Your Tenancy Information Guide McGrath Property Management – Sutherland Shire
Congratulations on your tenancy approval. We at McGrath Property Management are confident that, like all our tenants you will pay the rent on time, keep the property clean and maintain the property. The Tenancy Information Guide will enable you to be guided through our tenancy management.
Contacting us is easy For all tenancy matters please contact McGrath Tenancy Care: Phone: 1300 979 155 Email: tenancycare@mcgrath.com.au
Appointment To see your Property Manager in person, please contact Tenancy Care to make an appointment that suits you both. The nature of the role takes us out of the office and by making an appointment we can ensure we are there for you.
Getting Started Utilities It is a tenant’s responsibility to have their electricity, gas, internet and telephone connected. Our partner Direct Connect can save you time and provide a free service to connect all of your utilities in one phone call 1300 664 715.
Changing Address Ensure financial organisations, RMS and other important bodies and organisations are notified of your change of address. Redirection can be arranged online through www.auspost.com.au or visiting any Australia Post outlet.
Change of Contact Details It is your responsibility to ensure that we are kept up to date if any of your contact details change. Simply email Tenancy Care and we will update your details.
Locks You are not authorised to change any locks unless you are provided with written consent and have a replacement key(s) provided to us.
Tenant Contents Insurance It is important that you arrange contents insurance as should any of your goods be damaged or destroyed they are not covered by the landlord or McGrath PM. To obtain a quote for tenant contents insurance please email tenancycare@mcgrath.com.au.
Property Condition Report The Property Condition Report provided to you at the commencement of your tenancy needs to be completed, signed and returned to tenancycare@mcgrath.com.au within 7 days of your tenancy starting. It is important that you go through the report noting if you agree or disagree with the comments made and provide your own comments. This is the report that we will use when the final bond inspection is carried out. If we do not receive a signed copy within 7 days, we will use the original report.
During Your Tenancy Water accounts If your tenancy agreement indicates that you will be invoiced for the water usage only once we receive the account from Sydney Water. We will send you an invoice for the water usage which will state the due date for payment. We will debit the payment 21 days from the date of invoice.
Communication During your tenancy you will receive communication from us through phone, SMS and email. We will email you notices, information, invoices and inspection notices. Please ensure that McGrath is a safe sender on your emails and please check your junk mail folder. If you change your email address, please notify us promptly.
Rent increases Refer to your tenancy agreement and pay special attention to the ‘Rent Increase’ clause. This will state if the rent is to increase during the fixed term of the tenancy and by how much. A minimum of 60 days written notice of any such increase will be given in accordance with the requirements of the Residential Tenancies Act.
Lease Renewals If your rent is paid on time, property well maintained inside and outside throughout the tenancy and the landlord instructs us to continue your tenancy, you will be contacted by McGrath Property Management to arrange the Lease Renewal.
Routine Inspections The purpose of Routine Inspections is to provide feedback to the landlord showing that you are caring for the property and to make recommendations about the general condition of the property. Before any inspection, we will provide you with 7 days’ notice in writing and send a reminder SMS the day before the inspection. Your first inspection will be carried out 3 months after you commence your tenancy and then every 12 months.
Photos – our inspections involve taking photos of any repairs, a photo of the lawn and garden, front and back along with internal areas showing general condition. It is policy that we try to avoid taking photos of tenant’s personal belongings.
Rent Payment Rent Payment Your rent can be paid fortnightly or monthly via Direct Debit. If you need to update your bank details please contact Tenancy Care on 1300 979 155.
Rent Arrears We have a zero arrears tolerance policy. Should your direct debit be dishonoured, you will be charged an administration fee of $55.00* we will be in contact with you via phone, email and/or SMS. If you are not going to be unable to pay your rent on time, please contact Tenancy Care prior to your direct debit date. Note: *any dishonours are recorded on your tenant ledger and can affect future tenancy applications.
Understanding ‘rent in advance’ The two weeks rent in advance that is paid before commencing your tenancy agreement is for your first two weeks rent of your tenancy. The two weeks rent in advance is not held in a trust for use at the end of your tenancy.
Taking Care of the Property Taking care of the property - Inside As a tenant it is your responsibility to ensure that the property is well-cared for and kept clean throughout your tenancy.
Some tips to help you out: • Clean the filters and vents of air conditioners, fans, exhaust fans and range hood; • Keep wet areas free from soap scum and build up. Wipe down excess water; • Remove marks from walls as soon as you see them. • Any pot plants need to be raised off the carpet or placed outdoors.
Taking care of the property – Outside (homes, villas and townhouses) As a tenant it is your responsibility to ensure that the lawns, gardens and external areas are well cared for and kept tidy throughout.
Some tips to help you out: • Regularly check reticulation systems and sprinklers to ensure they are working and set to the correct days for watering; • Lawns should be fertilized and treated for weeds; • Regularly weed and trim garden beds and plants; • Sweep paths on a regular basis.
Property Damage If there is any damage to the property or any maintenance is required, you are obligated to let us know as soon as possible. If there is a delay in reporting any damage or maintenance this could lead to the matter worsening adding additional costs to the repairs that you may be held liable for.
Repairs and Maintenance Lodge all repair and maintenance requests through Maintenance Manager, please click on the link to create your own account using the email address supplied to McGrath and we will keep you advised on what is happening with your repair and maintenance request. Please ensure to log your request via the Maintenance Manager repairs App. To access our Tenant Maintenance App simply search “MMGR Tenant App” from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store and download for free.
Locked Out?
Parking
Contact a locksmith at your own cost. If you try to gain
All cars, motorbikes, trailers, campervans,
access if it will cause any damage. We do not always hold
caravans, boats and trucks are to be parked in
or have available a spare set of keys.
designated parking areas only. Do not park on front lawn areas or on designated common areas
Emergency repairs
(where applicable). Oil stains in garages and
Please refer to your lease for further clarification on
drive ways are also the tenant’s responsibility to
emergency repairs if you are unsure or an item is not
remove before vacating the property. To avoid
listed below:
such damage we recommend the purchase of a
• A burst water service or a serious water service leak
drip tray.
• A blocked or broken toilet (if a second toilet is not available)
Swimming Pools and Outdoor Spas
• A serious roof leak
If the property has a swimming pool and/or
• A gas leak
spa the tenant is responsible for the day to day
• A dangerous electrical fault
maintenance regardless if the owner provides
• Flooding or serious flood damage
monthly or seasonal servicing.
• Serious storm or fire damage
Portable and inflatable pools are not authorised
• A failure or breakdown of the gas, electricity or
to be installed.
water supply to the premises • A failure or breakdown of the hot water service
Smoke Alarms
• A failure or breakdown of the stove or oven
It is your responsibility to change the battery in
• A failure or breakdown of a heater or air-conditioner
the smoke alarm on an annual basis.
• A fault or damage which makes the premises unsafe
The landlord is responsible to replace any faulty
or insecure.
or broken smoke alarms. Please ensure any broken smoke alarms are reported immediately.
After hours emergency repairs Please call the below for after-hours emergencies. Locking yourself out is not classed as an emergency. Electrical: 13 13 88 Plumbing: 0419 788 885
Pets at the Property If the landlord has approved you to have a pet/s at the property (refer to your Tenancy Agreement), remember that you are responsible for any damage that may be caused. Some things to remember: • Repair any damage caused by your pet; • You will be required to have the property fumigated and carpet steam cleaned by a professional at the end of your tenancy.
Sub-Letting You are not authorised to sub-let without written approval from the landlord. As a tenant you are not permitted to assign the tenancy over to a third party or allow other occupants to move into the property without a formal application being completed and approval being obtained from the landlord. Please note that property is for residential use only and can only be used as a place of dwelling.
Ending a Tenancy Notice to Vacate Your Residential Tenancy Agreement requires that your notice to vacate be provided in writing. If you are in a fixed term agreement, you must provide a minimum of 14 days’ notice to vacate but it cannot take effect until the fixed term ends. If you are in a periodic agreement you must provide a minimum 21 days’ notice to vacate.
Breaking a fixed term agreement Your Residential Tenancy Agreement is a legal document, as such if it is required to be broken, penalties will apply.
Returning your keys Upon your vacating date, you are required to return to our office by 12 noon all keys, remotes and security cards as provided to you at the start of your tenancy. Upon receipt of the keys we will consider that you have vacated the property and that it is ready to present for your bond inspection.
Final Inspection Your bond inspection is undertaken within 48 hours (excluding weekends) of you returning all keys to our office. In conducting your bond inspection, we use your Ingoing Condition Report as a comparison. Any differences between the two, allowing for fair wear and tear will become your responsibility from the bond. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, should you be aware of any damage or areas that require cleaning please advise when returning your keys. Should you wish to be present at the inspection please make arrangements with your Property Manager prior to your vacating date. Unfortunately due to other inspection arrangements and commitments we will be unable in all instances be available at a time that is suitable to you to conduct the inspection.
Disclaimer This handbook has been prepared by McGrath Property Management as a guide for tenants of McGrath Property Management Sutherland Shire. Our officers, employees, agents and associates believe that the information and material contained in this handbook is correct at the time of printing but do not guarantee or warrant the accuracy orcurrency of that information and material. To the maximum extent permitted by law, our officers, employees, agents and associates disclaim all responsibility for any loss or damage which any person may suffer from reliance on the information and material contained in this handbook or any opinion, conclusion or recommendation in the information and material whether the loss or damage is caused by any fault or negligence on the part of our officers, employees, agents and associates or otherwise. The information relating to the law in this handbook is intended only as a summary and general overview on matters of interest. It is not intended to be comprehensive nor does it constitute legal advice. Whilst our officers, employees, agents and associates believe that such information is correct and current at the time of printing, we do not guarantee its accuracy or currency. Many factors unknown to us may affect the applicability of any statement or comment that we make to your particular circumstances and consequently you should seek appropriate advice before acting or relying on any of the information contained in this handbook. We add that in the first instance always call your Property Manager to address any concerns or issues.