requested through your property manager.
We have some great tips on how to make your rental feel like home (without blowing your bond) here.
Can I have a pet?
There have been quite a few changes to rental laws around the country regarding pets over the past few years, with most states and territories making it easier for a renter to have a pet in a rental property.
That said, you can’t just go out, adopt a puppy and bring your four-legged pet home without first consulting the property owner.
After all, some properties simply do not suit specific types of animals, and even if the owner says you can have a pet, they have the right to impose conditions (such as outdoor pets only).
What if a friend moves in?
Anyone who permanently resides at the property should be listed on the rental agreement. That means, if a friend, new housemate or your partner moves in, you need to ask for written permission first.
If the living situation in your property changes and someone moves out, you should also advise the property manager.
And there’s a couple of reasons this law is in place. Firstly, it allows the owner to vet the people who are residing in their investment property while ensuring too many people don’t live there.
Having all residents on the rental agreement also protects the renter, as they then share joint legal responsibility for paying the rent and keeping the property in good condition.
Can I leave before the end of the agreement?
Despite the best laid plans, life happens and things change. In some cases this might mean you need to move before the end of the rental agreement, which begs the question, can you break that agreement?
A rental agreement is a legally binding document, so you do have obligations if you need to exit this agreement early.
If you leave before the end of the legally agreed term, you need to give sufficient notice, and you might be required to pay for costs incurred such as marketing the property for rent, and the re-letting fee.
If there’s difficulty securing another renter to take your place, you might need to cover the rent in the intervening period or until the rental agreement ends.
How we can help
Our experienced property managers pride themselves on establishing great relationships with both rental occupiers and owners.
We manage every property as if it were our own and you can learn more about our property management services here.
Alternatively, if you are looking to rent a property, you can view the properties we currently have available here.
How much is the bond?
Set aside for the duration of the rental agreement, the rental bond is held as security to cover the costs of any damage or rental arrears.
The amount of the bond is usually up to the value of four weeks rent, so if you’re renting a property for $650 a week, the bond would likely be $2600.
If there are no issues or damage to the property at the conclusion of the rental agreement, this sum will be refunded to you in full. In the meantime it is lodged and held with an independent authority.
You can find more tips on getting your bond back in full here.
Can I hang pictures?
It’s natural to want to make a rental property feel like it’s your home, but there are things that you can’t do to the property in terms of alterations.
This includes putting picture hooks in the walls, painting, installing curtain rods, adding a TV antenna outlet, and more.
As a general rule of thumb, if you’re looking to do something that changes the property and is long-term, you will need to seek permission from the property owner, and this can be requested through your property manager.
We have some great tips on how to make your rental feel like home (without blowing your bond) here.
Can I have a pet?
There have been quite a few changes to rental laws around the country regarding pets over the past few years, with most states and territories making it easier for a renter to have a pet in a rental property.
That said, you can’t just go out, adopt a puppy and bring your four-legged pet home without first consulting the property owner.
After all, some properties simply do not suit specific types of animals, and even if the owner says you can have a pet, they have the right to impose conditions (such as outdoor pets only).
What if a friend moves in?
Anyone who permanently resides at the property should be listed on the rental agreement. That means, if a friend, new housemate or your partner moves in, you need to ask for written permission first.
If the living situation in your property changes and someone moves out, you should also advise the property manager.
And there’s a couple of reasons this law is in place. Firstly, it allows the owner to vet the people who are residing in their investment property while ensuring too many people don’t live there.
Having all residents on the rental agreement also protects the renter, as they then share joint legal responsibility for paying the rent and keeping the property in good condition.
Can I leave before the end of the agreement?
Despite the best laid plans, life happens and things change. In some cases this might mean you need to move before the end of the rental agreement, which begs the question, can you break that agreement?
A rental agreement is a legally binding document, so you do have obligations if you need to exit this agreement early.
If you leave before the end of the legally agreed term, you need to give sufficient notice, and you might be required to pay for costs incurred such as marketing the property for rent, and the re-letting fee.
If there’s difficulty securing another renter to take your place, you might need to cover the rent in the intervening period or until the rental agreement ends.
How we can help
Our experienced property managers pride themselves on establishing great relationships with both rental occupiers and owners.
We manage every property as if it were our own and you can learn more about our property management services here.
Alternatively, if you are looking to rent a property, you can view the properties we currently have available here.
