Tenancy Advice
Access & Inspections
There are rules on when a landlord or agents is allowed to enter a rented premises. A landlord or agent has the right to enter with 24 hours written notice to the tenant in order to do any of the following:
- Carry out duties under the Residential Tenancy Agreement
- Value the property
- Show prospective buyers
- Show prospective tenants
- Verify a reasonable belief that the tenant has not met their duties as a tenant
- Conduct a Routine Inspection
The landlord or his agent have the right to enter the premises in the event the occupants are not home providing the requirements regarding written notice have been met.
Maintenance & Repairs
The act distinguishes between urgent and non urgent repairs. Repairs are the responsibility of the landlord but if the tenant caused the damage the landlord can ask the tenant to arrange or pay for the repairs. Tenants must continue to pay rent even when waiting for repairs to be done. It’s extremely important to communicate all information regarding repairs in writing and in the case of urgent repairs contact one a staff member of the agency.
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Breaking Agreements Early
Circumstance may arise where you wish to vacate the property prior to the expiration of the written tenancy agreement. Costs will be incurred by the tenant such as re-leasing of the property, loss of rent to the landlord and marketing costs. To try to minimize the cost to you we recommend you contact our office immediately to discuss the re leasing of the property.
Sub Letting The Premises & Additional Tenants
Tenants must get the Landlords or agents permission before assigning, transferring or sub letting the premises or any part of the premises. If the landlord or agent gives permission and the tenant takes a bond from a sub tenant it is then the tenant’s responsibility to lodge the bond with the R.T.B.A within 10 business days. The R.T.B.A will consider the tenant as a landlord for this purpose.
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Pets
Unless the lease allows during the course of a tenancy should the tenant wish to have a pet they must first notify the landlord or his agent in writing seeking their approval.
Rent Increases
If a tenancy agreement is fixed the landlord or his agent cannot increase the rent before the end date unless the agreement states otherwise.
The landlord or his agent must give 60 days notice of any rent increase using the prescribed form. Tenants can write to the Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria for a rental assessment if they think the rent or proposed rent is too high.
Arrears In Rent
If the situation arises and you are unable to pay the rent by the due date you are required to notify our office immediately. Where necessary a meeting with your property manager will take place to discuss your financial position in relation to current and future payments. Where possible a payment plan subject to the landlord’s approval may be entered into at that time.
Final Inspections
Final inspections are conducted following the return of keys to the premises. We shall notify you of the outcome of the inspection within 24 hours of it being carried out. If there is a need to meet at the property to discuss any matters relating to the manner in which the property was vacated you will be notified.
Documentation
It’s important you retain all documentation provided to you at the beginning of the tenancy as you may need to refer to it during the term or at the end of the tenancy.