Searching for the ideal property:
Sometimes this is not as easy as it seems. Moving at the best of times can be a daunting task.
If you are relocating to Horsham, please allow our Property Managers to make this a little easier – with the use of technology to help you source the right property for you or your family.
If you register your requirements with our office, the minute a property becomes available that matches your criteria, you will be notified via E-mail. This E-mail will come complete with colour photos and detailed descriptions.
We can assist you with all of the property application forms, bonds, direct debits etc online. To help eliminate the stress, we can even arrange connection of utilities including electricity, gas, water & telephone to be connected on your behalf.
We look forward to being able to assist you and wish you all the best with your move !!
Jump the Rental Queue !!
It's easy...
Log onto our website www.horshamrealestate.com.au click onto any property you are interested in.
You will see 3 green buttons: Book an Inspection Online, Apply Online or Download Application Form.
By Applying Online, we can fast track your application, even before inspecting the property.
We may even find you suitable rental accommodation that may not be advertised yet.
Yes... you will still need to inspect the property before signing a lease, but it gives you a head start.
To book into one of our "Open For Inspections" simply click the "Book an Inspection Button" on the property you would like to inspect, on our website at www.horshamrealestate.com.au.
You can also apply online from our website: www.horshamrealestate.com.au from the button "Apply Online" or "Download Application Form".
Before you start
Before you apply for a residential tenancy, consider and prepare information you will be required to provide to the estate agent or landlord.
Identification
The landlord or agent will ask you for formal identification, such as a driver's licence, employment details, rental references and evidence of your capacity to pay the rent.
If you have never rented before, you will need to provide evidence that you are reliable and can pay the rent. This information could include evidence of employment (such as an employment contract), payslips and character references. You may also be asked to provide a guarantor who will be responsible for paying the rent if you default.
Landlord's decision
A landlord or owner has the right to choose the most suitable applicant for their property. They can decide based on a variety of factors including (but not limited to) an applicant’s rental history and information provided in the application.
Remember, you may be competing with others for the same property, so it’s essential, to be honest in your application. Provide all the information the landlord will need to make a decision. And remember you are required to sign a declaration that your information is correct and up-to-date, And if false information is provided, there is the possibility of Legal prosecutions and VCAT.
Application checklist
Read through and complete the rental application form
List all people who will be occupying the property
Advise of any pets that will be living at the premises
Include all details of your rental referees/ history
Provide information about your employment
Include character references (if required)
Ensure you have enough funds to pay the bond and first month’s rent.
Sign your completed application form, including all required attachments and send it back to the agent or landlord.
Generally, to secure the property you will need to pay two weeks rent + two weeks rent in advance as well as a bond (usually also the equivalent of one calendar month’s rent)
(this may vary if your rent amount exceeds $350 Per week)
About sub-letting
In a sub-letting arrangement, someone rents the property and, in turn, rents out part or all of it to another person or people. The person or people named on the lease are the head tenants, and those renting from them are sub-tenants.
Unlike in a co-tenancy, a sub-tenant’s name may not appear on the lease. However, in a sub-tenancy, the head tenant takes on the full legal responsibility of the rental property.
Ahead tenant must get written permission from the landlord and agent before sub-letting. If a tenant sub-lets the property without doing so, the landlord can serve them with a 14-day notice to vacate (end the tenancy and leave the property).
What is a bond?
A bond is a payment by a tenant/resident to the landlord or owner that acts as security against the tenant/resident meeting the terms of their rental agreement. The bond money must be returned to the tenant when he/she leaves unless the tenant has broken the terms of the lease or the Residential Tenancies Act 1997, then VCAT awards the bond to the Landlord.
Tenant and resident responsibilities regarding rent
As a tenant or resident, you are responsible for paying the rent and must continue to pay it when it is due.
You cannot stop paying rent, even if:
the landlord or owner refuses to do repairs
you are in the last month of your rental agreement
you have given notice that you intend to vacate (end the tenancy and leave the property)
you have been given the notice to vacate.
If you are paying the rent by electronic funds transfer (EFT), make sure you leave enough time (at least 24 hours) for the money to go into the nominated account; otherwise, your rent may be late.
Maintenance
Any urgent or non-urgent maintenance must be issued to the agent as soon as possible.
Landlord or agent entry rights and obligations
Landlords, owners and their agents have the right to enter the property, room or site to carry out certain inspections. Tenants and residents have a duty to allow them to do so; however, there are rules about when and how these inspections can occur.
The landlord or agency may enter at a date and time agreed to with the tenant.
In any other case, the landlord has the right to enter the property between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm on any day except public holidays, for one of the following reasons, if they first give the tenant 24 hours’ written notice
- Carry out duties listed in the tenancy agreement or relevant laws
- Value the property
- Show prospective buyers or financial lenders through the premises
- Show prospective tenants through the premises, if a notice to vacate (end the tenancy and leave the property) or notice of intention to vacate has been given.
*Note, Prospective tenants can only be shown through in the 14 days before the termination date specified in the notice - Verify a reasonable belief that the tenant has not met their duties as a tenant, for example, damage to the premises or common areas, or using the premises in a way that caused a nuisance
- Make one general inspection in any six-month period, but not within the first three months of the first lease agreement, these are called routine inspections
Pool/ Spa fencing
If you are renting a property that has a pool or outdoor spa, check that the fence or safety barrier is secure for you and others who live at or visit the property (especially children). All doors and gates that provide access to a pool or spa must have self-closing and self-latching devices (In good working order).
The Victorian Building Authority, which replaced the Building Commission on 1 July 2013, regulations include:
Self-closing and self-latching devices on pool and spa doors and gates work properly
Gates are not misused by being propped open
there are no climbable objects (for example, tree branches, pool pumps or pot plants) near the safety barrier or fence.
Fences (especially boundary timber paling fences) are in good
repair and cannot be climbed.
Pools over 30cm deep must have a pool fence.
The following pools and spas are covered by these requirements:
- Outdoor in ground pools and spas;
- Outdoor above-ground pools (including inflatable pools).
- Indoor pools and spa pools;
- Children’s paddling and wading pools; and
- Spas, jacuzzi, hot tubs and swim spas.
Tenants or residents should:
Ensure all gates to the swimming pool or spa area are closed at all times, except when entering or leaving the area
Notify the landlord or owner of any faults with pool or spa fences, doors or gates.
Preparing For A Final Inspection?
The vacating process and final inspection are often viewed as the most stressful stage of a tenancy for all involved, but it doesn’t need to be. Here are some tips and pointers to ensure it goes smoothly.
1 – Double Check Your Lease And Confirm The Expiry Date.
If you want to vacate at the end of your lease, you need to provide a minimum of 28 days’ notice with the 28th day falling on or after the expiry of your lease. When your lease ends, it is assumed you will remain in the property on a month to month basis until a new lease is signed or given a notice to vacate.
2 – Find Your Copy Of The Original Condition Report For The Property.
You will need to ensure the property is returned in the same condition listed on this report (Do your own final inspection before handing back the keys to ensure everything is the same as the report).
3 – Repair Any Damages.
If you have accidentally damaged anything, speak to your Property Manager in advance, and they can assist you with getting the repairs completed to the required standard.
4 – Check The Lights.
Make sure all lights are working and replace any bulbs that have blown.
5 – Schedule Your End Of Lease Clean.
The agents can recommend a cleaner (book as soon as you give notice, as they may not be available at the last minute).
6 – Cleaning Yourself?
If you decide to clean the property yourself, we recommend going back the next day, do a final check from top to bottom before returning the keys (HRE provide a checklist of cleaning items that need to be completed).
7 – Exterior Areas.
Make sure you clean/empty any parking spaces and storage cages (if applicable). And please ensure yards and gardens are weeded, mowed and tidy.
8 – Close Your Accounts.
Make sure you arrange for all your utility accounts to be closed or moved 3 business days after you return the keys.
(Electricity, gas, water, phone and internet)
9 – Returning The Keys.
Ensure you return all keys and remotes for the property. HRE provides an image of keys you were given at the beginning of your tenancy, so you know what needs to be returned when you vacate.
Once you have returned the keys, the Property Manager will complete the final inspection usually within 2 business days. Make sure you are available to go back if necessary if the Property Manager picks up on anything you've missed, otherwise it may result in delays or deductions from your bond.
What is a condition report?
When a bond is paid, a landlord or agency must prepare a condition report. The report notes the general condition of the property, including fittings and fixtures.
The condition report is crucial because it can be used as evidence if there is a dispute about who should pay for cleaning or damage, particularly at the end of a tenancy.
You will be given a copy of the condition report, so check that each item on the condition report is reported accurately. Return one copy to your landlord or owner within three business days of moving in.
If you do not give notice (if you break the lease)
If you want to vacate your rented premises but do not give notice, or want to end the tenancy agreement earlier than the required notice period (break the lease), you may be liable for fees and charges.
FINAL INSPECTION GUIDE
- Doors, walls, window sills, floors, skirting boards should be thoroughly washed
- Blinds and curtains to be washed or dry cleaned
- Windows cleaned
- Light fittings to be dusted
- Cobwebs are removed
- Exhaust Fan covers taken down and washed
- Cupboards, bench tops, stove top, griller and oven should be thoroughly cleaned and behind stove wall.
- Particular attention should be paid to bathrooms, toilets & laundry. All areas should be free of mould, mildew and soap residue.
- Shower screens must be cleaned.
- Carpets must be professionally steam cleaned
- All lawns & lawn edges are to be cut back. Garden beds should be left tidily, with all excess foliage trimmed back.
- Garage, carport or storeroom should be thoroughly washed and free from any oil stains or any other markings.
- Make sure any damages caused by you are also repaired.
- Disconnect all appliances such as Gas, Electricity & Telephone.
- Make sure when you have thoroughly cleaned and vacated the property you contact our Property Management Department to arrange a Final Inspection and return the keys.