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Tenant Information

Research

Do your research before making any decision! Research the area you are interested in and the type of home you want to rent. The internet is a great starting point – look at the rent and quality of homes available in your preferred area. The home you choose needs to suit your budget and your day-to-day needs.

Property Viewings

Viewing the property will be by way of private appointment or ‘home open’ – depending on whether it is currently tenanted or not. Contact the Property Manager for details.

Making a Tenancy Application

Once you have found the perfect home, it’s time to make a tenancy application. Speak to the Property Manager and ask if there are other applications. You can download a tenancy application form from Abode’s website, or ask the Property Manager for one during your viewing.

When filling out the tenancy application form it is important to complete all sections and also provide the following:

  • 100 points of identification

    (photocopy of passport/driver’s license/student card etc).

  • References

    previous rental history and employment referees.

Your tenancy application is then evaluated, all references are checked and our recommendation is presented to the landlord.

Signing Your Lease

Congratulations! Your application was successful and it’s time to sign the Lease. Our Property Manager will arrange a time to meet with you to discuss all aspects of the lease agreement. It is our job to fully explain to you all clauses of the lease and outline your obligations as tenant. Make sure that you ask any questions before signing the Lease. The Lease is also called a Residential Tenancy Agreement. Your obligations as a Tenant are fully set out in your Lease and in the Residential Tenancies Act (WA). It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all the terms and conditions set out in your Lease.

Costs Involved

When you sign your Lease all associated costs must be paid at this time. These costs include:

  • The Security Bond – this is equal to 4 weeks rent.
  • A Pet Bond of $260 if applicable.

You will be provided with a signed copy of the Lease. This is an important document and should be kept in a safe place

Property Condition Report

A Property Condition Report (PCR) will be given to you at the time you sign the Lease or shortly after moving into the property. You then have 7 days to check the PCR, make any comments or amendments and return it to our office. If you don’t return the PCR in this time, or if you return it unaltered, the original PCR is considered to reflect the true condition of the property. At the end of your lease, the PCR is used as a comparison of the property’s condition and the basis for which any bond is refunded.

Moving In

  • Update your contents insurance.
  • Notify relevant authorities of your change of address.
  • Organise your electricity, gas, phone and internet.
  • Book removalists.
  • Check and return the signed PCR within 7 days of receipt.

Paying Rent

Rent must always be paid in advance and in accordance with the terms set out in your Lease. There are several options for making rental payments and your Property Manager will advise you of these alternatives when you sign your Lease.

If your rent is more than one day overdue by law a Breach Notice may be issued against you. If the breach is not remedied as required, a Termination Notice will then issue requiring that the property be vacate

Routine Inspections

Your Property Manager will conduct a routine inspection of your property about 6 weeks after the start of your tenancy. After this, inspections are then carried out once every 3 months. You will be given at least 7days written notice of the date of inspection. You are entitled to be present at inspections if you wish. The purpose of inspecting the property is to check that it is being looked after properly and report any maintenance and repair needs to the landlord.

Repairs and Maintenance

At law, any repairs or maintenance items requiring attention must be reported by you to your Property Manager within 72 hours. Your Property Manager will attend to any maintenance as soon as possible after consulting with the landlord. You will contacted by your Property Manager or our tradespeople before attending the property.

Notice to Vacate

  • Fixed term lease

    Whilst a fixed term lease has an expiry date for the tenancy to come to an end, for the lease to end as per the expiry date one party needs to provide notice to the other of no less than 30 days. If you know you are wanting to vacate at the end of your lease, you will need to contact your Property Manager with a minimum of 30 days notice in order for the lease to come to an end.

  • Periodic lease

    You must give us 21 days written notice if you intend to terminate your periodic lease for no cause.

  • Break lease

    If you need to vacate the property before the end of your fixed term, then you will incur the costs detailed in your Lease for breaking the lease. These costs include:

    • All rent until new tenants are found or the Lease term expires.
    • The cost of the final inspection report.
    • Advertising costs to find another tenant.
    • Upkeep of the property (eg lawn mowing) until relet or the Lease term expires.
    • Leasing fees incurred by the landlord as a result of the breach.

Final Inspection

Once all the keys have been returned at the end of the tenancy, a final inspection (or bond inspection) is conducted. The PCR compiled at the start of the tenancy is used as a comparison of the condition of the property. Bond money will be held for:

  • Outstanding rent.
  • Damage by the tenant.
  • Water use and electricity if applicable.
  • Other expenditure for cleaning/gardening required to bring the property back to the comparable condition at the start of the tenancy (fair wear and tear considered).
Useful Links

reiwa.com.au - REIWA is the peak body for the real estate industry in WA and represents the interests of members and the consumers who use REIWA agents in property transactions. The REIWA website provides a host of information including market reports and suburb profiles and well as a property search feature.

realestate.com.au - This is considered one of the most popular real estate search engines in Australia. They also provide neutral third party information for landlords and tenants.

rent.com.au - This is a website with a 'properties for rent' search engine. It also provides information for both landlords and tenants.

Renting a Home in Western Australia: A Tenants Guide” - Department of Commerce (WA) - This publication is an easy-to-read guide that explains your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.

Renting Your Property: An Owners Guide” - Department of Commerce (WA) - This publication is an easy-to-read guide that explains your rights and responsibilities as a private property owner.

You and Your Property Manager” - Real Estate & Business Agents Supervisory Board (REBA) - This is an in-depth publication providing information on fees; negotiating with an agent; and other necessary facts.

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