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Tips for First Time Renters

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    The first-time departure from home? What you should understand is this.

    You've now succeeded in leaving the family nest. Moving out on your own is always a major issue, whether you were forced to do so or had to do so because you had to throw off some restrictions.

    It heralds the start of a brand-new chapter in your life, one in which you'll discover yourself learning a great deal more and going through some profound personal transformations.

    But if you're moving into a rental, there are a few things you should understand about property management to prevent a disastrous crash on your first flight.

    10 things you should know about being a tenant

    1. How leases work

    The most crucial document to comprehend while renting a property is your lease. How long you will be renting the house, how much you will pay each week, and what your responsibilities are are all specified in the legally-binding agreement between you and the landlord.

    Read your lease carefully before signing it since doing so signifies your agreement to everything it contains. If you violate any of its terms, the landlord has the authority to evict you.

    2. What your rights are

    If your name appears on the lease, you have certain rights. For instance, the landlord cannot compel you to pay for things like routine upkeep and repairs.

    Additionally, the landlord is prohibited from bugging you by unexpectedly visiting the property because you have a right to privacy.

    Find out what your tenancy rights are in your state. Different states around the nation may have different laws addressing tenants' rights.

    3. Leaving the property

    You can be given the option to move out or have your lease renewed once it expires. You must give written notice of your intention to vacate the property prior to the end of the lease, often two to three weeks.

    As we all know, life is full of unforeseen events that force you to vacate the premises before the lease expires. Unfortunately, doing so can mean you have to reimburse the landlord for any income lost due to your early eviction. These expenses could include rent while looking for a new tenant, re-letting fees, and advertising expenses.

    It should be obvious that you should leave the house in a tidy, well-kept condition. You must take this action in order to receive your bond returned (see below). Ensure that the "end state" of the property corresponds to how it was when you initially moved in by carefully going through your Entry Condition Report checklist.

    4. Bond

    A rental bond is the sum of money you pay at the beginning of a lease to protect the landlord financially in the event that you break the conditions of the agreement. Basically, it's made so the landlord can keep the bond and use it for repairs and cleaning after you leave if you cause any damage to the property while renting it out.

    A regulating organisation (NSW Fair Trading in NSW) holds the bond money until you get it back at the conclusion of your lease. The maximum bond amount for the majority of homes is equal to four weeks' worth of rent.

    You might not be able to get your bond back if you leave the property dirty at the conclusion of the lease, damaged (other than "reasonable wear and tear"), or owing rent. This is due to the landlord's legal ability to deduct reasonable cleaning and maintenance charges from your bond, highlighting the need to leave the property in good condition.

    5. Paying rent

    The lease should specify how rent payments are to be made. Electronic bank transfers, EFTPOS, credit cards, cash, checks, and deductions from your paycheck are all acceptable methods. You should receive a receipt if you pay with cash.

    After the tenancy has ended, the landlord or property management should keep a record (ledger) of your rent payments for up to a year. You may ask for a copy of this documentation.

    Your landlord typically has the authority to evict you if your rent is more than a certain period of time late (typically 14 days). Rent repayment arrangements can be arranged with your landlord or real estate agent if you are unable to pay past-due rent.

    6. Repairs and maintenance

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    While it is your job as the tenant to keep the property tidy and free from damage, it is the landlord's or the landlord's property manager's duty to keep the property in liveable condition for the renter.

    Your landlord must coordinate and fund repairs when necessary, especially in an emergency. You may be entitled to terminate your tenancy or seek compensation from the landlord if problems that have been reported aren't resolved in a reasonable amount of time.

    You can also see if your contents insurance, commonly known as renter's insurance, would cover the damage or loss of one of your possessions rather than a component of the actual property. If your possessions are lost or damaged due to a fire, flood, storm, malicious damage from others, theft or attempted theft, stray animals, or some accidental glass breakage, a high-quality contents insurance coverage will pay to repair or replace them. On our website, you can contrast your options:

    7. What not to do without permission

    In general, the lease should specify what you can and cannot do without the owners' express consent. Typically, you want your landlord's approval before doing things like maintaining pets or making alterations to the property (e.g. painting walls and doing minor renovations).

    8. The importance of neighbours

    When renting, building a rapport with your neighbours can be very beneficial, especially if you're in a complex or apartment building where the owner oversees several rental units.

    When you get to know your neighbours, they are more inclined to bring up problems (such as excessive noise) with you directly rather than reporting you to the landlord or the police.

    Other ways that neighbours might be useful include offering to pick up your mail or empty your trash cans while you're away. They're also good to have around for the occasional friendly talk. Everyone needs good neighbours, as they say on Ramsay Street.

    9. Housemate etiquette

    In order for everyone to live in harmony, you'll also need to build strong ties with people who dwell in your home. Housemates must create clear guidelines jointly because most of us have heard horror stories about bad roommates.

    Informal agreements regarding how to handle matters like gatherings, having guests over, sharing food, buying, preparing meals, paying bills, maintaining cleanliness, and maintaining privacy should be included in these house rules.

    10. How to manage housemate disputes

    There is still a good probability that, despite regulations and agreements, you will argue with a flatmate at some point. Arguments about expenses, rent, room assignments, tasks, and property damage frequently break out.

    The ability to handle and settle these disputes amicably depends heavily on having frank, calm, and open discussions. You could look for free conflict resolution options, which are provided by most states if disagreements continue.

    You can check to see if your contents insurance covers damage caused by housemates or visitors to your belongings. Every tenant should have good contents insurance to cover the cost of repairing or replacing their possessions in the event of theft, attempted theft, theft, malicious damage, or vandalism by others:

    Moving out of the home checklist

    Perhaps you're still debating moving out. Before applying for a rental and entering the world of renting, you should consider the following:

    Moving Out of Home Checklist
    Location It matters where you reside for a variety of reasons, including cost and accessibility. It might be a smart idea to look at places in slightly less expensive suburbs if you're a recent graduate from high school or college because you probably don't have enough money to live in the best suburb in your city. Despite becoming more affordable, farther-flung suburbs may present transportation challenges. In whatever place you're thinking about as a potential residence, be careful to plan out the transportation choices.
    Type of property What kind of home are you looking for? Depending on what you want and what you can afford, you might live in a tiny one-person apartment or a shared house. Different property types have different benefits and drawbacks. For instance, a house would give you greater living space but cost more in rent and utilities, but an apartment will likely offer you less space but be less expensive (and take up more of your time to keep clean).
    Housemates Choosing to live with housemates or flatmates has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, just like deciding what kind of home you want to live in. Although sharing housing can undoubtedly save your monthly expenses (rent, electricity, etc.), living with strangers can initially be awkward or even unpleasant. Conflicts in personality and values can be severe problems and add unnecessary stress to living away from home. However, housemates can also develop into close friends, making them a viable option.
    Lease length Keep in mind that if you want to relocate and your lease isn't up, you'll pay a substantial charge to break your lease. You could be tempted to sign a longer lease because the rent is cheaper or for another reason. Even if you aren't living there, you can still be required to pay rent for the remainder of the lease, and the landlord might additionally charge you re-letting costs. Consider carefully whose names should be on the lease if you live with roommates. Legal responsibility for the lease rests with the person whose name is on it. It's a good idea to include your housemates' names on the lease if you want to ensure that they will pay their fair part of the rent. But it can be worth it to only have your name on the lease if you believe that one of your housemates might come off as less than ideal on a rental application.
    Money Although it has already been said a few times, moving out is really mostly a financial decision. Do you have a reliable source of income that is sufficient to cover your weekly or biweekly rent, utilities, food, and transportation costs? When you move in, will you have enough cash to buy the things you'll need? It's a good idea to plan your costs, create a budget, and ensure your financial stability before you move out. Put some thought into your first try if you don't want to belong to the "Boomerang Generation"—children who leave home and then return.
    Moving costs Will you enlist the aid of friends and family members or will you hire professional movers? After moving, will you bring furniture with you or will you purchase new furniture? Think about moving in gradually and only bringing the necessary necessities at first; this will make your initial move lot more comfortable and less stressful.
    Insurance You'll need insurance, but it's not required, so getting contents insurance is a good idea. This can protect your possessions from theft, attempted theft, fire, flood, and other losses or damages. Additionally, find out if your parents' health insurance will continue cover you once you move out of their home. Don't forget to consider car insurance for your vehicle while you're at it. Finally, take into account if you could require life insurance.
    Mail Until you've registered your change of address everywhere, would you set up a mail redirect and have your mail sent to your new location, or will you allow it continue to go to your parent's house and pick it up from them?
    Luxuries Do you intend to pay for wifi if it isn't available in your new home? What about Foxtel, Netflix, or any other kind of subscription TV service? There's always YouTube, so you might not miss having a paid TV service, but it's quite likely that you'll find it difficult to live without an internet connection at home.The simple guide for first-time renters

    You're moving out for the first time, but you don't have enough money for a place of your own? Many Australians find it difficult to afford home ownership, which is why more and more would-be homeowners are opting to rental housing.

    The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that in 2017–18, practically all Australian households rented their residence.

    If you're a first-time renter, you should be aware of a few things to make your life simpler, such as how to:

    • prepare your rental application
    • choose the right property
    • end leases
    • get your all-important bond back when you vacate a property
    • take out renters insurance to protect your possessions against damage or theft (your landlord only insures the house itself, not your belongings).

    Here is our beginner's guide to renting, so you can confidently begin this fascinating new chapter.

    Checklist for new renters

    Before you move into your new home, there are a few things that are very important for you to think about. Our checklist for first-time renters provides information on how to properly fill out a rental application, select the ideal rental, negotiate (or renegotiate) a lease, understand property condition reports, and relocate into or out of a rental home.

    Getting your application ready

    Depending on the neighbourhood in which you want to live and the type of home you are looking for, the rental market can be a very competitive environment. If you're looking for a rental home and want to increase your chances of getting one, submitting an application that stands out from the crowd can make all the difference.

    Consider putting a tick next to as many of the following recommendations as you possibly can in order to strengthen your application for the rental unit.

    • Ask a few queries by calling the agent. Be kind and approachable; work to make a good impression on the agent to distinguish yourself from the competitors.
    • Before you view the property, get your application ready. It is in your best interest to have your application finished and ready to send in if the property you are interested in is considered to be "perfect" for you. Popular properties will be picked up swiftly.
    • Write the landlord a note. The fact that you are willing to put in the effort demonstrates that you are a responsible individual who could be a renter in the future. Please provide a description of their property and explain why your family and you would be a good fit for it. You might want to include the fact that you have a stable salary, that you don't smoke, that you don't have any pets, or anything else that would make you more acceptable to landlords in the event that they decide to rent to you.
    • Present your application together with copies of your various forms of ID to save the agent's time. It's possible that both sides of your driver's licence, Medicare card, and passport fall into this group. You have saved them the pain of having to manufacture duplicates, even though it is possible that they will wish to view the originals. Keep previous copies of your utility bills on hand in the event that they request to see them.
    • You'll probably need to give proof of income, so be ready with it. This paperwork can take the form of a paystub, a tax certificate for the end of the year, or a bank statement. Keep copies of these documents on hand so that you can attach them when you apply for rental housing.
    • Improve your references; If you do so, it could help you maintain your lead over the other competitors. If you have previously rented an apartment, you can get letters of recommendation from the landlords or real estate agents that you have dealt with. Be selective about who you choose to serve as references for you because a poor reference might bring down an otherwise strong application.
    • Be ready financially. In the event that your application is accepted, you will need to be prepared to pay the security deposit together with the first month's rent.
    • Give your dogs biographies. If you have pets and want to demonstrate that you are a responsible pet owner who takes good care of both your pet and your home, writing pet biographies is a great way to do it. Include information on your pet's behaviour, the methods you used to train them, any vaccinations they've received, and how often they visit the veterinarian to reassure landlords who may be hesitant to rent to pet owners.
    • Be presentable. It's important to make a good first impression. If you present yourself well, both physically and verbally, you will increase the likelihood that you will be successful in acquiring the property that you desire.

    Selecting a home

    You will be better able to select the right rental home if you first ask yourself a number of questions regarding the requirements that you have in terms of your budget and your way of life.

    • How much rent can you actually afford to pay? You should establish a limit for yourself and stick to it, even if it means missing out on the chance to buy the house of your dreams because of it. You should avoid entering into a contract that will leave you unable to pay your bills.
    • What kind of home—what kind of living arrangement—a house, an apartment, or a unit—would you prefer? You have the option of choosing the convenience of apartment living, the ownership of a home complete with a backyard, or the willingness to share with your neighbours (even with potential strata fees to consider).
      What is the minimum number of bedrooms and bathrooms required? If you have a spare bedroom, you may be able to offer lodging to extended family members or friends, or you may be able to find another roommate to split the costs with. It's possible that having to share a restroom will be a deal-breaker for some folks.
    • Are you looking for a room in a shared house, a rental property to rent on your own, or a place to rent with a partner? If you rent a place by yourself, you will have a great deal more independence, but the rent will be more. If you want to cut down on your monthly rent expenses, it might be a good idea to share an apartment with roommates or a potential partner.
      Do you need a spot in the parking lot for your vehicle? When renting a car, it is imperative that you check to see if it comes with a parking spot or that you are able to find a secure position in the immediate area.
    • Do you prefer a home with a yard or an area outside that requires less upkeep? If you either do not have the time to tend to your garden or abhor the idea of doing so, it may be in your best interest to choose a location that requires little in the way of maintenance.
    • Is the property close to transportation hubs? It's possible that living close to a train or bus line will make your life easier and encourage you to drive less.
      Does the property offer any kind of accommodations for animal companions? If you have a dog that requires a large fenced-in yard, there is no point in looking at locations that do not allow pets of any kind if the property in question does not allow dogs.
    • Is the property close to neighbourhood stores, schools, and other facilities? It can be useful to be able to dash to the store when you run out of something or to take children on short walks to the park or their school.
    • Would you rather live in an urban area among dining options and nightlife, or on a peaceful suburban street? Consider whether you'd like inner-city living with everything you need at your doorstep or calm nights with fewer traffic.
    • How far are you prepared to go to work? Create a map of the route to work that would be taken by your prospective home, and then calculate how much additional time both the route and the traffic will add to your daily routine.

    After giving each of these considerations some thought, an excellent first step would be to use the internet to look for homes or other real estate that are suitable for your needs. Get in touch with real estate agents who specialise in the area in which you want to live so they can assist you in finding the perfect home in that area.

    Because rental houses change hands so frequently, there are just a few crucial agents that can assist you in locating the appropriate rental property before it is listed either online or in the local newspaper.

    multiple-houses

    Dealing with negotiations (and renegotiation)

    It is possible that the price that is published for a rental property is subject to some degree of negotiation. However, this will be determined by the market and the level of interest in the property.

    You should be able to establish whether a house will be well-liked by other renters by researching the rental market in the neighbourhood that you are most interested in renting in. If there will be a lot of competition, it is quite doubtful that the rent would be able to be negotiated down to a lower sum.

    On the other hand, you and the landlord might be able to reach a compromise on more than just the weekly rent.

    • Lease term: The terms of the lease can often be changed. The stability that a 12-month lease provides is more appealing to certain landlords, while others favour the flexibility that a six-month lease provides. If you are looking for a rental home that you can keep for an extended period of time, you may be able to negotiate lease terms that are longer than one year. If a long-term lease is what you need, talk to the agent first before suggesting longer periods (like 24 months) at a somewhat cheaper rate. This might be appealing to some landlords. If a long-term lease is what you need, chat to the agency.
    • Condition of the property: Landlords are looking for reliable tenants who will pay their rent on time and take care of the property while they are renting it out. If you are a solid candidate, you might be able to negotiate lease incentives that involve upgrades to the property's condition, such as a new oven or a fresh coat of paint, if the landlord is interested in renting to you.
    • Terms of the rent negotiation: As part of the application process, you may be able to negotiate the terms of a rent increase, even though there may not be a lot of wiggle room on the initial rent amount. In the future, you may be able to negotiate rent reductions if you continue to be a model tenant and provide the landlord something in return, such as a long-term lease renewal.
      Amenities included with the property: Make an enquiry with the real estate agent about the possibilities of adding extras to the rental agreement, such as upkeep for the garden or yard.

    Putting your property condition report together

    In a property condition report, both the overarching state of the property and the condition of individual things contained within the property, such as any furniture or other furnishings and any white appliances that may be included, are detailed. When you first move into your rental space, making the effort to be precise might have long-term rewards for you.

    • Carry out a careful examination. You are obligated to inform the agent of any discrepancies that may exist between the observations that you made and the property condition report (such as a cracked tile in the master bathroom or a stain on the carpet in the living room). Take pictures of everything before you move in. Do this far in advance.
    • Make it a point to get an updated copy of the report on the property's condition. At the end of your tenancy, this information will be taken into consideration before a decision is made about the repayment of your security deposit.

    Getting ready to move in

    After you have completed the final steps of the lease on your new rental property, it is time to move in. But just because you located the perfect rental property doesn't mean that everything is going to work out just fine. The owner continues to be the legitimate owner of the property, and they are the ones who will be responsible for ensuring that it is well-maintained.

    Here are some things you can do to make the process of moving into your new home go more smoothly.

    • Organise your possessions. When you move into a new home is the ideal time to conduct a thorough inventory of your belongings and create a home contents inventory for the new place. The creation of an inventory is essential to the process of protecting your belongings in the event that some of your property is lost, stolen, or otherwise compromised. When transporting your furniture and other belongings inside the house, exercise extreme caution so that you do not harm the floors or the walls.
    • Defend your belongings. It is important to keep in mind that the rental agreement does not cover your valuables (i.e. your belongings). If you want to make sure that your belongings are protected, you have to get contents insurance (such as furniture, clothing, electronics, and jewellery). If you did not have insurance, you would be responsible for paying for the replacement of your belongings out of your own personal funds. Take into account the value of your belongings, including your apparel, jewellery, and appliances.
    • Become inspection-ready. As a tenant, it is important to keep in mind that you may be required to undergo routine property inspections. The timetable for inspections varies from one state to the next. The first three to four months of a new tenancy, in addition to every three to four months thereafter, are frequently marked by inspections. Maintain a neat and spotless home at all times, but especially right before a visit from the inspector.
    • Verify your inspection notice period. Rental property managers are required to provide renters sufficient notice of an imminent inspection, which is typically seven days in advance. Inquire with your real estate agent about the frequency with which inspections are carried out. It is also essential to confirm the specific notice requirements with your local tenant advocacy and support agency in order to gain access to the property for reasons that are not related to inspections (urgent repairs, prospective buyer tours, etc.).

    Leaving the premises

    When you are ready to move on to another piece of real estate, there are a few things you should do to guarantee that you can part ways with the existing owner in a friendly manner.

    • Give adequate notice. No matter the cause for your departure, the person that initiated the process is the one who is expected to give notice. The length of the notice period varies not only according to the reason for vacating a property but also according to the state and territory in which the property is located. Find out which notice requirements pertain to your situation by contacting the tenancy authority in your area. You are required to give a written notice, which must include the date of the notice, the date on which you will vacate the property, and an explanation of the reasons for your departure.
    • Get your property ready for transfer. Once you have received notice, you are responsible for taking the necessary steps to ensure that the property is ready by the date that has been set. You are obligated to return the property to the agent or landlord in the same condition that it was in when you first received it. Remember that you may not be held responsible for damage caused by regular wear and tear, but you are required to leave the property in a sufficient state of cleanliness and to repair any damage you may have caused.
    • Plan the "bond" cleaning at the conclusion of the lease. The condition in which you leave the property will have a direct bearing on the amount of money that can be recovered from the bond. If you are able to do so, shell out some cash to have an end-of-lease clean completed by a professional cleaning service. Check that the yard or garden, if there is one, is as neat and orderly as the rest of the property. Ask the real estate agent if they know of any bond cleaning firms that come highly recommended in the area.
    • Attend the lease inspection at the end. If it is at all possible for you to do so, you should attend the end-of-lease inspection. The real estate agent is going to compare the property to the initial property condition report as well as any revisions that were made to the report while the tenant was living there. If everything goes according to plan, your bond should be returned to you without any issues. However, if there are any disagreements, you can petition to have them settled by the tenancy tribunal in your state or territory. If everything goes according to plan, your bond should be returned to you without any issues.

    Where to find assistance

    Because navigating the rental market can be challenging, it is important to preserve careful documentation throughout the duration of your lease in case any concerns arise in the future.

    It is possible to identify a number of organisations and websites that offer tenant advice that is specific to states and territories. These organisations and websites can assist tenants with a variety of issues, including the following:

    • tenants' obligations;
    • rights to privacy; and
    • resolution of disputes.
    It is important to include:
    1. Rental history.
    2. Current or previous employment.
    3. Parental guarantee letters if you are a student receiving money from your parents.
    4. Information on pets if you have them.
    5. Info on who will be renting with you and how many months you would like to lease the property.
    6. Any references that are valid.
    Bring the following information to your meeting with the landlord or property manager so you can fill out your application on the spot:
    1. References. Have a written list of at least three references. ...
    2. Past rental or residence information. ...
    3. Proof of ability to pay. ...
    4. Financial information. ...
    5. Pet data. ...
    6. Liquid funds.
    To ensure you get the rental property you want, here are our top tips for creating a great first impression with your landlord or letting agency.
    1. Be Realistic About Budgets. ...
    2. Turn Up on Time To Property Viewings. ...
    3. Present Yourself Well. ...
    4. Have Your Documentation Ready. ...
    5. Don't Be Afraid to Ask Your Landlord Questions.
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