PROPERTY MANAGEMENT WITH IMPACT
McKenzie White know first impressions last. That’s why we present your property at its best to secure strong rental results. From there, everything is seamless. We carefully screen every application before presenting them to you with our clear professional recommendation. McKenzie White property management is proactive, transparent, and built around maximising your investment.
FAQ's
At McKenzie White, we are here to answer all your questions. From finding the right renter, to taking care of day-to-day administration and freeing you from routine inspections and maintenance checks, we make life as a rental provider hassle-free.
How much is a bond and who looks after it?
Bonds are fixed at one month of rent if the weekly rental amount is less than $900. You can seek extra bond if the weekly rent is higher than $900. You can also ask for a higher bond if the tenant wants to make modifications to your property – but not because they have a pet. In Victoria, the bond is held in security by the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA) until the end of the residential tenancy agreement, or lease. Any interest generated goes to running the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. The bond can only be released to the renter or rental provider when both sign a bond claim form. The tenant cannot use any of the bond money instead of rent.
How often can the rent be increased?
Under new legislation, you can only increase rent once every 12 months, not every 6 months as was previously the case. If you want to increase the rent during a fixed-term rental agreement, the amount or how the increase will be calculated must be included in the rental agreement. We will provide you with an annual rental review to ensure rent is at market level.
What is a notice to vacate?
A notice to vacate is a formal statement you are required by law to provide if you want to end a rental agreement. You can only give notice to vacate for certain reasons, such as if the tenant recklessly damages the property, fails to comply with a VCAT order, or is more than 14 days late with rent. You can only end a tenancy using an ‘end of fixed-term’ notice to vacate at the end of the tenant’s first fixed-term lease. If you plan to move into the property at the end of the fixed term agreement, this must be include in the ‘additional terms’ section of the renal agreement. If you are giving notice to vacate for this reason, you must include evidence with the notice to vacate. Renters are required to vacate the property within 14 days after the end of fixed-term date. Once the lease rolls over to a periodic or a renewal is signed, this type of notice no longer applies. When a tenant receives an ‘end of fixed-term’ notice they can give 14 days’ notice to leave and are not required to wait until the end of the lease.
What happens if my property is damaged?
If a renter damages your property, the bond can be used for return caused damage through mutual agreement. If there is a dispute about this between you and the renter, you can apply to VCAT within 14 days of the renter vacating the premises. If a renter fails to leave your property clean and in good repair, you can claim some or all of this bond at the end of the lease.
What happens if the renter doesn’t pay rent?
If a renter is 14 days late on their rent, they can be issued a notice to vacate for unpaid rent. If they pay, this is then cancelled. However, if they are late five times during a 12-month period, the notice to vacate will remain valid.
Do I need a Property Manager?
You don’t legally need a Property Manager, but the vast majority of rental providers choose to have one for a wide range of reasons. A good Property Manager will help you navigate the rental regulations, maximise your rent, find and keep the best renters and take care of the day-to-day running of the property, including repairs, inspections, and dealing with problems that require going to the tribunal.
When can I enter my property?
You or your Property Manager can enter the property while a renter is in residence for several reasons, but you must seek permission in writing from the renter, and you can only enter between the hours of 8am and 6pm and not on public holidays. The reasons for entry include to carry out routine inspections, repairs, show the property to potential renters, buyers or lenders, have the property valued, take photos or video, or if the renter has breached the lease. The amount of notice depends on the reason for entering.
Can renters have pets?
Under a new law that came into effect in March 2021, you cannot “unreasonably refuse consent” for a renter to have a pet. You have 14 days to respond to their request, and if you fail to do so, the renter has the automatic right to keep the animal on your property. Renters must fill out a Consumer Affairs Victoria Pet Request Form for every pet they wish to keep, other than assistance dogs, which are already permitted under the Equal Opportunity Act. To deny their application, you will have to go to VCAT for a ruling, which will be made based on the type of pet, the nature of the property and laws such as council regulations. If VCAT makes an order banning the pet, the renter has 14 days to comply. They are responsible for any damage or nuisance caused by the animal.
What happens if something needs to be repaired?
Unless the damage has been caused by the renters, repairs are the responsibility of the rental provider. Urgent repairs, which include dangerous electrical faults, gas leaks or serious water leaks, blocked or broken toilets, or breakdown of an essential service such as a hot water service, must be made immediately. If you do not respond in a timely manner, the renters can organise and pay for the repairs themselves. You then have 7 days to repay the renter for the expenses occurred, for up to $2500. Non-urgent repairs must be made within 14 days of receiving a written request. Your renters must continue to pay rent while repairs are being done and cannot withhold rent until work is completed. However, they can apply to VCAT to pay rent into a special fund until any dispute over repairs is resolved.
Can renters make modifications without my consent?
Renters can make some minor modifications to a property without the owner’s permission. This includes installing a wireless doorbell, adhesive child-proof locks, a lock on the letterbox, picture hooks and shelves, wall anchors, low-flow shower heads and LED lights and removable safety devices. For other more significant changes they need to seek permission. Renters are also required to restore the property to the condition it was in before they moved in, or pay a reasonable amount for you to carry out rectification work.
What are Minimum Standards?
What are safety check obligations?
What insurance do I need?
Every home owner wants to know...
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