Moving out from home for the first time can be one of life’s most exciting events. Flying the nest, “adulting”, or moving to the big smoke – whichever way you put it, moving into your own place is an invigorating affair. However, with your new found independence also comes a variety of challenges that can be slightly overwhelming when you’re moving to a dynamic city such as Melbourne. Thankfully, we’re here to put your worries to ease. Here are 6 tips for all first-time renters in Melbourne to help make your transition into a new home as smooth as possible. Read on to find out more.
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Do Your Homework On Property Managers
Property management services overlook the daily business operations of dwellings, including screening tenants, collecting rent, conducting routine inspections and organising maintenance and repairs in your building. Even the most impressive apartment can turn into a nightmare to live in if your property managers don’t do their job well. This is why doing your homework by researching reliable property managers is essential. Always read online reviews, call if you have any particular questions and ask family and/or friends if they have any recommendations. A reliable management service will help you ensure that your experience as a tenant is positive and that all your needs down the line are quickly attended to or resolved.
At the end of the day, you’ll want to move into a property that is managed by a reliable company such as My Rental property managers in Melbourne.
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Have Your Finances In Order
Unlike subletting a room, renting your first property in Melbourne comes with a few prerequisites that you will need to fulfil in order to have your tenancy application approved. One of the major factors that any landlord or real estate company will look into are your finances. As such, it is important that you make sure you’re earning enough income that will allow you to comfortably pay for the apartment of your choice. You may be required to provide proof of income, like current payslips from your employer or your Centrelink income statement. Don’t forget that you’ll also have to pay a bond that is often equivalent to your first month of rent, so being money smart at the beginning of your rental journey is always a good idea.
Tip: If you’re a student or someone who is being supported by parents, you can always elect a guarantor to be legally responsible for paying the rent as stipulated by your lease.
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Thoroughly Inspect Your Property
It can be easy to get carried away in the excitement of having found a potential property to move into, but always remember that you should thoroughly inspect any property prior to signing an agreement or lease.
Here are some things that you should look out for:
- Ensure the property is not in a damaged condition and is safe for dwelling.
- Check that the garden or communal areas are well maintained and clean.
- If a property comes furnished, check that appliances, such as ovens, microwaves and the fridge are in working condition.
- Your property should meet all the minimum safety standards.
If you have any concerns, do not hesitate to ask the landlord or property agent on how best to fill out your application form. Once you have moved into a property, you will also be required to fill in a condition report. Take note of any minor damages (chipped paint etc) and be sure to include them in your report. This will save you a lot of hassle in the future.
Read Also: Technological advances in roofing: what you need to know
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Study Your Residential Tenancy Agreement
Once your tenancy application is approved, you will be required to sign a tenancy agreement or a lease agreement. We encourage you to take some time to fully go through your tenancy agreement and to look out for the following information:
- Your monthly rent obligation;
- Bond amount;
- How your rent is to be paid (direct debit for example);
- The type and duration of your lease;
- Clauses on what will happen if you break your lease;
- Minimum notice period for moving out;
- Details pertaining to yearly or bi-annual routine house inspections;
- Repairs and maintenance clauses; and
- Special terms related to pets, end of lease cleaning etc.
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Know Your Rights As A Tenant
You will be glad to know that renters in Australia have certain rights. Some of these rights include making minor modifications to a property without prior consent and the right to live in a safe, secure and quiet environment. There are many rights you are entitled to as a tenant (too many for us to list here), so be sure to look into them on websites such as Tenants Victoria and Housing Victoria.
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Repairs and Maintenance
At some point or another, you may require some repairs or maintenance work to be done on your rental property. General maintenance such as service faults and age related repairs should be forwarded to your property manager straight away. It is important to note that any damage you or your guests cause to the property will be repaired out of your pocket or deducted from your bond. As such, it is always a good idea to contact your landlord or property manager immediately to sort out any issues.
Moving into a rental property for the first can be a slightly daunting process. Thankfully, these 6 helpful tips are guaranteed to set you up for first time renting success. What are some of your tips for first time renters in Melbourne? Be sure to leave a comment to share your thoughts. Best of luck with your move!
