We have constructed this quick guide with information to familiarise you with our property management processes, procedures and tenancy management expectations. Should you wish to find out more regarding landlord & tenant rights and obligations we have constructed a comprehensive property owners handbook as a service to our clients and you can read more by clicking on the link at the end of the page. Please call us on 08 8682 4669 and we will be happy to assist you with any further detailed information.
1. The Marketing of My Property
What do you do to advertise my property?
Once we have a signed Management Agreement authorising us to act on your behalf, we list your property in the following forms of advertising:
1. Newspaper - Using the Port Lincoln Times & West Coast Sentinel we place the details of your property into our Domain advertisement.
This is part of our management package and is not charged to you.
2. Rental Listing Brochure - Your property is added to our office listing brochure with a photo and details of your property.
3. Internet - Your property along with photos is entered onto the following websites, maximising coverage to any prospective tenant using
the internet to locate a rental property.
a) www.realestate.com.au
b) www.kemprealestate.com.au
c) www.domain.com.au
d) www.homehound.com.au
e) www.onthehouse.com.au
2. Getting the Best Tenant
How does someone apply for my property?
All prospective tenants must complete and sign an application form giving us permission to check the information provided. Once this has been received we will contact you to discuss the applicant.
How do you check an applicant?
With the information provided we confirm their payment and tenancy history by calling their current and/or previous landlord/agent as well as confirming their employment. In some cases where an applicant may not have a tenancy history we try to confirm other information that may give us insight to show their ability to maintain a tenancy in your rental property, for example a stable employment history. In some cases where this is not possible we may simply reject the application.
Who selects the applicant for my property?
You do! We will simply give you the information we have collected and by using our experience give you a possible guide as to the tenancy outcome, but at the end of the day it is always your choice!
3. Property Presentation
How should the property be presented?
We ask that the property be presented in the best manner possible to attract the right tenant for your property. We don’t want a bad first impression to detract the right tenant from renting your property. Please refer in this handbook to our guide ‘Getting the Property Ready for Your Tenant’ in Section Three with tips and a checklist on how to present your property for rent.
4. Landlord Insurance
Why do I need landlord insurance if I have an agent?
At no time can we guarantee your tenant’s performance at your property. The risk belongs to the owner of the property, and therefore the owner should be insured for such a risk. Your management agreement also obliges the owner to ensure they are fully and adequately insured.
5. Costs Incurred at my Rental Property
Who pays for electricity and gas charges?
These are a tenant expense. However if there are charges relating to the supply of these services to a property, then the supply charges are at a landlord cost. A good example of this is if a property has bottled gas supplied. The tenant pays for the gas in the bottles; however the landlord would be responsible for the charges related to the gas bottle rental.
Who pays for water charges?
Water consumption charges are agreed between the landlord and tenant. In South Australia, metropolitan and most regional townships water is supplied by SA Water. Some landlords wish to charge the tenant all water costs. This is optional; however we do believe that an incentive should be given to the tenant to ensure the garden remains healthy. The water supply charge can also be paid by the tenant, if this is first agreed upon in the tenancy agreement.
6. Repairs and Maintenance
All non urgent repair requests from tenants will be attended to within 2 working days of receipt.
We will not arrange any repairs costing over $250 to your property without your knowledge and approval (unless the repair is defined as “urgent” under the Residential Tenancies Act).
We will attend to any “urgent” repair requests within 4 hours of receipt.
All reasonable steps will be taken to obtain the best pricing for your repairs and maintenance.
We will only use appropriately licensed and insured tradespeople for any repairs or maintenance work to your property.
We will provide you with a copy of invoices for all work arranged on your behalf for the property.