Renting
SMART Real Estate has an obligation to both landlords and tenants who enter into a rental agreement through the agency. Both parties should ultimately benefit from the agreement, and SMART Real Estate has in place guidelines to ensure this. Outlined below is information for tenants
Entering into a rental agreement
A formal written tenancy agreement signed by the tenant/s and landlord/agent is required as per the Residential Tenancies Act (1994). This written agreement protects all parties involved. All persons intending to reside on the presence should submit a tenancy application and provide the following:
Identification
- Government issued photo ID (drivers licence, 18+ card, passport or similar)
Rental/Residential History
- Current address and details of landlord/agent
- Previous address and details of landlord/agent
- Employment
- Occupation
- Current employer and employer contact information
- Period of employment
- Previous employer and employer contact information
- Period of employment
Tenants
- Number of adults
- Number of children
- Number of Pets
- Breed, weight, registration
Other
- Vehicle registration
- Next of kin
Once approved for a rental property
Bond
Bond in the amount of four weeks rent paid in advance is a standard requirement of all rental agreements. These funds are lodged with the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) and protect the landlord from any damage that may occur to the property or unpaid rent. A signed trust receipt will be provided for the bond and bond monies will be returned in full at the completion of the tenancy should tenants comply with the lease agreement.
Rent
Rental Payments are required to be at least 2 weeks in advance by way of cheque or electronic bank transfer methods only. This office has a “No cash” policy, for security reasons. No cash is collected or left on premises in our office. If you are unsure of how to make electronic transfers, please simply speak with one of our friendly staff to find out how.
The account number for rent to be paid into is:
Bank: ANZ
Account name: Smart Real Estate Rental Trust Account
BSB: 014-526
Account number: 4851-19746
Please ensure that your name and allocated reference appear on any transfer to assist in identifying any incoming payments.
Utilities
It is the obligation of the tenant to organise the connection of gas, electricity, telephone and water if applicable. Rates are paid by the landlord.
Tenant Responsibilities
Tenants should:
- Keep the property reasonably clean
- Maintain any gardens or lawns on the property
- Notify SMART as soon as damage to the property occurs by cause of a tenant or guest of tenant (preferably in writing for minor damages, or by phone call for major damage or damage that requires urgent repair).
- Not attach any fixture or make alteration to the premises without the written permission from SMART and or the landlord.
Repairs
You may notice repairs that need to be made on the property such as a dripping tap or a faulty dishwasher. In these situations, please contact Property Management on 1300 6 SMART, that’s 1300 676 278 as soon as possible to ensure the problems speedy repair. In the case of an emergency repair required, please call the after hours number: 0408 338 605. If you are unable to make contact with anyone at the property office and the repair is needed urgently (if the issue is deemed not to be an emergency, you may be liable for the cost of the repair), contact the appropriate tradesperson off the list provided to you by SMART Real Estate.
Inspections
House inspections may occur periodically to ensure the compliance of the lease and upholding of tenant responsibilities. A minimum notice of one week (7 days) is granted to the tenant to prepare for the inspection.
Privacy and Access
SMART Real Estate values the privacy of tenants and accordingly seeks to give all tenants as much notice as possible before entering the property. Property managers may have a need to enter the property from time to time under the following circumstances:
- Rental inspections (no more than once every three months) - 7 days notice.
- Carry out maintenance or repair to the property – 2 days notice (or by tenant permission).
- To show the premises to a prospective tenant (min 24 hours notice and only in the last 14 days of tenancy).
- To show the premises to a prospective buyer (min 24 hours notice after notification of landlords intention to sell).
- In an emergency.
- If the premises is believed to be abandoned.
- If the Tribunal orders that access be allowed.
Termination of Tenancy
If you do not intend to renew the tenancy agreement, notice in writing should be given to SMART Real Estate 14 days prior to the end of the lease. Should circumstances arise and the tenant is unable to fulfil the period of occupancy stipulated by the agreement, SMART Real Estate should be notified so that every effort can be made to find a suitable replacement (you will be liable for the costs of advertising). The responsibility of rent lies with the leaving tenant until a replacement is found.
Contact Information
If you have any enquires regarding a property you are currently renting or apply to rent, please contact:
SMART Real Estate Property Manager
Name: Brad Scott
Phone: 1300 676 278
Hours: 9am – 5pm, Mon – Fri
After hours/emergency contact: 0408 338 605
Further Information
For more information regarding rental agreements, tenant rights and responsibilities and notification of entering the property etc see the Residential Tenancies Authority website.