We often hear stories from tenants who have had experiences in the past of unannounced or frequent visits from their agent or landlord. Unfortunately, especially when a landlord lives nearby to their investment property, the landlord can feel too comfortable simply "dropping past" the property to check on something, complete a minor repair, and so on. 

There are very clear notice periods required in order for a landlord, real estate agent or any other party acting on their behalf to enter a rental property.

Recently the NSW Parliament passed the Residential Tenancies Amendment (Review) Bill 2018, which covers a number of amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act 2010.

The aim of the changes is to "increase protection and certainty for renters, while ensuring that landlords can protect their investment and effectively manage their properties" (sourced from NSW Fair Trading).

The amendments also aim to provide greater protection for victims of domestic violence, make it easier for tenants to make a rental property a home and reduce repair and maintenance disputes. 

There is no property management business perfect for everyone. As an independent, family-owned property management business in Newcastle, we know for example that some people are more comfortable with a "big name". Our personal and directly-accessible service is not for everyone.

We see part of our role in the local market as helping to educate investors and potential investors. At times, this means we will take a more detailed look at other property management options - not to coerce, but to clarify the differences. 

The level of cleanliness of a rental property is crucial for both landlord and tenant. As a landlord, ensuring your home is in top-top condition at the start of the rental period will help ensure this is the state the property is returned in. A beautifully prepared and presented home will also often achieve higher rental return and a greater number of high-quality applicants. 

When a tenant is vacating a property at the end of their term, the condition of the home is required to be similar to the condition it was provided in at the start of the term - as documented on the ingoing condition report and accompanying photos. If not, the rental bond paid at the start of the tenancy can be withheld to recover costs of cleaning and repairs which may be required to return the property to its previous condition. 

So, how can a landlord be sure that their investment property is as clean as it can be before a tenant moves in? And how can a tenant ensure they have covered everything when cleaning the home at the end of their lease term? Our detailed and downloadable cleaning checklist will help!

​Landlords and tenants alike will be familiar with routine rental inspections. From the landlord's perspective, these inspections are part of the commitment made by a property manager in promising to look after their investment. It provides a scheduled opportunity to review and document the state of the property, ensure it is being looked after by the tenant, and to address any issues which may be presented.

From the tenant's perspective, these inspections are often a good excuse to tidy up a little more than usual (let's be honest!), and show the level of care you have for the property you're renting. 

Most property managers commit to completing three or four property inspections per year. In many cases, the date of the first inspection is agreed at the time of the tenant signing the lease. 

In the course of a year however, it can slip the mind of the landlord that these inspections should be taking place. However, this is not the landlord's responsibility, it is the responsibility of the property manager.