RENTING A HOME

A quick guide for TENANTS

Ray White Erskineville I Alexandria I Surry Hills

Whether it’s your first time renting, or you’re a seasoned tenant, Ray White Erskineville | Alexandria | Surry Hills is here to make your experience a happy one. With unmatched presence across Sydney’s Inner City and Inner West, we’ll help you find the best rental home for your budget and needs.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT RENTAL PROPERTY

Before you start your search for a rental property, ask yourself these questions and make a note of your wish list to help keep your search on the right track.

I What type of neighbourhood do you want? What amenities do you need nearby or within walking distance such as schools, shopping centres and public transport? Spend some time in the suburbs you’re considering and investigate surrounding suburbs too.

I Carefully consider the amount of bedrooms, bathrooms and living spaces you need.

I Set your rental budget and enquire about a property’s outgoings within your responsibility.

I Consider your parking requirements and make sure you find out about parking arrangements for your chosen property. Is an empty garage included in the lease, or will you need a permit to park on the street?

I Are you taking pets with you? Check whether your prospective landlord allows pets. In some cases, certain pets can be individually negotiated within agreed parameters.

I If you’re choosing a property with a garden, or outdoor space with plants, confirm who is responsible for garden and/or plant maintenance.

I Consider the furniture and personal items you’ll be bringing into your rental home and whether it will fit into your chosen property’s decor.

I View the properties at different times of the day so that you’re aware of natural lighting. Find out about heating/air conditioning and make sure it meets your needs.

I Importantly, always ensure your chosen property is in a suitable condition before signing the lease.

THE RENTAL PROCESS

STAND OUT FROM OTHER APPLICANTSIt’s likely that you will not be the only prospective tenant, so it’s important to stand out from the crowd. Make an impression by showing up at an inspection promptly and well presented, and take the time to connect with the property manager. Remember, you have to prove to the property manager that you’re the right tenant for the property.

GATHER ALL YOUR APPLICATION INFORMATION EARLYShow property managers that you’re prepared and serious by having all application information easily to hand. Download lease application forms in advance and use them to guide you. Gather your work history, previous places of residence and scan requested references and bank statements as required.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR TENANCY AGREEMENTCongratulations! With your application approved, you now need to sign a ‘lease’, or Residential Tenancy Agreement. This legal agreement includes all the information relating to your lease such as the property address, agreed rent, bond amount, tenancy dates, notice periods, inclusions, responsibilities of each party and so on. Never sign a blank document, and seek advice if you don’t understand something.

INGOING CONDITION REPORTOnce you’ve signed the Tenancy Agreement and paid your bond, you’ll be given an Ingoing Condition Report. Check this report carefully and immediately as it records the property’s condition. Let the property manager know if there are any discrepancies.

WE’RE HERE TO HELP!

With over 900 property managements in our Ray White Erskineville | Alexandria | Surry Hills portfolio, we have extensive experience in property matching. We’re here to make this a worry-free and happy experience, so please do get in touch if you need our advice or help.

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RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Both tenants and their landlords have rights and responsibilities and you should always be aware of your obligations before renting a property. Each Australian state has its regulations regarding lease/tenancy agreements. Visit your particular state or territory’s Fair Trading or Consumer Affairs websites for more information on our rights and obligations.

A brief summary of your obligations as a tenant

I Pay your rent on time

I Care for the property and keep it clean

I Avoid damaging the property and report the need for any repairs or maintenance

I Seek permission from the landlord before making any alterations

I Don’t use the property for any illegal activities

I Don’t remove or change any of the security locks without your landlord’s permission

I Respect the privacy of your neighbours and don’t be a nuisance

I Provide the landlord with correct written notice when vacating.

A brief summary of your landlord’s obligations

I Guarantee the property’s structure and exterior are fit to live in and in good repair

I Ensure doors have adequate locks and windows are secure

I Ensure services such as gas, electricity and heating are working

I If there are landlord-owned appliances, the landlord must safely maintain them

I Deal with issues that may affect health such as rising damp.

I Importantly, always ensure your chosen property is in a suitable condition before signing the lease.

raywhiteerskineville.com I 8644 8888 I 77-79 Erskineville Road, Erskineville

Erskineville I Newtown I Surry Hills I Alexandria I Enmore I Chippendale I Darlington I Dulwich Hill I Stanmore I Petersham I Lewisham I Camperdown