Tenant FAQ's
Is it my responsibility to maintain the smoke alarms?
Under the Fire and Rescue Service Act 1990, both tenants and landlords have responsibilities for smoke alarms in their rental properties. Upon the commencement of your tenancy Investors Choice Property Services will arrange for the property to be made compliant in accordance with legislation. Landlords have obligations to install, clean and test smoke alarms and replace batteries before the start or renewal of a tenancy. Tenants have obligations to clean, test and replace batteries during the tenancy.
The tenant must not remove a smoke alarm, remove the battery (other than to replace it) or do anything to reduce the effectiveness of the alarm.
The tenant must not remove a smoke alarm, remove the battery (other than to replace it) or do anything to reduce the effectiveness of the alarm.
What do I do if I have lost my keys or lock myself out?
A duplicate key to most of our properties is retained by Investors Choice Property Services for emergency access. Under special circumstances, and on producing identification, the keys can be borrowed during office hours but must be returned before close of business on the same day. In the event that it is outside business hours we recommend contacting a locksmith at your own cost. If any locks are changed, the tenant is responsible for supplying the required number of necessary replacement copies to the Agent within 24 hours.
Do I have to be home when you attend to do a routine inspection?
Routine inspections are undertaken to monitor the condition of the property and to assess if any maintenance is required. If you wish to be home for your routine inspection you may choose to do so, however it is not necessary. Generally, a routine inspection will be completed every three to four months during your tenancy and you will be given adequate notice prior to this occurring.
Am I responsible for water usage?
Provided the property is individually metered and water efficient, landlords are allowed to pass on the full water usage charges to tenants. The landlord is responsible for payment of the service costs component of the bill. Water consumption charges will be invoiced to the tenant accordingly by our office.
What are the consequences if I need to break my lease?
If a tenant ends the agreement early without grounds (also known as a break lease) they are responsible for compensation and/or remaining rent until an end date in the agreement is reached. In most cases this includes continuing to pay rent and any other charges in accordance with the existing agreement, until another suitable tenant is found. A pro rata re-letting fee of one week’s rent plus GST and marketing costs is also payable.
If you need to break your lease we recommend speaking to your Investors Choice property manager as soon as possible to help minimise your expenses.
If you need to break your lease we recommend speaking to your Investors Choice property manager as soon as possible to help minimise your expenses.
After my lease has expired can I just stay on at the property month to month?
Investors Choice Property Services recommends to all our landlords that tenants remain on fixed term leases for their investment security. Two to three months prior to the expiration of your lease Investors Choice will contact you regarding another lease term at the property. After contacting the landlord for their instructions a lease renewal is prepared and sent through to you. This lease renewal must be returned to our office within a specified time frame or the landlord will be contacted with further instructions regarding re-listing the property for rent.
Can I have another person move in with me?
Permission must first be sought from the landlord regarding any change to your tenancy prior to the proposed new tenant moving into the property. Any change of tenant or additional tenant must submit an application to our office with all supporting documentation. This application will then be processed and presented to the landlord for their approval. If the additional or change of tenancy is approved Investors Choice will notify you in writing and prepare any additional paperwork.
Is it my responsibility to change light bulbs during the tenancy?
The residential tenancy agreement provides that it is the landlord’s responsibility to ensure that all light fittings are fitted with working light globes at the start of the tenancy. It is also provides that the tenant must ensure that all light fitting have working light globes at the end of the tenancy. As a general guide the Lessor is responsible for maintaining specialised bulbs such as fluorescent tubing and expensive globes, whilst the tenant is responsible for arranging the replacement of everyday inexpensive globes.
What is the correct procedure for giving notice to vacate?
Prior to the expiration of a fixed term agreement, the tenant must provide at least 14 days notice in writing. In the event that the tenant is on a periodic tenancy and wishes to vacate, they must provide 21 days notice in writing. To give notice please use the online vacating form or download a copy here.
Do I have to take out insurance?
We strongly urge you to insure your personal possessions against any loss, damage or theft. Your belongings are not covered under the lessors policies and they cannot be held responsible for any damage that might occur.
The property has developed mould. Am I responsible for this?
This is entirely dependent on when and how the mould developed. If properties are inadequately ventilated or heated, condensation and mildew will result. It is the tenants responsibility to ensure the property is adequately ventilated by regularly opening windows, particularly in bedrooms and bathrooms. Refer to our mould guide for further information on prevention and treatment.