Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I have a six month tenancy agreement that does not expire for another 3 months but I have a new job that is too far away for me to keep living where I am. How can I get out of it?
A. If you are on a six month tenancy agreement, your obligations are to continue to pay rent until the tenancy agreement expires. If this problem does arise, contact your property manager, as every case if different.

Q. My neighbour’s dogs bark constantly. Is their real estate responsible for taking action?
A. No. The first action to take should be to talk with the owners of the barking dogs about the situation. If there is no change then contact your local council and lodge a formal complaint.

Q. Our rental property has a sprinkler system which we use regularly to water the gardens. We have been issued with an excess water bill but feel we have been penalised for doing the owner a service by maintaining the gardens. Should we have to pay the bill?
A. Yes. In entering into a tenancy agreement you have accepted responsibility of maintaining the property. If you allowed the gardens to deteriorate, you would be responsible for their restoration, just as you would for the dwelling. While you have been doing the owner a service, each time you fulfil any one of your obligations under the tenancy agreement you are performing a service you have agreed to provide for the consideration of the rent.

Q. I would like my friend to move in with me but I do not want his or her name on the tenancy agreement, is there anyone I have to notify?
A. Yes, you should advise your real estate of the person’s name and that they are to be added as an approved applicant only.

Q. I do not have pets approved on my tenancy agreement. Does this mean I won’t be able to get a dog at any time in the future?
A. Not necessarily, you should talk to your property manager to find out if pets are approved at the property. The property manager can contact the owner on your behalf however the owner is under no obligation to comply with your request.

Q. I am an 17 years old and would like to rent a house with three friends of similar age. Our applications are continually rejected, surely this is discrimination?
A. Not necessarily. You cannot be rejected on the basis of age, however a property manager is responsible for finding tenants for their landlord’s property who can show they are capable of paying rent. When you go looking for a home, present yourself in a tidy manner as this creates an impression of your personal standards (and reflects how you may possibly look after the home) and prepare your references in advance. If you do not have previous rental references, providing personal references may be a way of overcoming this obstacle.

Q. I was approved for a property and gave them a holding deposit however now I have decided to stay where I am. Is my deposit refundable?
A. Once a holding deposit is paid on a property. The property manager will write a time and date on the receipt that the offer to refuse expires. If you change your mind after the expiry date the holding deposit is non-refundable.

Q. Can my landlord increase my rent after I have signed the tenancy agreement?
A. The rent can only be increased in a fixed term tenancy if your tenancy agreement allows for it. If it doesn’t, your landlord must wait until your tenancy agreement expires and they must give you one months notice.

Q. The house I am renting is up for sale, can the agent put up a For Sale sign without my permission?
A. As long as the sign is not obstructing your use of the property and it is within the guidelines laid out by your local council for real estate signs, is permissible.