MAKE SURE YOUR RENTAL ROCKS – KNOW THE RULES!
Just because you’re about to rent a house doesn’t mean you’re in for a tough time. Most people rent at some stage of their lives and most of them have a hassle-free time of it. But, as with anything, be sure to know your rights before you sign any contracts, know what your landlord’s expectations and responsibilities are – and it should be plain sailing!.
Investigate the area first
Doing thorough research of the area in which you intend renting is a good starting point. Ask someone who lives in the area to give you the low-down, have a look at public transport, shopping precincts, local sports and community centres, entertainment and traffic patterns, busy roads etc. Try and get a grip on what the average rental property costs in that area by checking out the websites of the local estate agents, on the internet or look in the classified section of the local newspaper.
Be fully prepared before you apply to rent a property
It’s best to be fully prepared before you start looking for accommodation, so that when you find the right property, you’ll be ready to press the button right away (this includes having documentation in hand, proof of identity, proof of employment, references, bank statements etc. By preparing thoroughly, you’ll be ahead of the game.
What can I expect the monthly rental to cover?
Rent is usually paid a month in advance, but some rentals may be fortnightly or even weekly – and not all rentals include electricity, gas, water or other utilities. Always make sure you know what your commitments are – as you don’t want any nasty surprises. Things to remember include water, electricity, gas, rates, communal charges if any, garden maintenance, garden refuse pick-up, wireless broadband and satellite television.
It’s an old piece of advice but a very valuable one, says a leading Carlisle property company in Australia – and that is always to read the fine print and never sign a blank contract. Not all tenancy agreements are the same, so ensure that you are clear on all the details of the contract that are legally binding.
Utilities/bills
In some cases, people will need to set up account payments in their own name – and check whether connection fees are payable. Get copies of meter readings to ensure accuracy of billing.
Maintenance and repairs
Make sure you are happy with your obligations before you sign the contract. Your rights include reporting any maintenance issues, and you have the right to expect things to be fixed or maintained quickly and effectively.
Finalising the contract
Go through all the terms of conditions included in the contract, including length of tenure, notice period, any penalties or obligations regarding early breaking of the lease, property inspections etc. Always keep receipts of any money paid as deposits etc.
If you are renting a furnished property, check the inventory carefully, note any faults or damage and take photographs (and date) them.
Your responsibilities as a tenant
Take out insurance to cover personal contents and check if you are insured for any damage you may accidentally cause the property.
The word from an established letting agent specialising in Victoria Park property, a good agent will bend over backwards for both tenant and the landlord. ”Details like providing a file of essential information and documents, such as instruction manuals for household appliances, safety certificates for gas and electricity, local council contacts, local handymen and maintenance contractors etc are of benefit to both tenant and landlord,” they say.
The tenant’s responsibilities include keeping the property clean, not causing any damage, asking for permission to install any fixtures (including picture hooks) or doing alterations, be a good neighbour and not participating in any illegal activities on the property.
The landlord’s responsibilities
The landlord has to keep the premises well maintained, ensure the property is secure, attend to any complaints or problems timeously and avoid disturbing the tenant unnecessarily.
A good property or rental agent will ensure that the whole process is a pleasure for both the tenant and the landlord!
Tags: property Bentley, real estate Victoria park, rent Bentley, rent Victoria Park
