Now that you’ve settled into your new home, there are a few things you should expect regarding your ongoing tenancy with Raine and Horne Batemans Bay.
This section contains the facts about common issues that may arise during your tenancy, and how you can deal with them;
Paying Your Rent
Under the RTA, you are required to pay your rent on time. If you do not pay your rent when it is due, you are in rent arrears. If you do not pay your rent, you put your tenancy with Raine & Horne Batemans Bay at risk.
At Raine & Horne Batemans Bay we offer several ways that you can pay your rent:
- Direct Debit (either arranged by you - the tenant or by Raine & Horne Batemans Bay
- Eftpos at Raine & Horne Batemans Bay reception (from either a Savings or Cheque account)
Please note we do not accept credit cards, over the phone payments, cash or personal cheques.
There may be a charge with some of the above options. We advise you to contact your bank regarding any associated fees.
Rent Arrears
You can expect the following from us, should your rent fall into arrears and you have not notified your Property Manager;
- 3-7 days in arrears Phone Call / SMS / Letter / Email
- 7-14 days in arrears Phone Call / SMS / Letter / Email
- 15 days and over in arrears Termination Notice for non-payment of rent & in some cases a Tribunal application lodged.
Expiry of the Termination notice – The agent is within their right to apply to (NCAT) NSW Civil & Administrative Tribunal to have the matter heard at the Tribunal.
We would like to avoid the above process at all costs and therefore encourage tenants who are having difficulty paying rent to have regular discussions with their Property Manager.
Routine Inspections
You will receive at least 7 days notice prior to the inspection taking place. The main purpose of the inspection is to provide a report to the owner to ensure the property is being well maintained and also to check for any repairs and/or make any recommendations to the owner.
Photos – Please note that all Routine Inspections will include taking photos of the property, both internal and external.
Routine Inspection Guide – What we look out for at inspections
Inside the Property
- Walls / Light switches / Doorways & Doors are clean and undamaged
- The Carpets are clean and stain free
- The Windows & Screens are clean and undamaged
- The Kitchen area is clean & Oven / Stove-top is free of burnt on food and carbon staining
- Shower, Bathroom, Toilet, Laundry and all tiling is clean and undamaged
Outside the Property (if applicable)
- Lawns are cut/edged & maintained
- Gardens tidy & presentable / weeds removed
- Rubbish / Lawn clippings removed
- Oil Stains removed to Carports, Garages & Driveways
Rent Reviews
Rent reviews usually occur prior to the expiry of your RTA and are adjusted in accordance with market conditions. If you are on a fixed term tenancy, your rent cannot be increased during the lease term unless an increase has been written into a lease. If you are on a periodic lease where a rental increase is to take place, your Property Manager must provide you with 60 days written notice.
Lease Renewals
Prior to the expiry of your initial lease, your Property Manager will be in touch to discuss renewing the Residential Tenancy Agreement for a further period of time. Provided that your rent has been paid on time, and the property has been kept clean & undamaged, and the Landlord is happy to continue your tenancy, we will book a time for all parties to sign the new RTA.
Breaking your Lease
A “Lease Break” situation occurs when the tenants during the fixed term tenancy wish to vacate the property prior to the lease expiry date. Should you find yourself in this position, you should notify your Property Manager in writing immediately.
Please refer to your RTA, which will explain what fees you as the tenant, will be liable to pay as a result.
Changes of Tenants
Anyone vacating the property is required to provide Raine & Horne Batemans Bay with written notice.
Anyone looking to move into the property must complete a full application and this must be approved by Raine & Horne Batemans Bay prior to moving into the property. Please ensure that you also then contact your Property Manager so that we can arrange for the correct forms to be signed by all parties.
Should permission be granted for tenants to change/transfer during a RTA, the outgoing tenant must liaise and arrange with the incoming tenant to be paid their share of the bond lodged.
Pets
Unless approved upon application, pets of any kind are not permitted in the rental property, including guest pets. If a pet is found at your property, you may be found in breach of your RTA. You will also be required to provide a receipt of an internal and external pet fumigation by a professional pest controller and/or carpets cleaned by a professional carpet cleaner.
Should you consider getting a pet, written permission must be given before obtaining the pet.
Subletting
Please discuss directly with your Property Manager in this case.
Water Charges
If you are in a property that is water compliant, you will be liable to pay for all water usage used during the time of your tenancy. This will be charged to you with a copy of the account from the water provider stating how much water you have used and the cost per kilolitre.
This can be paid to Raine & Horne Batemans Bay by direct deposit into our Trust Account stating your Tenant ID Number and that it is a payment for water, so this is not credited to your ledger as a rental payment or we can direct debit this invoice together with your rental payments.
Please refer to your RTA to determine if you will be liable to pay for water consumption.
Smoke Alarms
Smoke Alarms are put in place for the safety of the occupiers and the property, and must be working at all times. Do not under any circumstances remove smoke alarms or remove the batteries out of smoke alarms in your rental property.
If you think there is a problem with your smoke alarm, please notify your Property Manager immediately.
Misplaced or Lost Key
If you have misplaced your keys during business hours you may come to our office and borrow our office set, upon proof of identity. There is no guarantee we will have a full set of keys for each property so we suggest you call the office first. Any keys taken from the office must be returned the next business day, at the latest.
If you have misplaced your keys after hours, you may call a locksmith to assist you back into the property, this will be at the tenants cost.
Noise/Disruption
It is important to note that the utmost care must be taken to ensure that you do not disturb your neighbours with noise. Loud music, parties or otherwise can disrupt a neighbours right to peace and the quiet enjoyment of their residence.
This also includes your obligation to ensure that your visitors are not disrupting neighbours when walking from your premises to their parked vehicles. A breach may be issued which can lead to eviction if formal complaints are made.