At Clayton Real Estate we aim to make the rental process easy to understand. We have provided you with a guide to assist in your rental search.
Getting Started
Work out
- Where you would like to live and what lifestyle you need.
- The standard of living you require and the type of property you need.
- Make sure that you have worked out what is an affordable rent to pay.
Start Looking
- Visit a number of properties until you are comfortable with what fair rent is.
- Have application forms ready to apply for chosen properties.
- Ensure you have enough money ready for bonds, advance rent and any additional costs.
Application Process
- Once you have made your application, the information provided will be checked and verified.
- Do not be disheartened if your application takes a few days. Sometimes there are many applications on the one property that need to be processed.
- You will be notified with the result of your application.
- If you have been accepted you will then be required to complete the relevant documentation and Residential Tenancy Agreement, pay your bond and advance rent.
What will the lease highlight?
The lease is a legal contract that will include the following information:
- Location of the property
- Total rent
- Length of lease
- Amount of the bond
- Commencement date of lease
Once this is done you will be issued with keys and a condition report. Check this report carefully and immediately record any discrepancies and return to the agent.
What am I responsible for?
As a tenant you are obliged to do the following:
- Keep the property clean.
- Do not damage the property. If damage occurs notify the agent immediately.
- Seek landlord’s permission to make any alterations or charges to the property.
- Do not cause a nuisance to the landlord or neighbours.
- Do not participate in anything illegal on the property.
Rental Bond
- Your bond will be lodged with the NSW Department of Fair Trading.
- It is held as security against any damage or undue wear.
- It will be refunded on vacating provided the property condition report is acceptable and there is no rent owing.
Paying Rent
- It is your responsibility to be in advance in your payments
- Rent is due weekly
- Should you be unable to make a rental payment then you need to contact the rental department immediately.
Periodic Inspections
- During the tenancy the premises will need to be inspected.
- A staff member will contact you and arrange a suitable time when this is done.
Keys
- A duplicate key to all properties is retained by Clayton Real Estate for emergency access.
- Under special circumstances with identification they may be borrowed during office hours, but must be returned within the hour. This service is not available after hours or Public holidays.
- Therefore you need to make private arrangements regarding location of spare key should you lock yourself out, otherwise you will need to arrange for a locksmith.
- Locks can only be changed after receiving permission from Clayton Real Estate. If you are guaranteed the permission it is on the condition that a spare key be supplied to Clayton Real Estate.
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Insurance
- It is strongly recommended that you insure your personal possessions against any loss, damage or theft.
Utilities
- It is the tenants responsibility to have the appropriate account placed in their name and to have it disconnected on vacating.
- The following contact numbers are:
- Integral Energy 13 10 02
- AGL 13 19 09
- Telstra 13 22 03
Repairs and Maintenance including plumbing, electrical
- For emergency repairs, contact Illawarra hot water on 4226 4400
- To contact the State Emergency Service call 132 500
- Repairs will be attended to as promptly as possible once the owner has given approval.
- All repairs are to be done in writing.
- A delay may occur for non emergency repairs if quotes for the repair are required.
- It is important that you keep appointment times for trades people access. Any service charge by trades people for appointments not kept will be passed onto the tenant for payment.
- The upkeep of the gardens and lawn is the tenant’s responsibility.
Termination of Residential Tenancy Agreement
- The Residential Tenancy Agreement is a legal and binding contract providing protection for both the tenant and owner.
- If you intend to vacate at the end of your lease you are required to give 14 days notice before the expiry of the fixed term.
- Once the fixed term has expired you are able to continue living at the property or vacate. If you vacate then 21 days notice is required.
- For unseen circumstances which require you to vacate prior to expiration of your lease, you will need to contact the rental department immediately where we will endeavour to find a suitable replacement tenant.
Please note, you will still be legally liable for the rent until a tenant is found, as well as the payment for a letting fee, lease preparation fee and all advertising costs in order to lease the property.
Further Information
For further information regarding your rights and responsibilities call or visit the “Office of Fair Trading” on 13 32 20 or visit their website
Helpful Tips
- Use a door mat and lots of indoor mats to protect carpets.
- Use indoor shoes inside the property.
- Do not allow your visitors to bring pets inside your property which may cause scratch marks or leave unpleasant odours.
- Any smoking should be done outside to avoid the possibility in the expense of painting and carpet cleaning to remove stains and odours.
At Clayton Real Estate we want you to have a positive experience. Our friendly staff are here to help in any of your enquiries.