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Sep 26, 2023
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!
Sep 25, 2023
The Reality of Rental Affordability in Western Australia: A Closer Look
Rental affordability in Western Australia has always been a critical topic, but never more so than in the current economic climate. The narrative spun by statistical data often presents a different story from the one tenants and property managers encounter in real life. It's time we took a deeper dive into this apparent disparity. The real estate institute of Western Australia, reiwa.com, paints an intriguing picture. They suggest that the proportion of family income required for median rent payments stands at 22%. While this seems to suggest a healthy rental environment, our real-life observations in the field often tell us a different story. From our boots-on-the-ground perspective, the actual proportion of income spent on rent often leans heavier towards 40-45%. The gap between reported statistics and reality becomes increasingly evident when we consider individual circumstances. For example, sole tenants or single-income households often bear a significantly heavier rental burden. The traditionally accepted belief has always been that income spent on rent should ideally hover below 30%. However, given the current economic landscape and increasing rental prices in Western Australia, this might be a mindset primed for reconsideration. It is crucial we begin to understand and discuss why these figures might no longer align with financial realities for many renters. While the proportion of income to rent contributes to rental affordability, it's not the whole story. Rental payment history showcases a tenant's ability to budget and prioritize necessary expenses, which could serve as a more reliable indicator of future rental payments. In sum, the gap between reported statistics and the reality of rental affordability in Western Australia is significant. It's time for a mindset shift when evaluating what qualifies as 'affordable'. Most importantly, we need to stress the importance of evaluating individual circumstances, especially a strong rental history, over generalised affordability ratios. The rental market is complex, and our understanding and assessment of affordability should reflect that. We need to factor in the economic realities faced by tenants and property owners alike to pave the way for a more realistic, fair, and effective rental market. Read REIWA's full article by clicking here.
Sep 22, 2023
Unveiling the Benefits of Pre-Applying for a Rental Property
House hunting, particularly for rentals, can often be competitive, stressful and time-consuming. But what if there was something you could do to get a step ahead of the competition? An action that could save you from the frantic rush to apply once you've found a property you love? The answer lies in pre-applying for a rent. As the term suggests, pre-application involves submitting your application to potential landlords or property managers even before you have found the right rental property. This proactive approach offers numerous benefits, and in this blog post, we dive deeper into the main advantages and how they can significantly improve your rental experience. 1. Faster Approval Process When you pre-apply, you have the added benefit of time on your side. You can gather all the necessary documents at your own pace, without the pressure of needing to submit your application urgently. This also gives property managers the opportunity to review your application and respond sooner. 2. Stand Out from the Crowd In competitive rental markets, properties disappear in a flash. In such scenarios, potential landlords appreciate pre-applications because it highlights serious renters who are not just browsing around but are ready to commit. This significant leap of faith can consequently give you a competitive edge over other applicants. 3. Streamlines Your Property Search When you pre-apply, you decide on your budget, preferred location, type of property, and conditions beforehand. This pre-qualification process enables you to streamline your search, making it more efficient by focusing only on properties that match your criteria. 4. Peace of Mind Searching for a place to live often comes with its share of stress. However, with a pre-application, tenants enjoy ongoing peace of mind. With most of the paperwork out of the way, you can concentrate on other important aspects of the move, like finding moving services or planning the interiors of your new home. 5. Better Chances of Securing Your Desired Property Pre-applying may increase your chances of getting your dream rental property. Since the property owner or agent already has your information, they can quickly approve your application if you express interest in a particular property, reducing the likelihood of another applicant beating you to it. In conclusion, pre-applying for a rental property does require an upfront investment of time and effort, but the benefits it offers are incredibly rewarding. While you're getting your paperwork organised, you're also standing out as a well-prepared and serious applicant. The key here is clarity – when you are clear about your needs and expectations, you can find your perfect home even amidst fierce competition. So, why not get a jump start and pre-apply? The benefits are certainly worth it. Remember, every extra day spent preparing at the beginning of your rental journey could potentially save you from the disappointment of missing out on your dream home. Stay tuned to Aqwasun's blog for more tips and tricks to streamline your rental journey. Happy house hunting! Alicia McCulloch Asset Management
Apr 17, 2023
What happens when a tenant damages your property when they move out?
The day is here — your tenants are moving out, new tenants are secured, and your property manager is getting ready to do the exit inspection and release the tenant’s bond payment. Everything’s going smoothly until your tenant damages the property as they’re moving out. Unfortunately, accidents like this happen. Bulky furniture must make its way down narrow hallways, and front doors become a tight squeeze. If your property manager has maintained open communication with the tenants, making repairs is relatively straightforward. Keep reading to learn what to do if your tenant damages your property when they move out. Make sure damage is documented in writing The exit condition report should note any property damage (outside fair wear and tear) in writing. This provides documentation to make it clear that the tenant caused the damage. Further, your property manager should also call the tenants to discuss the damage if the tenant didn’t get on the front foot and report it. After the call, sending an email summarising what was discussed, and the next steps is essential. The objective here is not only having thorough documentation, but if the matter can’t be settled directly with the tenant and ends up at at the Magistrates Court, it provides evidence to support your claim. Organise repair quotes and choose a tradesperson Your property manager should liaise with the tenant to discuss the damage and how it will be repaired. At this point, the tenant may opt to organise their own quotes and repair works. Payment for this option will often come out of the tenant’s own pocket. Alternatively, your property manager can make all the arrangements, and the payment can be deducted from the tenant’s bond, provided this complies with the Residential Tenancies Act. Inspect the repairs Once the repairs are complete, your property manager should inspect the work to ensure it’s completed thoroughly and won’t cause any other subsequent problems at the property. Again, documentation is key. Your property manager should take photos of the repairs, make notes in the exit condition report that the repairs were completed, and notify the tenant in writing that the damage is repaired and the matter is settled. Of course, as the landlord, you have a right to inspect the property and make sure the repairs are up to your standards. Accidents are a normal part of life, but it doesn’t make the prospect of damage to your property any less frustrating. Your property manager should always keep communication open with your tenants, especially at the end of the lease. If any damage occurs, the most important things to do are document what happened in writing, organise repair quotes, choose a tradesperson, and inspect the completed work to ensure it’s of a high standard. In most cases, tenants take good care of a property, and any damage caused upon moving out can be resolved with clear communication and payment from the tenant.
Jun 15, 2018
Moving House Checklist and Handy Tips
Whether you’re moving to the next suburb or another state, the daunting process of moving house can be streamlined by using a detailed moving house checklist and timeline. There are a few things that most people tend to leave until the last minute that should really be done well in advance of moving house. We’ve put together a handy moving into a new house checklist: One Month until moving day. Start a file for moving documents. Book removalist. Research insurance. Create a floor plan for the new property and plan the placement of furniture. Assess current furniture and arrange to sell items not required at the new place. Plan packing. Discuss needs with removalist. Organise delivery of boxes. Organise moving supplies, such as tape, labels, markers etc. Check the garden, garage, shed and under the house for items to be packed, thrown away etc. Hold a garage sale or speak to removalist about getting rid of unwanted items. Use up all frozen food, unless moving locally. Dispose of garden chemicals, paints, fuel and other flammable items, as suggested by the supplier. If a ‘DIY’ move, start packing. Label every carton and identify by room and keep a separate list of contents. Notify family, friends and businesses of change of address. If any furniture needs to be dismantled before the move, begin to do it during this period. Put all bolts and screws and other small attachments into a small self-sealing bag and tape to the base of the item or label clearly and put all in one box. Arrange telephone, electricity, gas and water supplies for the new property. If moving a boat or trailer, ensure all items inside are secured. One Week until moving day. Arrange mail redirection. Cancel and re-arrange newspapers and any other deliveries. Make a list of things to do on moving day. Remove batteries from battery-powered items going into storage. If taking any light fittings, arrange with an electrician for disconnection. Check cut-off or final reading dates for electricity, water, phone and gas. Just before moving day. Pack luggage or items needed immediately after moving. Do the laundry; fold, and pack. Dispose of remaining chemicals, flammables and garbage. Do not tip poisons down the drain. Ensure all jars, bottles and cans containing non-flammable liquids are tightly sealed and packed in waterproof containers or plastic bags. If keeping blinds or curtains, take these down now and pack. Finish packing. Ensure all items are on inventory and each box is numbered and matches inventory. Be ready for professional packers to arrive. This is normally done the day before the move. Defrost and clean out fridge and freezer. Check with the manufacturer if the fridge motor needs to be specially secured. Dispose of food that is open or will go off soon. Wash and dry all dishes ready for packing. Clean out the medicine cabinet and dispose of unwanted drugs. Check all drawers and remove items that are heavy, breakable or hold liquid. Prepare washing machine according to manufacturers’ directions. Leave forwarding address and contact number for new owners. Moving day. Ensure removalist knows where parking is available at the new property. Walk around the house with the removalist, explaining what needs to be done and what will be needed first, so they can pack these items last. Ensure pets are confined and keep children out of removalists’ way. Collect all house keys. Make a final check of all cupboards, cabinets and storage areas to make sure nothing has been left behind. Make a final check in all sheds and the garden area. Before the removalist leaves, walk around and check all areas. Turn off the power to the house, tighten all taps and make sure gas and all electrical switches are off. Lock all doors and windows.