Whether you’re a seasoned renter or about to lease your first property – here are 5 tips on how to be a top tenant!

1. Pay rent on time!
   Some tenants forget to pay rent when they first move in after the initial two week advanced payment – to counteract such we recommend you set up direct debit the day before your rent is due to ensure it always gets in on time! Why not talk to your payroll department about getting the rent paid directly to us by them – that reduces the chance of an accidental missed payment. In other cases, your circumstances may change and you might start to struggle with paying your rent on time – if this is the case, communication is essential. If we know what is going on, we can work together to find a solution that will accommodate everyone.
2. Take good care of the property
   We hear a lot of people say “we will take care of the property as if it was our own home” which is great, but sometimes we recommend taking even better care of the property so you can leave it in the same condition as when you arrived. Don’t forget about the gardens! Keep on top of weeds and ensure that plants are properly watered and fertilised. Like one of our favourite life mottos – take your memories and only leave your footprints.
3. Always report maintenance
   This ties into the above as taking care of your property includes reporting any issues that arise. If we aren’t told, we can’t help you! We always love it when you send a detailed description and even some photos so we are fully aware of the situation and have a better idea as to how we can fix it. It also helps with record keeping if we have the report in writing. We always try to attend to repairs as soon as possible, but keep in mind that we do have to consult the owner for their approval and then need to liaise with trades so your patience is always appreciated.
4. Be co-operative
   Being co-operative, logical, polite and friendly always goes a long way and will be greatly appreciated by our property managers and administrative staff. It’s also important to note that we are just trying to go about our job and are all humans that deserve the same decency – plus you may also be asking your property manager for a reference at the end of your lease.
5. Accept responsibility
   We all have responsibilities that are denoted in the Residential Tenancy Agreement – tenants, landlords and even ourselves as Property Managers so it’s important you take the time to read and understand all sections of the Lease Agreement. Accepting responsibility for damage – even when purely accidental – will ensure that you are treated fairly and will enable the best outcomes.

Most of our tenants have no issues sticking to these 5 easy items, which ensures a happy experience for everyone involved!