TENANT FAQ'S

As a tenant, what documents should I expect to receive before I move into a property?
These include a copy of the tenancy agreement, information about renting, a copy of the bond lodgment form and the condition report, which is to be completed, signed and returned to the agent or owner within the required time frame. You may also receive a receipt for the initial rent amount, lease fees and bond payment, as well as copies of access keys and any remote controls. The property owner or agent may also provide you with emergency contact details for urgent out-of-hours repairs.

What happens when the lease expires?
You will find details of the expiry date in your lease agreement. If this date passes, your lease becomes a 'continuing agreement'. This ensures all parties are bound by the original lease terms. You can also request a lease renewal from the owner or agent. The owner of the property has the right to renew the lease, let arrangements continue under the terms of the original lease or issue the appropriate notice requesting that you vacate the property. It is important for you to discuss whether or not you want to continue living in the property with the owner or agent well before the expiry date of your lease, which allows everyone to make the necessary plans and arrangements.

I want to break my lease, but have another person who wants to take over the property. What do I do?
Any agreed handovers must be done correctly and legally - you and the other person should contact your agent as soon as possible and let them know what you want to do. You should also be aware that your agent or owner has no automatic obligation to agree to your request - the new person must complete an application form, provide references and carry out all the other steps that are necessary for anyone to be approved as a tenant. Any bond refunds are to be carried out internally between the tenants as Crown Property Group Australia will not refund any portions of the bond.

What happens if I need to leave the property before my lease expires?
In this event, you are responsible for all reasonable expenses incurred by the owner or agent to locate a replacement tenant. You would also need to continue paying rent until a new tenant is located and enters into a new lease agreement. You and the agent are both able to actively seek a new tenant - but this individual must complete all normal processes and checks before they are approved.  It is essential that you not leave the property without notifying your owner or agent - this will likely result in the loss of your bond and could also create a bad rental history record, which may make it more difficult for you to rent again in the future.

What happens if the owners of the property I am renting decide to sell?There are a number of different scenarios that can occur if the owner decides to sell - these can depend on the expiry and terms of your lease agreement.  For example, if you are within the term of your lease agreement and the property is sold to another investor, you continue to have your rights to the property as a tenant when the new owner assumes the responsibility as your landlord. If the property is sold to someone who wishes to live there, you will be given notice to vacate - this will usually give you plenty of time to arrange your next property. As an existing tenant, your Crown Property Group Australia agent is perfectly-placed to help you find another rental property that suits your budget and preferences.

How do I arrange any repairs that might be needed?
You need to advise the owner or agent of all requests for maintenance or repairs, preferably in writing. Maintenance forms for this purpose are often provided when you first move into the property. It is essential that you do not attempt to repair things yourself - you have a responsibility to advise the agent or owner of maintenance matters that require attention. Your lease will include provisions for how you should handle repairs or maintenance requests.

What should I do if urgent or emergency repairs are needed at the property?
Generally, emergency repairs are required when the occupants' health and safety - or the property itself - is threatened. You should urgently try to contact your agent or owner and ensure you give them the opportunity to arrange for the emergency repairs, as long as they are completed in the most urgent and expedient manner possible. 

If some of my possessions are destroyed in a fire at my rental property, will my landlord pay for them?As the tenant, it is your responsibility to insure your own personal belongings - the owner is responsible for insuring the fixtures and fittings included in the property at the time of letting, as well as the premises.  If you do not have home contents insurance for your personal belongings, you may need to bear the cost of replacing your possessions.

What are the different ways to pay my rent?
These can include electronic payments, direct debit. Cash payments are not accepted, as this can create a security risk.

What should I do if I am temporarily unable to pay my rent?
It is essential for you to contact your agent, as quickly as possible if there will be a problem with your rent payment. If you fail to pay your rent on time, it is a breach of your Tenancy Agreement. If your rent is 14 days late, the agent can issue you with a Termination Notice for non payment of rent. Ignoring the problem will not make it go away - and you may find that you are able to come to an understanding with the agent or owner if your inability to pay rent is only temporary. Communication is essential in these circumstances and it is important for you to continue to keep the agent informed of your circumstances.

I would like to rent a property, but do not have a job. Will this make it hard for me to rent?
When you rent a property, the major requirement is that you are able to prove you can meet your rent payments and pay the initial bond - this is usually equivalent to four weeks' rent. If you have a considerable amount of savings, this may not be an issue - although you may be at a disadvantage if you cannot show a source of income. If you are receiving assistance from another source - such as Centrelink payments - you should provide verification of this.

In addition to the rent, what other costs are tenants expected to pay?
Bond on the property which is usually equivalent to four weeks' rent. It is also important to budget for the additional costs that can be associated with moving, such as connections and removal charges. Your agent can provide you with any additional information that applies to your particular circumstances.

Who is responsible for paying for water?
Landlords can pass the water consumption charges if:
• the rental premises is individually metered (or water is delivered by vehicle),
• the rental premises is water efficient, and
• the tenancy agreement states the tenant must pay for water consumption.

If the property does not meet the above requirements, the landlord is responsible for paying the water bill.  If water consumption remains unpaid a by the tenant and is in arrears for more than 14 days, a Termination Notice for Non-payment of Charges can be issued to the tenant.

Do I have to maintain the garden?
Yes, the tenant is responsible for yard work (e.g. mowing, edging, and weeding). It is important to note the property must be returned at the end of the lease in the same state you moved into it.

LANDLORD FAQ'S

How do I prepare my property for marketing photos?
A property’s online listing creates the first impression for any potential tenants. It is important to make sure your property well presented, clean and tidy with everything functioning (especially lights) and is highlighting any special features that may interest potential tenants (a pool, fireplace, garden etc). If you have moved out already, we highly recommend staging part or all of your property as this will enhance your marketing photos

Do I need landlord insurance?
Yes, absolutely. Landlord insurance may come in handy to help cover some of the financial risks involved in owning an investment property. For example, while many tenants will pay their rent on time and treat your property as if it were their own, it could be beneficial to insure against the worst-case scenario where a tenant does not pay their rent or causes damage to your property. There is also the risk of unforeseen disasters or events, such as fires and floods, that may damage your property and possessions. If you require recommendations, please speak to your property manager.

Can I decide if pets are allowed or not?
Yes. When you are putting your property on the market you are allowed to decide if pets are allowed or not

How do you search for tenants and choose the successful applicant?
We conduct open homes and inspections to find potentially interested tenants for the property. When a potential tenant then applies, we process their application by doing a thorough check on TICA and contact their rental and employment references.

Do I have a say in who will rent my property?
Yes. Ultimately you have the final say in which tenant moves in.

How and when is the rental income paid to me?
We will deposit your rental income directly into your nominated bank account on the first day of each month and then send you an email with your monthly statement.

Who holds the bond during the tenancy?
All bond money is lodged with the Rental Bonds Online NSW Fair Trading who holds it until the end of a tenancy.

How do you decide the weekly rent price?
Our team will conduct a property appraisal for you and advise a price that they believe is fair and achievable. This price is entirely dependent on the state of the property, it’s location, tenant demand, current and previous markets and also vacancy rates.

Is there a fee for having Crown Property Group Australia pay my council, water and/or strata rates?
No, there is no fee for Crown Property Group Australia organising to pay these services on your behalf.

Can I choose which tradesman is hired to do repairs at my investment property?
You are allowed to choose your own tradespeople to do repairs, however we do have preferred businesses that we use based on quality of work, timeliness and price. It is important to note that we also have preferred emergency tradespeople that will be on the lease agreements for tenants to contact outside of business hours. However where possible, yes you will have the choice of who is hired or if you wish to source your own quotes.

What happens if my tenant wants to vacate?
If tenants wish to vacate at the end of their fixed lease they are required to give two weeks’ notice to the property manager in writing. If the tenants wish to vacate during a periodic lease they are required to give 21 day’s notice in writing.
If this happens, Crown Property Group Australia will immediately advertise your property again and try to find a replacement tenant so that you don’t incur any loss of rental income.
If your tenant advises they wish to break lease, your property manager will be in contact with you to advise a suitable course of action.

What will happen if my tenant falls behind in their rent?
If a tenant fails to pay their rent on time, it is a breach of their tenancy agreement. If the rent is 14 days late, we can provide the tenant with a Termination Notice for non payment of rent.

Do I have to pay for repairs if something is damaged?
The landlord is responsible for ensuring the property is fit to live in and in a good state of repair. If a tenant, or their guest, damages the property, they may have to pay for repairs. In regard to who is responsible for paying for damages, the RTA notes the following as an example:
• Example 1. If a tenant breaks a window by throwing a ball through it, they are responsible and have to pay for repairs.
• Example 2. If a window falls out of the frame, and breaks, due to ageing putty that may be fair wear and tear, the owner may have to pay.

How can I recover money if my tenant leaves without paying all their rent or causes damage to my property?If your tenant doesn’t pay all their rent or damages the property, you will be entitled to make a claim on the tenants bond which is lodged with the Rental Bonds Online. It is best to confirm with the property manager what actions they recommend processing. If the bond does not cover the costs incurred, you can lodge a claim on your landlord insurance or lodge a claim with NCAT – NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.?