A property that has been well prepared for renting has a good chance at fetching a higher rent and better quality tenants without being too much more work from the beginning.
So what steps do you need to take prior to renting out your property?
1) If it is currently broken, fix it.
While as the owner of a property you might choose to live in a home that needs repairs while you save to undertake a renovation. Tenants who are paying for the privilege of living in your property, rightfully expect that everything should be in a state of good repair.
Make sure that you check that none of the taps or toilets leak, ensure that all of the doors close and lock as they should. Make sure that kitchen appliances are in good working order and that all electrical outlets are safe and functioning properly.
2) If it’s dirty, clean it.
A tenant has the responsibility of ensuring that the property is maintained in the state in which they found it, but they are not responsible for improving the condition of your property. By ensuring that your property is clean by checking that bathroom & kitchen grout and silicon is not mouldy, curtains & blinds, fans, walls, ceilings nd the oven are all washed and wiped as required, you will not only be ensuring that you have a happy tenant, but you will also be setting the standard for the state of cleanliness your property is left in when your tenant vacates.
Going the extra mile your carpets have been professionally cleaned is also a great idea.
3) Consider the state of your current appliances and upgrade if required
Features like dishwashers are often sought after, however, a dishwasher that is nearing the end of its life and functions poorly is likely to cause tenant frustration and expense for you! If you don’t currently have a dishwasher, but there is space, perhaps consider investing in one. If there is currently a dishwasher/oven/cooktop, but it is in poor condition, consider replacing it now, to prevent leaving your tenant without later.
4) Ensure that there are no pests
Having your home checked for termites and treated to ensure there are no creepy crawlies is a great idea prior to renting it. As per the RTA QLD, provided that there are no pests prior to your tenant moving in, they are responsible for ensuring that this maintenance is done throughout their tenancy and when they vacate.
5) Ensure that your property meets required standards
You need to ensure that your property meets the required standards for water efficiency & fire safety - with the right kind of smoke detectors, that any pools or spas are fenced according to current legislation and that balconies and veranda railing meet safety standards. It’s a great idea to speak with your property manager to confirm, specific to your property, what may need to be upgraded. The RTA QLD website outlines the requirements of rental properties in Queensland.
6) Update your insurance
Once you are no longer living in the property, you will need to ensure that you let your insurance company know. Furthermore, it is a great idea to consider landlord insurance which covers you for unforeseen circumstances relating to your tenants, such as if they damage or destroy your property, and in some circumstances, helping to cover you if they leave without paying all the rent you’re owed.
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Mar 3, 2023
The To-Do List
Thinking about taking your property to market? The best time to start is 3-6 months before you're ready to list. If you want to maximise your property's potential sale price, there are a few simple steps that can have a significant effect on the value of your home. Watch the video below and download our checklist to help you prepare your home for market. 1/ Clean and declutter the property Unnecessary furniture Create a tidy space 2/ Enhance curb appeal First impressions Landscaping Painting fences Fixing damage 3/ Assure compliant with state regulations Smokes alarms Water efficiency standards Making houses future proof 4/ Make it feel like a home De-personalise Make it feel liveable Remove unsightly furniture 5/ Make necessary repairs Loose cupboard door hinges Ripped carpet Paint damage Buyers will assume there's more they can't see Read Video Transcript: Today we're going to talk about the five best things we can do to improve your property to get the best possible price. Here's a to-do list. Clean the clutter Step one of our to-do list is clean and declutter. It could just be a few simple things like removing a few extra chairs from the lounge room. For example with cleaning, bathrooms are a big thing. Just make sure that the mould has been removed from the showers; the shower screens are nice and clean. Decluttering. Just remove all you can from your kitchen benches. We don't want to see school notes, we don't want to see phone bills, we just want to see a nice, clean area. They’re just a couple of simple things that you can do to make your property really shine. Homely but not personal Second on our to do list, is make it homely but not personal. So, for example, definitely throw those cushions on the couch and put that throw on there as well, but also maybe just strip it back a little bit by removing a few of the family portraits and, you know, grandma's rocking chair that you’re very attached to. Maybe just remove that as well. And then people can see that it is still homely, but they can also add their personal touch to it. Repairs Third on our to do list is making necessary repairs. This could be anything from a leaking tap that needs a new washer, a light bulb that needs to be replaced or even outside - the deck needs to be sanded and re-varnished. All these things will make such a difference when it comes to selling your property. And for us to get that best price for you. First looks from the curb Fourth on our to do list is curb appeal. Curb appeal is a major thing that we need to focus on because it is the first thing that everybody sees. We need to mow those lawns, we need to weed those gardens, and we need to trim those hedges. We need to remember, first impressions really matter. Codes & Regulations Lastly, on our to do list is making sure that our property is up to state regulations. One of the biggest things we have is the smoke alarms. They need to all be integrated and they need to be put in by a licensed electrician. If the property has a pool, it needs to be certified and there needs to be a certificate given when the contract is done. At the end of the day, these small things will help you get the best possible price. So, there's your to-do list.
Dec 15, 2022
What Do I Need To Know About The Changes To Tenancy Laws In 2022
Ensure you understand your landlord & tenant obligations post the October 2022 changes. As of the 1st of October 2022 new tenancy laws have come into effect, here's what you need to know as either a landlord or a tenant. Landlords: Ending a tenancy agreement As of the 1st of October 2022 managing parties (landlords and their representatives) have more reasons available to specify for ending a tenancy, and they are no longer able to end a tenancy without providing a specific reason. For a fixed term tenancy, this reason might be the completion of the fixed term agreement, however for periodic tenancy agreements a specific reason under the act must be given. You can read more about managed parties ending a tenancy agreement in this RTA Factsheet. Tenants with pets As of the 1st of October 2022 the legislation in relation to tenants and their pets have changed with new legislation specifically related to reasons in which landlords are able to refuse pets at a property. You can access more information with regard to the process to be followed when a tenant requests to have a pet on the premises via this RTA fact sheet. Repair orders As of the 1st of October 2022 the legislation in relation to repair orders has been amended. Tenants now have the right to apply for a repair order via the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) in order to ensure that the managing party takes action to address required repairs. This RTA fact sheet contains the information you’ll need in relation to repair orders. Tenants: Ending a tenancy agreement As of the 1st of October 2022 tenants have more reasons available to specify for ending a tenancy agreement. This RTA fact sheet offers a valuable resource for tenants with regard to understanding the reasons available to end a tenancy agreement and the necessary forms/process required. Tenants with pets As of the 1st of October 2022 the legislation in relation to tenants and their pets have changed with new legislation specifically related to reasons in which landlords are able to refuse pets at a property. As a tenant you must seek approval to keep a pet on the property, failure to do so is a significant breach, however reasons why a landlord can decline your request have now been made more fair - you can access more information with regard to the process to be followed when requesting to have a pet on the premises via this RTA fact sheet. Repair orders As of the 1st of October 2022 the legislation in relation to repair orders has been amended. Tenants now have the right to apply for a repair order via the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) in order to ensure that the managing party takes action to address required repairs. This RTA fact sheet contains the information you’ll need in relation to repair orders. For a full breakdown of all changes and resources related to the changes that took effect as of the 1st of October 2022, the RTA is your best resource, alternatively you can reach out directly to the Property Management Team at Southern Downs Realty to discuss your specific queries.