Advice For Tenants
We want to find you a home
At Ray White Graceville we have two dedicated leasing people focused on finding you a property. All our properties with photos can be seen on our website, or please contact our office today to register on our prospective tenant database with weekly updates by emailing us at rentals.graceville.qld@raywhite.com
Once you have found the home it is essential that each person who wishes to reside in the property complete an application form in full.
Should you require assistance with completing the form, we would be more than happy to help. When you return the application you must ensure that you have available the following:
• Photo ID – drivers licence, passport, proof of age card. We need to see the originals and take copies.
• Latest two pay slips.
However if the you are:
Not employed – We need the latest two Centrelink statements
Self employed – Recent bank statements
Student on scholarship – Letter from university confirming.
• Employment details – letter from employer is preferable as not all companies will speak to us over the phone to confirm the details. If no letter can be provided, then we need a name and phone number of person who will know your history at the company. You should advise this person that we will be ringing.
• Rental history – preferable if you can have something in writing from their previous landlord/agent otherwise we need name and phone numbers. If you have been an owner occupier then we require a copy of your rates notice to confirm. If no rental history then two personal references would be appreciated.
• Personal reference – preferably not a family member or a uni mate
• Emergency contact details
You are also required to sign the application form as we need this when we send away for rental references from other agents.
Once you have been successful you will be notified of the result of your application immediately a decision is made and we have confirmed the lessor's instructions. Please ensure that we have a daytime telephone contact number for you.
Securing your Tenancy
Once the application has been approved, you will need to come into the office and sign your tenancy agreement.
Prior to moving in you will be required to pay a full bond of 4 times the weekly rental and 2 weeks rent. Sorry but we do not accept bond transfers. Payment of this money must be in cleared funds – Eftpos, money order or bank cheque only. No personal cheques can be accepted.
Keys
Keys to the property will be handed over once all monies are paid in full, the lease signed by all parties, and lease start date has commenced.
Electricity, Gas and Telephone
It is your responsibility to have all services at the property placed in your name and to arrange a final meter reading prior to vacating.
Condition Report
This is a very important form when you are moving into a rental property. It must be filled out by both the tenant and agent to ensure both parties agree to the condition of the property. Please return the completed condition report to us within 3 business days of moving in. At the time of vacating, you will be required to complete an exit condition report that will compare with the entry condition report.
Occupancy
Only the people originally included on your application and approved by the owner are allowed to reside at the property permanently. If a new tenant wishes to replace an existing tenant, please ensure our office is informed in order to approve the new application and complete the RTA paperwork. Please contact your property manager for more information.
Paying Rent and Office Hours
Our office is open weekdays 8.30am - 5.00 and Saturdays 8.30am - 5.00pm. Should you wish to see your property manager, please contact our office to make an appointment time that is suitable for both parties.
We have several options to pay rent, however we do not accept cash at our office for security reasons. Please discuss the alternate payment options with your property manager. If you are paying by cheque or postal money order, please write your name and address on the back of the cheque. Rent is payable in advance and should reach our office on or before the due date. Please ask our staff how to arrange a direct debit payment method or internet transfer.
Repairs and Requests
We ask that you report any matters requiring repairs or requests immediately to avoid the risk of injury to visitors or damage to the rented property. Any maintenance problem arranged by the tenant outside our normal business hours will be at the tenants cost unless it is proven to be an extreme emergency. You are required to complete a repair advice form should you need maintenance attended to at your property. The maintenance request form must be completed as we are unable to provide tradespeople with your contact details for repairs without the necessary privacy release signed. The repair/request form can be posted, emailed, faxed or dropped off at the office. For ease and efficiency please complete all sections.
The repair form can be downloaded from our web site.
If your emergency is after hours and you are not able to contact the office, please refer to the emergency contact details in the lease agreement.
Excess Water
As stated in your Tenancy Agreement, you will be responsible for payment of excess water usage at the property.
Contents Insurance
Please be aware that the Lessor's property insurance does not cover your personal belongings and it is in your interest to obtain contents insurance in case of damage or theft. Ray White Insurances offer a policy suitable for tenants. Please speak to your Property Manager for further information or email us at rentals.graceville.qld@raywhite.com.
Pictures
Please do not use Blu-Tack or sticky type substances to hang or place pictures on the wall as removal of these items usually causes damage to the walls. If no picture hooks are in the premises please contact us to arrange for approval by the Lessor.
Pets
Unless a pet is specifically approved on your lease, pets will not be allowed at the property without prior approval. Please note that in unit complexes the Body Corporate By-Laws do not allow pets.
Gardens
As stated in your Tenancy Agreement, you are responsible for the lawns and gardens unless specified beforehand. This means watering, weeding, trimming and mowing. Seek advice from your property manager before removing any plants or pruning large bushes/trees. We are happy to recommend a garden maintenance tradesperson if you would like to accept responsibility for costs.
Routine Inspections
We carry out routine inspections on all our properties every three (3) months and will advise you in writing prior to the inspection date. This is always a good opportunity to point out any maintenance problems or other concerns you may have. Repair request forms are available from either your property manager or can be downloaded from our web site. If you are not present, we will access the property with our spare keys.
Property For Sale
If during your tenancy the property goes up for sale, you will be advised accordingly. If you are under a fixed term lease, you remain in the property for the term of the lease. If you are on a periodic tenancy (month to month), the Lessor must give you four (4) weeks notice to vacate the property once the property has been sold.
Keys
We keep a spare set of keys in the office. Should you have lost your keys or have locked yourself out you may collect our set during office hours. After hours, our recommended locksmith can be contacted at your expense.