Tenancy Questions

Everything you need to know in one place.

 

How do I know if a rental is pet friendly?

 

If a rental is not pet friendly, this will be stated clearly in the advertisement. If the rental is pet friendly, it will be stated on the advertisement.

If there is no mention of pets on the advertisement; that means that pets are negotiable on application.

 

How do I arrange an inspection of a property?

 

Previously we would have organised a group inspection for an available rental, but due to COVID we have ceased all group inspections until further notice. We are now arranging individual viewings of properties with shortlisted applicants.

Prior to viewing our properties, you will need to:

  • Complete an Application Form:

Bangalow: Application Form

Casino: Application Form

  • Provide all the necessary supporting documents

Once completed, these can be dropped off at our office:

Please note that we do not hold on to unsuccessful applications for more than 2 weeks for privacy reasons.

 

How long will it take to find out if my application has been successful?

 

Every application is very important to us and so is finding the right tenant for our rentals. We are very thorough with our checks and so this can take a bit of time, especially if we have multiple rentals available. We appreciate your patience and always aim to have your application processed as soon as possible.

Things that can slow down the process:

  • Incomplete or incorrect application forms (every applicant over 18 has to complete their own application and supply supporting documents)

  • Not supplying all or incorrect supporting documents

  • Supplying low-quality screenshots

 

I’ve viewed the property and my application has been approved – what now?

 

So your application has been approved and you are satisfied with the property. Congratulations! You have just completed your first steps in becoming a valued tenant of GNF Real Estate

 

Here’s a list of the following steps to get you into your new home.

 

A deposit of 1 weeks rent is needed to secure the rental

A meeting will be arranged for you and the property manager to go over the details of the leasing process and any questions you have in regards to your new home.

A bond of 4 weeks rent is required to be lodged with the Rental Bond Board. This can be paid at our office or done online – which the Property Manager will arrange for the link to be sent directly to you for payment.

Upon lease signing you will be required to pay the second week’s rent. You are required to always be at least 2 weeks in advance, when you make your weekly payments.

A Condition Report will be compiled by one of our Property Managers and given to you to review, sign and return within 7 days.

 

What types of tenancy agreements are there?

 

There are 2 types of residential tenancy agreements;

Fixed term tenancies are for a set period of time, with a defined start and end date. Due to COVID, all of our new rentals will start with 3-6 month fixed term leases.

If you are wishing to vacate; you will need to fill in a Tenant Notice to Vacate Form (this can be found on our website). You must provide your property manager 14 days written notice of your decision to terminate the lease. Fixed tenancies can’t be terminated by either party unless each party agrees.

Once the fixed term of the lease agreement has expired; the lease then becomes a Periodic tenancy. If you are wishing to vacate; you will need to fill in a Tenant Notice to Vacate Form. You must provide your property manager 21 days written notice of your decision to terminate the lease

If your landlord wants to terminate the lease, they must give you 90 days’ notice. Any queries regarding notice periods please contact your Property Manager to discuss further.

 

How do I pay my rent?

 

Our preferred method of payment is Direct Deposit, arranged by YOU with your banking institution. Upon sign up, we can provide you with our bank details and your unique 4 digit tenant code. Always use this code as a reference when making a payment into our account. You can always call our office to get our bank details, if you misplace them.

IMPORTANT: Never accept bank details unless given to you by a staff member of our office. If you receive any details via text or email, please call our office to verify that the details are correct.:

Bangalow: 02 6687 2833

Casino: 02 6662 2500

We also accept cash (please ensure you have correct money) and card payments at our office, please note surcharges will apply.

You can also pay by card over the phone, please note that surcharges will apply.

 

How do I arrange any repairs that might be needed?

 

During office hours; you can visit or call our office to let your Property Manager or a member of our staff know.

Bangalow: 02 6687 2833

Casino: 02 6662 2500

Alternatively you can fill in a Repair Request Form (located under the Tenancy Forms page) and submit it. Your Property Manager will contact the owners and tradespeople on your behalf to organise a solution.

 

What do I do need if I need after-hours assistance (Weekends/ Public Holidays)?

 

Upon Sign up, you will be given an Emergency Contact Sheet with a list of tradespeople you can call for assistance. Please note; that this is for emergency situations that cannot wait until the next business day. If you lose this sheet, you can request another copy from our office at any time.

 

If personal items of mine are damaged at the property, whose responsibility is it?

 

Your personal items are your responsibility to maintain and look after at the property. If you are ever unsure of who’s responsibility something is, just give us a call and we will be happy to clarify.

 

Can I make any small alterations to the property?

 

Always discuss with your Property Manager first; no matter how minor the alteration may be. Larger requests need to be in writing/ email to our office as permission from the landlord will be required. The Property Manager will contact the landlord to seek approval and respond to your request in a prompt manner. Approval maybe accepted either at the tenant or owners expense.

 

What happens at the end of a lease?

 

Your expiry date of the fixed period will be located on your Tenancy Agreement. Your Property Manager may contact you before the expiry date to discuss renewing the lease, alternatively you can request a lease renewal before your lease expiry date.

The final decision regarding lease renewals/ terminations comes down to the landlord.

 

What if I need to end my lease early?

 

Fixed term
If you are wishing to vacate; you will need to fill in a Tenant Notice to Vacate Form (this can be found on our website). You must provide your property manager 14 days written notice of your decision to terminate the lease. Fixed tenancies can’t be terminated by either party unless each party agrees.

Periodic
If you are wishing to vacate; you will need to fill in a Tenant Notice to Vacate Form. You must provide your property manager 21 days written notice of your decision to terminate the lease.

 

What happens if the property I am renting is sold?

 

Firstly, you would have been given 14 days’ notice prior to the property being listed for sale. Once a purchaser has made a successful bid on the property and contracts have exchanged; you will then be issued with 30 days’ notice to vacate should the purchaser want vacant possession of the property. Otherwise, if it’s an investor purchasing they may wish for you to stay on which means nothing really changes for you.

 

Where can I find more info about the rules and legislation of renting in Australia?

 

We want you to be as informed as possible about your rights while renting with us. Please CLICK HERE to view updates for the legislation on NSW Fair Trading’s website. Or CLICK HERE to view the entire legislation from NSW Legislation.