You have been given notice to vacate your rental property - now what?

So, you have been told you have to move out of your home, what do you do now? Here is our comprehensive, step-by-step guide on what to do when given notice to vacate a rental property in Western Australia. The process of ending a tenancy can be a daunting and overwhelming experience, which is why it's crucial to know your rights and responsibilities as a tenant when faced with a vacate notice. In this post, we will cover different notice periods in Western Australia, pre-applying for rental properties, and the important aspects of moving out.

Notice periods in Western Australia

In Western Australia, there are specific notice periods that apply to different lease types:

• Periodical Lease: For a periodical lease, the notice period is 60 days.
• Fixed-term Lease: When vacating a fixed-term lease, the notice period is 30 days.
• Periodical Lease with Unconditional Sale of Property: >If the property you're living in has been sold unconditionally and you have a periodical lease, you should be given a 30-day notice period to vacate.

Notice periods are intended to provide you with enough time to search and prepare for your new home, so it's essential to understand the notice period that applies to your situation.

Pre-Applying for Properties

Before you find yourself with limited time, creating a 2-Apply Profile can make applying for rental properties smoother and more efficient as most Agencies use this system.  . The benefits of using a 2 apply profile include:

• Speedy applications, with your information already filled in for each new property
• Pre-approval for the bond and rent, improving your chances of securing a new home quickly
• Also, ensure that you have enough funds to cover the required bond (equivalent of 4 weeks rent), pet bond (up to $260), and the first two weeks of rent.

Your profile:

Ensuring your profile is as accurate as possible and has as much information as possible is essential. All occupants over the age of 18 will need to create a profile and be on the lease agreement (in most circumstances).

Each applicant will need to upload the following into their profile:

• Identification: 100 points of identification including photographic identification (drivers licence, passport, Medicare card, a bill confirming your current address etc)
• Income: You will need to provide proof of your income such as; your most recent 3 payslips;  bank statements, Centrelink statements, child support statements etc
• Living History: You will need to provide the details of where you are currently residing; and your previous living arrangement.
• Personal References: You will be asked to provide 2 personal references
• Emergency Contact: You will be asked to provide 2 emergency contacts

To help your application stand out from the crowd I would recommend:

• including a cover letter; explaining your situation and a bit about your family
• If you are currently renting upload a copy of your tenancy ledger, and most recent routine inspection
• If you are currently a home owner, uploading a copy of your council rates notice (confirming you are the owner)

Moving out of your home

We recommend coordinating the timelines with your old and new leases so that you can have access to both properties for a weekend or even a week. This will allow you to move your belongings at a comfortable pace and ensure that you fulfill the cleaning requirements for the vacated property.

Specific lease agreements may set conditions for carpet cleaning and flea treatment, especially if you've had pets. Make sure that you understand your lease requirements and comply accordingly.

Lastly, consider hiring a professional cleaner for a vacate clean with a guarantee call back if the property manager or owner is not satisfied with the initial cleaning job. This will help you ensure that the vacated property is left in the best possible condition for the next tenant.

To sum up, understanding the notice period specific to your lease type, pre-applying for rental properties, and being mindful of cleaning requirements are crucial aspects of vacating a rental property in Western Australia. By following this guide, you'll be better prepared when given notice to vacate a rental property, making the transition as seamless and stress-free as possible.

We encourage you to take action and stay informed about your tenant rights and responsibilities when vacating a rental property. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to your property manager or a local real estate agent for further assistance. Good luck with your move!