RENTING WITH PURPOSE
We would like to welcome you to your new home which the Purpose Real Estate team manages on behalf of the landlord. We provide the following information as a guide to renting a property in Queensland. We look forward to answering any queries you may have.
What is a Bond?
A rental bond is a security deposit paid at the start of the tenancy. Your rental bond is lodged with the RTA online, or by post, using a Bond lodgement (Form 2).
Your bond is paid back when the property is vacated, provided no money is owed for rent, damages or other costs.
How much bond can be taken?
For general tenancies the law says if the rent is $700 or less per week, the maximum bond amount is 4 weeks’ rent. If the weekly rent is higher than $700, the amount of bond can be negotiated between the property manager, owner and tenant.
Water Usage
You can be charged water consumption costs. Check your tenancy agreement for more details.
Maintenance
You are responsible for looking after the property and keeping it, and any inclusions (like the oven), clean. We are responsible on behalf of the landlord for ensuring the property is fit to live in and in a good state of repair and ensure it complies with any health and safety laws.
Repairs
You should notify us of any necessary repairs required at the property and we will liaise with the landlord and organise someone to do them. You should not carry out repairs without written consent. If you or your guests damage the property, you may have to pay for the repairs.
Smoke Alarms
Property owners/managers must install and maintain smoke alarms in rental properties, in line with Queensland smoke alarm legislation. Visit Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (qfes.qld.gov.au) for more information. Tenants also have responsibilities including cleaning smoke alarms and replacing batteries.
Paying Rent in Advance
You will be asked to pay the first 2 weeks’ rent before, or when you sign up to move into the property. You can’t be asked to pay more rent until it has been used up.
- For a fixed term agreement: a maximum of 1 months’ rent
- For a periodic agreement: a maximum of 2 weeks’ rent
Entry Condition Report
We will give you an Entry Condition Report (Form 1a). It records the condition of the property at the start of the tenancy and is an important document if there is a dispute about the condition of the property when you move out. You must complete it and return a signed copy to the property owner/manager within 3 days. We will give you a copy of the final report within 14 days.
Inspections and Viewings
A routine inspection will be carried out after 1 month from the start of your tenancy and then every 3 months to ensure the property is well cared for and there are no maintenance or health and safety issues. We may also need to enter the property for repairs or a viewing if it is being re-let or put up for sale. A Form 9 Entry Notice will be issued to you within the correct time frame. We may enter in an emergency or if you verbally agree with the entry. Ending your fixed term or periodic agreement.
If you wish to leave at the end of a fixed term agreement, you must give at least 14 days notice in writing. If the landlord does not wish to renew your lease, we must give you at least 2 months’ notice in writing. You must continue to pay rent until you move out. You must leave the property in the same condition it was in before you moved in, fair wear and tear excepted. You may have to pay for carpet cleaning or pest control if they are included in the special terms of your tenancy agreement.
Forms
For further information, please contact our office on 5451 2999 or visit the Residential Tenancies Authority website – https://www.rta.qld.gov.au/