In this section, you will find information on the typical process of renting a home through Harcourts.
If you would like more information or have an inquiry about a specific property, our local offices will be happy to assist you.
When you find the right property, you will need to complete a Rental Application Form. You may need to provide photographic identification and verification of your current address.
The rental deposit is requested as financial protection should there be a breach in the lease agreement. Your rental deposit will be invested in an Interest Bearing Trust Account. The deposit is held as security against any property damage, undue wear and tear or in the event there is money owing at the end of lease.
Once it is established that all conditions of the lease have been met, the deposit will be refunded promptly. The amount of deposit payable is specified in the lease agreement. Please note, the deposit required may increase where there is a rent increase.
Only the people specified on the lease agreement are permitted to reside at the property on a permanent basis. Should a tenant wish to move in or out you are required to notify us in writing immediately.
Please note, a new tenant will need to be approved through the application process prior to moving in.
It is your legal responsibility to pay your rent, to the Landlord or Property Manager in advance. Please ensure that your payments reach us on or before the due date. Harcourts Property Management will not physically collect your rent. Rent must be paid by the method stated in your lease agreement.
If you have any problems with your rent payments please notify your Property Manager before the due date. If you fall into arrears, we will be obligated to follow the procedures outlined in the Rental Housing Act to collect the rent on behalf of the Landlord.
A property inspection will be carried out to determine the condition of the property at the commencement of your lease. It also ensures that you are not held responsible for damage at the expiry of your lease which may have been there prior to your occupation. You are required to make comment and additional notes, sign and return the document to our office. The document will be filed with your lease agreement and used as evidence of the property condition at the commencement of the lease.
Routine inspections will be made at regular intervals. The primary role of these inspections is to advise the owner of the condition and care of their property and what, if any, maintenance is required. This is an opportunity for you to point out any maintenance required at the property. Photos may be taken by the Property Manager during the inspection.
It is important when you notice a maintenance issue that you inform our office as soon as possible. This can be done using the maintenance request form and can be issued via email. Jobs requiring attention by tradespeople firstly require permission from the Landlord.
Once the Landlord's approval has been obtained, a work order is forwarded directly to the specific tradesperson, who will then be in direct contact with you to arrange a convenient time to address the approved maintenance. Please be aware that works carried out on the property by any person not approved under a work order from a Harcourts office may result in your liability to pay the account. The cost for maintenance may not be deducted from your rent.
We ask that you always try to contact your Property Manager first however, if it is after hours and you cannot contact the Property Manager, you are permitted to contact an emergency contractor directly.
The legislation is specific about what constitutes an emergency repair and it's important that you know that should the issue not be deemed an emergency, you will be responsible for the account. An emergency repair is something that is likely to cause injury or which makes the property unsafe or insecure. (For eg. burst water service, serious leak, serious electrical fault).
Contact your Property Manager to discuss your legal requirements with regards to ending your lease as written notice periods will be required. Once the Property Manager has received/issued your 'Notice of Intention to Leave/Notice to Leave', they will contact you and advise requirements for handing over vacant possession. Once vacant possession is established (that is, all keys have been returned) a final inspection can be completed.
Please note: The deposit will only be returned once it has been established that all rent and services are paid as required, the property has been returned in its original condition as per the entry condition report (excluding fair wear and tear) and all applicable invoices have been paid. If you do not return the keys with the time frame your Property Manager may change the locks to the property and you will be liable for the cost.
Your lease agreement is a legally binding contract. There is no obligation of the Landlord to release a tenant early from a lease agreement. In the first instance, please contact your Property Manager to inform them of your intention.
In accordance with the Rental Housing Act, you will be required to pay all costs incurred as outlined in your lease agreement.
