Tenant FAQs
I am not very happy with the property I have rented. But the lease hasn’t ended yet. Can I break the lease and move out?
Usually, the lease ends at a time agreed by both the tenant and the landlord. However, in certain cases, you can choose to end the lease early. In that case, you need to give a written notice to the Property Manager about your intention to vacate the property. The notice should also contain the reason for vacating the property and must be signed by the tenants, co-tenants and other occupants of the house. The notice should also give the date when you intend to leave, considering the reason for leaving.
Please note, although the lease may have an end date, prescribed periods of notice are still required and will vary from state to state.
If you do not give notice, you would be breaking the lease and will be liable to pay certain fees and charges to the landlord. The charges will include rent until the end of lease period, or when a new tenant has signed a lease, a break lease fee, costs for advertising, etc.
For more information contact your Property Manager.
Should the rental property have smoke alarms? What if there isn’t one?
All tenanted property in Australia are legally required to have smoke alarms installed as dictated by local government building regulations. Your landlord should install smoke alarms and must ensure that they are in working condition for the safety of the tenants. Some managing agents will have an agreement with a smoke alarm management company. This management company may contact you directly from time to time to test the smoke alarms and replace any backup batteries. Check with your Property Manager to confirm the regular maintenance of your smoke alarms.
Remember tho’ it is the tenant’s responsibility to replace smoke alarm batteries if they go flat during the tenancy as long as it poses no danger to you.
It is illegal for a tenant to remove a smoke alarm from the property and hefty fines apply. If the smoke alarm continues to beep it is usually an indication of a flat battery, or there is something wrong. In the first instance change the battery. If the beeping continues contact your Property Manager.
Can I install fixtures in rental property?
If you want to install a fixture in your rental property, you must first obtain the written consent of the landlord and also cite the reason for installation. Removal of fixtures in the property also should be done only with the landlord’s written consent. The tenant will also be responsible for reimbursing the owner for the cost of any damages caused when they are removing or installing fixtures & fittings.
Should I pay for the painting and renovation of the rental property during the tenancy?
Painting the home is the responsibility of the landlord. However, if the tenant damages the wall and the paint has been chipped off the wall due to it, it becomes the tenant’s responsibility to get the damaged structure repaired and painted.
Renovation of property is the sole responsibility of the landlord.