What happens at the end of the fixed term of the lease?

The fixed-term agreement is a defined period of the tenancy which is written into your lease. This is usually 6 or 12 months but the parties can agree to have a tenancy agreement for any length of time. When the fixed-term period ends the tenancy agreement does not end unless it is terminated by the tenant or the landlord.

How much notice must be given when I plan to vacate the property?

• In the last 14 days of the fixed-term period of the agreement, either party can give 14 days notice to end the tenancy. This notice can be served up to and including the last day of the fixed term.
• Once the fixed-term period has ended you are required to give at least 21 days notice.
• The landlord or agent must give you at least 60 days notice.
• If there is a breach of the tenancy agreement, a notice period of 14 days applies.
• If the landlord wants to sell the premises, you may be asked to vacate the premises by the time the sale is finalised.
• The landlord must give you at least 30 days written notice (after the contracts of sale have been entered into). This only applies after the fixed term has ended.

What do I do if I want to break my lease?

Should you wish to break your tenancy agreement you must pay rent until the property is relet to a suitable tenant or until the end of the tenancy agreement, whichever is sooner. You must also pay for reasonable lessor compensation costs (normally equal to the two weeks rent or as otherwise agreed) and advertising costs expended by the office in the process of securing a new tenant'

What happens if the landlord defaults on their mortgage?

If your landlord is unable to pay back their loan on the property you are renting, the mortgagee will usually want possession. This may mean you have to move out, even during a fixed-term agreement.

How to avoid problems:

Contents Insurance:

It is the tenants responsibility to insure their own belongings and furniture. We strongly recommend you take out contents insurance to protect against burglary and theft

Routine Inspections:

Our office will carry out periodic inspections on the property to ascertain the condition of the property and necessary maintenance requirements. (7 days written notice will be given to you on all occasions). This inspection also provides an opportunity for you to point out any problems or maintenance that you think may be necessary.

Repairs:

Should your rental property suffer any damage or require repairs you must contact our office. For all general repairs complete a repair request form and we will make appropriate arrangements. Repairs should only be instigated by a tenant if a genuine emergency problem occurs outside of office hours. Please see your Residential Tenancy Agreement of Renting Guide Booklet to check what constitutes an emergency repair.

Rent:

Whitney Property Group offers a number of convenient methods to pay your rent including Quick rent (BPay), Bank cheque, money order or personal cheque. It is your responsibility to pay rent in advance. Should you not be able to pay rent by the due date you must contact your property manager. Please remember our landlords have financial commitments to meet and they rely on rent being paid on time.

Contacting your property manager:

You can contact your property manager directly by email or by calling our office on (02) 9999 2733. Should you wish to visit the office to discuss any issues with a property management staff member it is important to arrange an appointment time as property management staff are frequently out of the office conducting inspections

Bond:

A rental bond is a standard component of most rental contracts. Typically it will be of an amount equal to four weeks rent for an unfurnished property or six weeks rent for a furnished/ semi-furnished property. The bond must be paid in advance and is held in trust until the rental agreement is ended. The bond will then be refunded, provided the property is vacated in a satisfactory state with no damage.A final inspection of the property will be undertaken to compate the condition of the property that you are vacating, to the condition it was let to you originally, before any Bond will be refunded.

Should you wish to make further enquiries of these services please Please contact Northside Property Management at the contact us page and forward our office an email.  We look forward to speaking to you and working with you personally to achieve the best results in the management of your property!