Tenant - Looking to rent a property?

From experienced to new tenants, the leasing process can be a challenging time for all prospective tenants. Finding the right property in terms of budget, suitability and lifestyle are all important factors. Below are some simple guidelines and steps for our tenants to follow so that the tenancy experience can be as smooth as possible.

First Step:

• You must inspect

Before applying for a property – a prospective tenant must attend an inspection. Feel free to call into our office or collect a current rental list. Then you can organise a time and date with one of our property managers to view the desired property.

• Apply

If you are interested, we need you to complete a rental application. These are available online; include all the details you want to be listed on the lease and make sure that all information provided is true and correct - all applications are checked fully and considered prior to approval.

• Success! Come in and sign the agreement

Sesko Real Estate will inform the prospective tenant if they have been accepted to lease the property. It is important to begin the formalities as soon as possible so that you can move in - arrange an appointment so that the agreement can be signed.

If you are unsuccessful, do not hesitate to keep in contact with the Sesko Real Estate; we assure all prospective tenants that their details will be recorded and matched if any suitable properties enter the market.

• Bond

Usually equalled to four weeks rent. A tenant must pay their bond prior to moving into the property. The bond is then forwarded to Fair Trading and will be reimbursed at the end of the agreement, on the condition:

Property is vacated in a satisfactory state – no damage or repairs required.

No payment of rent arrears.

No oustanding balances.

Second Step:

• Paying your rent & keeping up to date

Sesko Real Estate offers convenient methods to pay your rent. It is your responsibility to pay rent in advance and keep up to date. The new Seskolive system keeps things up to date – so landlords have a clear indication on whether you have paid or not.

Ofcourse, we understand that circumstances may arise where you may not be able to pay the rent by the due date; in these cases, you must contact your property manager immediately by either phone or email – Something can always be sorted out as long as we have been notified.

It must be understood that landlords usually have financial commitments and that they rely on rent being paid in full and on time.

• Contacting your property manager

Sesko Real Estate can be directly contacted by email or telephone, which ever is easier for you. Should you need to come into the office, make an appointment to discuss any issues regarding our property management services.

• Notices by your property manager

If the property manager has to contact the tenant, we require the tenant to make clear the best source of contact I.e. telephone, email or by post.

Notices will be given in instances such as:

- if there are any changes that you should be aware of in regards to the property you are leasing

- if you fall behind in your rent

- for water usage invioces (if applicable)

• Time for a repair?

If there has been any damage to the property or if something needs to be repaired – you must contact our office so that the severity can be assessed. For a general repair, a Maintenance Request Form must be completed and submitted so that arrangements can be made as soon as possible.

Emergency repairs are the only instance in which repairs should be made by the tenant – this is only in extreme and genuine cases. As this can sometimes be a grey area, refer to your Residential Tenancy Agreement or Renting Guide Booklet to check what constitutes an emergency repair.

• Routine Inspections

Sesko Real Estate will implement periodic inspections on the property – this is maintained so that the condition of the property is known, we urge all tenants to keep their property maintained. An inspection is also important for the tenant to communicate any issues or maintenance that you think may be necessary.

Third Step:

• Giving Notice

Should you wish to terminate your tenancy agreement, Sesko Real Estate requires a written notice:

At the end of a fixed term- If you want to end your tenancy when the fixed term period of the agreement is due to run out, you will need to give at least 14 days notice. This notice can be given up to and including the last day of the fixed term.

During a periodic term- If you want to end your tenancy after the fixed term has ended - and not signed another lease. You will need to give at least 21 days notice. This notice can be given at any time and does not have to line up with the rent payment cycle. You must pay the rent up to and including the day your notice ends and you vacate.

• Breaking the tenancy agreement

If you wish to terminate the tenancy agreement with Sesko Real Estate early, you will have to pay rent until a new tenant takes over or the fixed term period ends, whichever occurs first. A percentage of the advertising costs and reletting fee can also be charged. If a break fee is included in the tenancy agreement - this amount will be charged if the agreement is ended early.

General info:

• Contents Insurance

It is the tenants’ responsibility to insure their belongings, from furniture to electrical goods. We can only recommend you take out contents insurance to protect yourself against burglary and theft.

• References:

Sesko Real Estate will happily provide Sesko references to all tenants – these are standard forms that we create during your tenancy with us.

Our last comment:

Sesko Real Estate aims to serve all it’s clients; landlords and tenants with professionalism and efficiency. We understand the leasing a property might not always go to plan – but we expect to be treated in the same manner as we treat our clients :

With respect and empathy.