Tenant Advice.
Whether you are a seasoned renter or new to the renting process, we have set up a quick guide to help you avoid common renting pitfalls and enjoy a harmonious and lawful relationship with your lessor, property manager or agent. Renting a property in Western Australia is governed by a set of laws called the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 (the Act) and the Residential Tenancies Regulations 1989 (the Regulations). You can download copies of these at www.slp.wa.gov.au .
Searching
The first step in the process of searching for a good property is to identify what your search conditions are. Consider the areas that appeal to you, how much you want to pay, property size, amenities, carports andany facilities you require. Once you have set your criteria you are now ready to begin your search for the property that suits.
Applying
When you find the right property, you will need to complete a Tenancy Application Form and provide copies of identification to the value of 100 points with your application.
Screening process
The application usually is followed by a screening process where the information you provide in your application is checked and corroborated. There will also be personal references and employment checks at this stage.
Paying your bond
The rental bond is requested as financial protection should there be a breach in the lease agreement. Your rental bond will be lodged with the Residential Tenancy Bond Authority. The bond is held as security against any property damage or undue wear and tear. If there is no damage to the property over and above ‘normal wear and tear’ expected during the term of your tenancy, the bond amount will be refunded promptly after you vacate.
The amount of the bond is specified in the lease document. The equivalent of fourweeks rent is common practice plus an additional amount in some cases where pets or furnished properties are involved. If we need to recover costs associated with the end of the lease, for instance unpaid rent, or repairs to damage caused by you, then only the exact costs associated will be claimed, with the remainder returned to you.
Collecting keys and moving in
You can collect the keys to your new home when your application passes the relevant checks and your bond has been received. For maintenance issues and/or emergency access, agents may also retain a duplicate key to your property. Please note that if leased through Diamond Realty and you have miss placed your keys, you can collect them from us during office hours and drop them back within the hour. You will also need to have photo identification upon collection.
When moving in day is around the corner, it’s always best to be prepared. Have a checklist of tasks at hand like organising removalists, notifying relevant institutions like banks etc. of your change in address, redirecting your mail and connecting your utilities when you’ve moved in. At Diamond Realty, we can assist by pointing you to trusted service providers and moving specialists that we have used in the past. We also strongly urge you to insure your personal possessions, against any loss, damage or theft once you move in as they are not covered under the owner’s policies.
Paying Rent
There are different methods of paying rent and your agent should advise of the best method of payment
Inspections & Maintenance
The purpose of inspections is to advise the owner of the condition of their property and how it is being maintained. You will be given the opportunity to advise us of any repairs or maintenance you feel is needed.
Initial Inspection/ property condition report
Upon the commencement of your lease, Diamond Realty will complete an inspection and full condition report. You will be given the opportunity to check this, add to it and return it to us within 14 business days. This report is referred to at the end of the tenancy, it is therefore in your best interest to read through the condition report thoroughly, provide comments to us within the timeframe listed on the condition report, and ensure you retain a copy in a safe place.
Periodic Inspection
Diamond Realty will routinely inspect your rented property, 6 weeks after a new tenancy and every 3 to 6 months thereafter. You will be issued with notice of these inspections
Final Inspection
Final inspections are conducted at the end of the lease term or upon vacating. The final inspection report is closely checked with the condition report completed during the initial inspection to ensure that there has been no damage (beyond normal wear and tear) and that no fixtures have been removed (e.g. light fittings).
Ending the lease
All leasing agreements are legally binding contracts in order to protect the interests of both the lessor and lessee. Once the agreed term has ended you may choose to either extend your contract or vacate the property. If you intend to vacate at the end of your tenancy agreement you are required to give us 30 days’ notice prior to the expiry of your agreement. You cannot by law stop paying rent for the last month assuming any part of the bond as rent. Your bond (or part thereof that is agreed upon) will be refunded to you promptly after the property is fully vacated, an inspection has been carried out and any damage, if any is assessed. A bond refund cannot be applied for until all keys to the property have been returned to us.
Breaking the lease
As this is a legally binding contract, you must notify us immediately of your intention to break the lease. You will be responsible for the payment of the rent until the property is re-let to a suitable tenant and for any costs associated with reletting and advertising the property.