Renting FAQs

Renting

• How much notice to I have to give to end my tenancy?

  If you are on a periodic tenancy, you must give 28 days in writing to your landlord. If you are on a fixed term, this is a legal binding agreement, only extenuating circumstances may see the landlord agree to break your lease earlier. There may be a fee associated with this.

• Why do I have to pay a week in advance?

  Some tenants find the notion of ‘rent in advance’ confusing. A comparison would be when you put money into a parking meter, you are paying in advance for that period, like rent. You then pay again for the next period. It is important to be a week in advance as this keeps you out of arrears and ensures you are not in breach of your tenancy.

• We have lost our key/locked them inside, what do we do?

  During normal business hours, contact your Property Manager to organise collecting a spare set, they will need to be returned ASAP. If you are locked out after hours, you are responsible to engage the services of a locksmith to let you in. If you change the lock, you will need to supply a copy of the key to the landlord. If you are residing in an apartment, you will need to contact the Building Manager to allow you access. There may be a charge for this.

• I have been given a 90-day notice; can I leave earlier?

  If you have been issued a 90-day notice you can leave earlier, you just need to give 28 days’ notice to vacate in writing.

• Can I add another person to the Tenancy Agreement?

  Depending on what the Tenancy Agreement states as the maximum number of people allowed to reside at the property, it would be at the owner's discretion. If agreed, they will need to complete an application form with all the normal checks before approval.

• Can I break my Fixed Term?

  Legally we are only obliged to break a fixed term due to mitigating circumstances. Both the landlord and tenant must agree. We will treat each application on a case-by-case basis, and there may be a charge for the Lease Break.

• Can we have pets?

  Your tenancy agreement should state whether you can have pets or not.

• Can we install a cat door?

  If your tenancy allows you a cat, and you have permission from the landlord, you can install a cat door. At the end of the tenancy, you may be required to remove the cat door and make good to a standard agreeable to the landlord.

• Can I have fibre installed at the property?

  The owner is unable to withhold consent unreasonably. Ask the provider to supply a site plan of how they propose installing it and forward it to the landlord for permission. The tenant needs to have prior consent before installing.

• When do I get my bond back?

  After you vacate, a final inspection will be completed. If no issues like additional cleaning, removal of rubbish or repairs are required, you will receive your bond form back to sign within days of the inspection. However, if issues are identified, they will be addressed with you, and contractors will be arranged to complete the work. Once the invoices have been received, the cost is deducted from your bond, and the form will be sent for you to sign. It usually takes Tenancy Services 3-5 working days to process and refund. If both parties are unable to agree, the bond will be put in dispute, and either party will be able to file to the Tenancy Tribunal. It is important to note that once your tenancy has ended, the landlord is not legally obliged to let you access the property.

• What happens if I accidentally damage the property?

  Inform your landlord straight away. Where there is careless and intentional damage, the tenant will be liable for the cost. Tenants are not responsible for fair wear and tear.

• When do I pay rent?

  Your first rent payment will be outlined in your tenancy agreement, then weekly or fortnightly. If you moved in on Friday, your rent is due on the 7th day, which is Thursday. Should you need to change your rent day due to your pay cycle, you may need to pay additional days to keep it within the 7-day rent cycle, and this will ensure you are not showing in arrears. We have a ZERO tolerance policy on arrears. Please call us if there is an issue or if you may be unable to pay the rent on time.

• Do I need insurance?

  It is not a mandatory requirement when renting a property. Although we do highly recommend you get renters insurance which covers your contents.

• Can I sublet my room while I am away?

  You can sublet depending on your Tenancy Agreement. If you have an agreement with Oxygen, you are not allowed to sublet. There are a lot of risks with subletting as you are still responsible for the property, but you also become the landlord to the people that are subletting.

• What happens if my flatmate does not pay rent?

  Whoever is on the tenancy is responsible for the property, including rent payments. If there are three people on the agreement and one does not pay or damage the property, you are still liable for the outstanding rent or to fix the damage. It is important you know the people you are signing a tenancy with.

• When does my property have to be Healthy Homes Standards compliant?

  When you move into your new home, you will be provided a statement showing if the property is Healthy Homes Standards compliant. If there are still outstanding items that are required to make it compliant, the landlord has 90 days from the start of your tenancy to ensure it is completed.