Tenant Information
We'll Look After You
Tenant Information
Managing your tenancy should be a straightforward and simple process.
Below we have provided a guide that we hope will assist you in getting comfortable in your new home and all throughout your tenancy with Raine & Horne Cessnock.
When you rent a home in NSW and become a 'renter' or a 'tenant', knowing your rights and responsibilities will help you avoid or resolve differences you may have with your landlord, real estate agent, house-mates or neighbours.
The Office of Fair Trading manages the laws that govern your rights and responsibilities as a renter and can give you information to help you understand what these laws mean for you.
The Office of Fair Trading Tenant Checklist can be viewed by clicking on the PDF above.
Getting Started
Once you have decided to rent a property, you need to consider the following;
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How much rent can you afford?
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What area of town you wish to reside in?
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The standard of living you are looking for, ie; unit/townhouse/house
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Your needs ie; how many bedrooms/bathrooms, garaging requirements etc.
Raine & Horne Cessnock hold Open Inspections at our rental properties however, if necessary - we can undertake individual inspections.
If you decide after inspecting a property that you wish to apply, you need to complete our application form (available online) and return to the office as soon as possible.
The application will be processed and you will be notified within 72 hours if you are successful.
Upon a successful application you will be required to pay a holding deposit (usually one week's rent) within 24 hours and set a lease start date/time.
When signing the lease, you are required to have the following before the keys will be released;
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Rental Bond (4 x weeks rent) in a bank cheque or money order made to: Rental Bond Board
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Rent (2 x weeks) in a bank cheque or money order made to: Raine & Horne Cessnock
Raine & Horne Cessnock have a specific list of Special Conditions that we require each tenant to sign before moving in to the property. These Special Conditions are available for viewing by clicking on the link above.
During Your Tenancy
Rent:
Rent is to be paid via bank transfer or deposit and in ADVANCE at ALL times as per your Residential Tenancy Agreement - if these payments become an issue, please notify the office immediately.
Property Visits:
Raine & Horne Cessnock undertake an inspection 6-8 weeks after your tenancy commences. This inspection is to ensure you have settled well in the property.
A second inspection will be completed after 6 months and then twice a year thereafter.
After each inspection, a report will be sent to you as the tenant and to the landlord. If the property is not being maintained to an appropriate standard - a second inspection will be organised.
These inspections are not an invasion of your privacy.
Insurance:
Raine & Horne Cessnock strongly urge you to ensure your contents and personal belongings are insured as it is NOT a landlord's responsibility.
Repairs & Maintenance:
Raine & Horne Cessnock have a strict repairs policy.
Emergency repairs (refer to Section 17 of the Residential Tenancy Agreement) are to be reported IMMEDIATELY and will be attended to as soon as possible.
All other repairs are to be reported in writing via;
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Email: cessnock@rh.com.au
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Office or Post: 147 Vincent Street Cessnock NSW 2325
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Fax: 02 4990 7990
The repair form can be downloaded by clicking on the above PDF or completing in the office.
We do remind you that when attending to repairs it is often necessary to organise quotes and obtain the landlord's approval - therefore, a delay is often unavoidable.
The landlord has a responsibility ensure the premises are reasonably clean, and fit to live in at the start of the tenancy. The landlord must then maintain the premises in a reasonable state of repair considering:
- the age of the premises,
- the amount of rent the tenant is paying, and
- the prospective life of the premises.
This does not mean that the premises must be let in perfect condition, or that the landlord must immediately attend to every small matter during the tenancy. The state of the property and level of repair expected should be in proportion to the premises’ age and the amount of rent.
Under the law the tenant must keep the premises in a reasonable state of cleanliness, having regard to the condition of the premises at the start of the tenancy. If the premises includes a yard, the lawns and gardens must also be kept neat and tidy by the tenant.
Tenants must notify the landlord or agent of any damage to the premises as soon as practicable, regardless of who or what caused the damage. It is recommended that this notice be put in writing.
The tenant must not intentionally or negligently cause or permit damage to the premises. Negligence means forgetting to do something which a reasonable person would usually do in the circumstances, or doing something which a reasonable person would not do. In simple terms it is a lack of care or attention.
A tenant is also responsible for damage caused by other occupants of the premises or any person the tenant allows on the premises.
NSW OFT Tips for Trouble Free Renting
Follow these helpful tips to avoid problems while you are renting:
- keep a copy of the lease agreement
- keep a copy of condition report:
- it will be needed at the end of the tenancy when a final inspection is done
- if the landlord/agent disputes the return of the bond at the end of the tenancy, a carefully completed condition report may help a tenant prove that the bond should be refunded to them
- take good care of your home and treat it as if you own it
- comply with all the requirements of your lease agreement
- notify your landlord/agent as soon as you become aware of a problem:
- let them know in person (you could take someone with you to act as a witness) or by phone and then follow up with a letter confirming what was said
- any follow up letter should clearly outline the problem, what you want done and the history of your complaint ie. when you first made contact etc
- keep a diary of your conversations with the landlord/agent - record all the times and dates of conversations, who you spoke to and what they agreed to do
- keep copies of all your letters to the landlord/agent
- respect the peace, comfort and privacy of your neighbours
- do NOT stop paying rent regardless of what the landlord/agent does or doesn't do:
- fourteen days rent arrears is sufficient grounds for your landlord to give you 14 days notice to leave - it's much safer and much more effective to apply to the Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal for a solution
- contact your landlord immediately if you need an urgent repair
- if you are having difficulty in paying the rent, you should notify your landlord immediately
- don't move out without giving the required notice as you may end up losing your bond or having to pay compensation to the landlord
- leave the premises in the condition in which you found them, fair wear and tear excepted
- take all your belongings with you when you leave.
Resolving Issues:
The first step in resolving any problem or dispute is to carefully read the term/s of your agreement.
It is always best for a tenant and a landlord/agent to try and solve any problems between themselves. To avoid possible problems later, any agreement reached should be put in writing.
If a renting problem occurs, helpful information or advice is available free of charge from the Office of Fair Trading as well as from Tenants Advice and Advocacy Services operating throughout NSW.
Contact the Office of Fair Trading by lodging an online enquiry, visiting your nearest Fair Trading Centre, or calling 13 32 20.
Find your nearest Tenants Advice and Advocacy Service by searching on www.tenants.org.au or calling 1800 251 181.
