Renting property

Renting Property with ParkTrent

Are you looking for a rental property? ParkTrent can help. We have rental properties all over Australia. Head to our listing page to see rental homes and apartments that are available in your area.

To make your renting experience stress free, we’ve gathered information that will help you get the most out of your tenancy. If you have any questions about the information listed please call us on 1800 652 224 or get in touch with your local ParkTrent team.

First-time tenants

Moving out of home and living in your first rental is a rite of passage; It’s something we all do. If you are unsure about the process and your obligations as a renter, ParkTrent can help. Not only do we have a wide range of properties to rent in some of the most sought-after locations, we also have a friendly team of property managers who will help you find your first home.

If you’ve never lived in a rental property, you’ll need to gather some information that will help our property management team with your application. You’ll need:

• proof of employment
• your  last two months’ worth of payslips
• photo identification -– your driver’s licence or passport will do
• references from at least three people who aren’t family. Perhaps ask a neighbour, teacher, doctor or your employer.

Once you’ve collected all this information you’ll be ready to hit some home opens.

Are you a student? Are you looking for a rental property?

ParkTrent can help you find a rental home or apartment close to many of the educational hubs around Australia. Our student housing is conveniently located close to major schools and universities, public transport and student nightlife.

Contact your local ParkTrent Real Estate agent or call our customer service team on 1800 652 224.

Renting rights and responsibilities

Sometimes when you’re renting, it’s difficult to know who is responsible for what. Both tenant and landlord have clearly defined rights and responsibilities that must be followed; the success of the tenancy depends on it. Following is some of the most important information you need to know as you move through the different stages of being a tenant.

Beginning a tenancy

Before you move into your new rental home you should be provided with a copy of two documents:

• the lease
• property condition report.

The lease contains all the details related to the legality of the tenancy. It will explain what you need to do to rent a property, how much rent you pay and at what frequency, how much bond you’ll have to pay, and how long you want to lease the home for. In the majority of circumstances you’ll be asked to pay two weeks’ rent in advance and four weeks’ rent as bond. A bond is a refundable sum of money that is deposited on your behalf into the account of a relevant state authority.

The property condition report is a comprehensive document that catalogues all aspects of the rental house in note form and photographs. It is used at the end of a tenancy to see if the tenant needs to pay for or fix any disputed items.

The property condition report covers the exterior and interior of the house and it will note everything from the state of the walls through to the cleanliness of the fly screens. It is important that you read this document thoroughly. It’s also advisable to take your own photos if you dispute any of the information in the property condition report. Be sure to give a copy of these photos to your property manager.

During the tenancy

Once you are moved in and settled, there are a number of things you must do during your lease. These include:

• paying rent on time;
• keeping the rental home neat and tidy;
• maintaining the yard, including lawn mowing (unless this comes included in your rent);
• payment of all utility bills (electricity, gas, phone and water where applicable);
• notifying your property manager of any repairs or maintenance that need attending to;
• notifying your property manager if any part of the home becomes unsafe.

As a tenant you have the right to live in a safe home. If at any point your home becomes hazardous, you must get to a safe place and call your property manager immediately.

Examples of urgent maintenance include:

• a serious roof leak
• a gas leak
• a dangerous electrical fault
• flooding or serious flood damage
• severe storm or fire damage.

When your initial lease period is drawing to a close your property manager will contact you to see if you’d like to extend your tenancy. Keep in mind that there may be a rental increase at the expiry of your initial lease (this is generally done to keep the property in line with current market values).

At the end of a tenancy

If you decide to move on at the end of your lease, you’ll need to provide your property manager with a notice of intention to leave form.

It’s important to keep in mind that the property must be in the same or similar condition as it was when you moved in. It helps to use the property condition report as a guide – this is what your property manager will use. If the property manager has to repair or clean any part of the house after you vacate, you may not get all of your bond back. When everything is approved your property manager will request the release of your bond money.

To learn more about your rights and obligations as a renter, visit the regulatory body in your state or territory: Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia.