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 Toowoomba.
This section contains the facts about common issues that may arise during your tenancy, and how you can deal with them when renting;
Paying Your Rent
Paying your rent Under the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Regulation 2009 and the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 , 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 Toowoomba at risk.
At Raine & Horne we offer several ways that you can pay your rent:
- Direct Deposit (Tenant Initiated)
- Deposit directly at Westpac Bank
- Rental Rewards
There may be a charge with some of the above options. We advise you to contact your bank regarding any associated fees.
Rent Arrears
(please ensure the below dot points are the correct process your office has for managing rental arrears. Please edit to reflect your offices process if these are not correct)
You can expect the following from us, should your rent fall into arrears and you have not notified your Raine&Horne Toowoomba Property Manager;
- 1 to 3 days in arrears SMS sent and/or emails reminders
- 4-7 days in arrears SMS/Email/Phone call
- On day 8 in arrears Notice To Remedy Breach (Form 11)
- On day 15 in arrears Notice to Leave (Form 12)
On expiry of the Notice to Leave (Form 12) we will apply to QCAT for vacant possession. Raine&Horne Toowoomba 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 Raine&Horne Toowoomba Property Manager.
Routine Inspections
You will receive sufficient notice prior to the inspection taking place and your Property Manager will contact you to confirm the appointment. 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 and doors are clean and undamaged
- The carpets are clean and stain free
- The windows and screens are clean and undamaged
- The kitchen area is clean and oven/stove top is free of burnt on food and carbon staining
- Shower, Bathroom and Toilet, Laundry and all tiling is clean and undamaged
Outside the Property ( if applicable )
- The lawns are freshly cut/edged and maintained
- Gardens tidy and presentable/weeds removed
- Rubbish/lawn clippings removed
- Oil Stains removed to carports, garages and driveway
Rent Reviews
Raine&Horne Toowoomba will conduct rent reviews annually for the Landlord, which usually occur prior to the expiry of your Tenancy Agreement 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. Where a rental increase is to take place, your Property Manager must provide you with 60 days written notice of a rent increase. You are also to provide your intentions with lease 2 months prior also.
Lease Renewals
Prior to the expiry of your initial lease, your Raine&Horne Toowoomba Property Manager will be in touch to discuss renewing the lease agreement for a further period of time. Provided that your rent has been paid on time, and the property has been kept clean and undamaged, and the landlord is happy to continue your tenancy, we will book a time for all parties to sign a new agreement.
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 Raine&Horne Toowoomba Property Manager in writing immediately. Please refer to your Lease Agreement, which will explain what fees you as the tenant will be liable to pay as a result.
Break Lease fee 1 weeks rent plus GST.
Re-Advertising Fee at cost
Rent up and until a new tenant takes over.
Changes of Tenants
Anyone vacating the property is required to provide Raine&Horne Toowoomba with written notice. Anyone looking to move into the property must complete a full rental application and this must be approved by our office prior to moving into the property. Should permission be granted for tenants to change/transfer during a tenancy agreement, the outgoing tenant must liaise and arrange with the incoming tenant to be paid their share of the bond lodged. Please ensure that you also then contact your Raine&Horne Toowoomba Property Manager so that we can arrange for the correct forms to be signed by all parties.
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 lease agreement and you will be required to provide a receipt of an internal and external flea treatment by Raine&Horne Toowoomba’s preferred pest controller. Should you consider getting a pet, written permission must be given before obtaining the pet.
Sub-Letting
Subletting is not permitted without written approval from us. This includes assigning the tenancy over to a third party, or allowing other occupants to move in without Raine&Horne Toowoomba permission. Permission involves a formal application being completed and submitted by the prospective tenant/occupant.
Water Charges
If you are in a property that is individually metered (or water is delivered by vehicle), and is water efficient you will liable to pay for all water usage used during the time of your tenancy. This will be charged to you with evidence stating how much water you have used and the cost per kilolitre. This can be paid to Raine&Horne Toowoomba by direct deposit into our trust account stating the address of the property 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 Tenancy Agreement 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 if after hours – Safe Home Services on 1200 66 10 25 during work hours - Safe Home Services 1300 20 12 29.
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. If you have misplaced your keys after hours, you may call a locksmith to assist you back into the property at your cost, or if one of the Raine&Horne Toowoomba Property Management team is available and a set of keys is in the office we can provide access at a cost to you as per your lease agreement.
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 quiet within 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 by your Raine& Horne Toowoomba Property Manager which can lead to eviction if formal complaints are made.