Renting Tips

As a premier rental agency on the Central Coast, we like to help our tenants in any way we can. Below are some tips for tenants that are helpful both before you move in and when you’re leaving a rental property.

Read the fine print

Always read the fine print of a rental agreement and don’t be scared to ask questions. Many clauses in rental agreements are there to protect the tenant, landlord, and agent. Set aside at least 30 minutes for the lease signing and be sure to leave the appointment with all your questions answered and your lease term obligations understood.

What should I do if a problem arises or I accidentally cause some damage?

If you notice a problem, you should let us know immediately. Never hesitate to ask for repairs, as it’s also in the landlord’s best interest to stay on top of maintenance, as minor problems can sometimes develop into costly nightmares when they’re not dealt with promptly.

How to get your bond back

Simply put, tenants are expected to leave the property in a reasonably clean condition to get their bond back. Obviously, this will mean different things to different people, but a good rule of thumb is to leave the property in the same condition as when you moved in (less general wear and tear).

The leeway that you’re given in terms of ‘wear and tear’ will depend on how long you’ve lived in the property and the condition of it when you moved in. We suggest using your condition report as a reference point (remember the form you filled out where you went through every room in the house or flat?).

Ask for a checklist from the Property Manager

It’s helpful for tenants to obtain a checklist from their property manager so that they know exactly what they are expected to do when they vacate.

What kind of things might stop a tenant from getting their bond back?

Leaving the property dirtier than when you moved in or with visible damage is the kind of thing that does not fall under wear and tear. (For example a carpet stain or a hole in the wall which was not there when you moved in.)

Consider hiring a professional cleaner

Of course, hiring a cleaner will cost you money, but look for one that specialises in cleaning rental properties as they know what standard the property manager expects.

Here’s a tip; move your things out first and give the place a basic once over. The cleaner can then come in and steam clean carpets and give the place the final professional sheen. This could cut your costs by up to 60%
If a tenant vacates and leaves the place in a filthy state, the cleaner will take a lot longer going over things like power points, light fixtures, blinds, door jams, etc.