Most Commonly Asked Questions: During A Tenancy

Misplaced Keys

If you have misplaced your keys during business hours you may be able to call into your Property Managers office & use their spare keys (make sure you have ID when calling in).

If you have misplaced your keys after hours, some agents to have an after-hours number you may call – otherwise a locksmith will need to assist you back into the property. This is would be at your cost.

IMPORTANT! Most modern window flyscreens can only be removed from the inside of the property. Attempting to remove them from the outside will result in damage to the flyscreen frame-work, and will result in the flyscreen having to be repaired or replaced at your cost. This may cost more than what it would cost to have a locksmith attend the property to allow you access back in.

Property Damage

If property damage has occurred you are obligated to let your Property Manager know immediately, or on the next business day if occurring on a weekend or public holiday.

Noise/Disruption

It is important to note that the utmost care must be taken to ensure that you do not infringe on disrupting your neighbours with noise. Loud music, parties or otherwise can disrupt a neighbour’s right to peace and the quiet enjoyment of their residence.

In the case of units and apartments, particular care must be taken with respect to noise due to the close proximity of other properties, usually located on the other side of the wall. This also includes your obligation to ensure that your visitors are not disrupting neighbours when walking from your premises to their parked vehicles.

Air conditioners

Please, regularly clean any filters and intake vents to ensure there is no build-up of dirt and dust, and that the unit is able to draw in air effectively, not hindering performance, or in the worse case scenario, causing the unit to breakdown resulting in costly repairs and/or replacement. Please also note that if an air conditioner breaks down due to filters and vents not being kept clean, costs to rectify the damage or even replace the unit might be charged to tenants.

Pot Plants

Pot plants placed inside on hard surfaces, tiles and floors like lino, may leave a circular indent, stains and damage. Pot plants placed on carpet areas run the risk of carpet rot underneath, should moisture overflow or escape even with plates and containers placed underneath to attempt to prevent this.

Aquariums

Like pot plants, aquarium stands can leave rust marks to floors and can cause carpet rot if placed on carpets. Furthermore, if placed on carpets the weight of the aquarium filled with water may cause permanent indentations and damage in the base of the carpet pile.

No Smoking Policy

A lot of properties have strict ‘no smoking’ policies in place. Smoke drift has become a major issue especially in units & apartments due to the close proximity of neighbours

Tenant Painting

It is best practice that tenants do not paint any part of the property themselves. We have found in the past that some tenants have not painted the property to a professional standard, resulting in a professional painter being called in to rectify work. It is a policy that any painting can only be carried out by experienced, professional painters with written permission.

Fixtures and Fittings

If you wish to install or remove any fixtures or fittings, you should request permission beforehand.

Smoke Alarms

Should you believe for any reason the smoke alarm(s) installed are not working or the batteries are not functioning, please let your Property Manager know immediately. Protect your safety by being vigilant and report to any issues, to ensure your safety in the case of a fire.

Picture Hooks

If you wish to install new picture hooks, permission should be sought – landlords cannot refuse any reasonable request as long as they are removed and paintwork made right at the end of the tenancy.

Washing Curtains

Most curtains and netting are machine washable but it is vitally important that this be established before any washing occurs. Drapes may only be suitable for dry cleaning, so please check all labels first. Sun damaged, brittle curtains or netting may disintegrate should they be machine washed, so it is best to check the strength of fabric by gently tugging on the material with your fingers. If the material easily pulls apart in your fingers, the material is unsuitable for washing.