Renting a property, especially for the first time, can often be a daunting experience. Below is some information that may make it easier to understand the process.

Finding the right property

The first step to renting a house is finding one that suits your needs.

 There are several different options to consider when choosing a suitable property: the number of bedrooms, the number of bathrooms, price, area etc. It is often a good idea to prioritise these requirements.

If you would like assistance finding a rental property, please register your details on our Tenant Registration Form.

Applying for a rental property

Once you have found a property you need to complete an Application Form. This will be supplied by the Property Manager, or it can be downloaded. To make sure that your application is processed quickly, please ensure that all sections are completed as best possible. If your application is accepted you will be required to pay a deposit as a sign of good faith. Upon beginning the tenancy this money will be put towards your rent.

If you are unsure about how to fill in any sections of the application form, please ask one of Watson Real Estate Property Management team who will be more than happy to assist you.

Once your application is fully completed and handed to our Property Management Department, we will make every effort to process your application within 24 - 48 hours. This can vary depending on the time it takes to contact references and the owner of the property. As soon as a decision is made you will be advised of the outcome.

Signing the Tenancy Agreement

Now that your application has been approved an appointment will be made for you to attend our office and sign the Tenancy Agreement. At the time of signing the agreement all ingoing costs for the property need to be paid. Only once all of the documents are signed and all the money is received will the keys be handed over. Copies of all documents signed will be given to you. Please keep these documents in a safe place as they are important legally binding contracts.

Property Inspection Report

This is part of the Tenancy Agreement. This document is as important to a tenant as it is to an owner. It outlines, in detail, the condition of the property at the time of hand-over. Once you have received the Property Inspection Report, you have and few days to check the report and make any amendments. The report must then be returned to your Property Manager. Once the report is returned it is checked and, unless there are any problems, it will be signed by the Property Manager and held as a true record of the condition of the property. Failure to return your Property Inspection Report will mean that the original, unaltered report will be considered to reflect the true condition of the property.

The Property Condition Report is used during routine inspections and at your final inspection. If the property is not in the same condition as it was when it was handed to you, allowing for reasonable wear and tear, you will be asked to return the property to its original condition. In the case of a final inspection, the cost of cleaning or repairs will be deducted from your bond.

Paying rent

Without exception, all rental payments are due in advance and must be paid as prescribed by your lease agreement. Failure to pay your rent by the due date will put you in breach of your Residential Tenancy Agreement. As such, you will be issued with a Notice of Breach for Non-Payment of Rent. If you do not remedy the breach (pay your rent) during the time allowed, you will be issued with a Termination Notice requiring you to vacate the property.

Each Breach Notice issued is recorded. If you are continually issued with Breach Notices it may affect your chances of securing rental properties in the future.

It is recommended that if you anticipate problems paying your rent that you contact your Property Manager and inform them of your situation.

It is important to set up an automatic payment for the rent, and your Watson Real Estate Property Manager can assist with this.

Inspections

Routine inspections are carried out on all properties managed by Watson Real Estate. The first inspection will likely be within a few weeks after you move in and then every four months after that. You will be advised of your next inspection prior to the inspection date. You are welcome to be present during your inspection but, should you not be home, the office key will be used to gain access to the property. Inspections are not only to check if you are looking after the property but also to see if routine maintenance is required.

Final inspections

At the conclusion of your tenancy, once the keys have been returned, a final inspection will be conducted using the original Property Condition Report. If the condition of the property is the same as the Property Condition Report there will be no deductions from your bond.

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