Ending Your Tenancy

6 Jul 2016 384 News

Do you know the procedure for ending your tenancy?

At the end of your lease, you have a couple of options. You can choose to renew your lease, if a new lease term is offered, and continue your tenancy or you may choose to move on. Ending your tenancy involves certain procedures which will make your move smoother.

Two months before the end of your tenancy, your property manager will discuss options with you and the owner to determine whether your lease will be offered for renewal. If the owner chooses to renew your lease, and you choose to stay, new documents will be prepared for signing. If you prefer not to renew your lease, we recommend the following:

1. Notify your property manager as soon as you know you won’t be renewing your lease. Legislation requires you to give 14 days’ notice prior to the end date of your lease via a Form 13 Notice of Intention to Leave, but more notice is better wherever possible.
2. Use your current property manager to assist you in finding a new home where possible. Sometimes, there are properties which will be available just at the right time that aren’t advertised yet.
3. Ask for a reference early on. Showing you are able to maintain a good tenancy history makes a huge difference when applying for properties.
4. Your electricity and gas will be required to remain connected for 3 days after you vacate to enable final cleaning and your Exit Condition Report to be completed accurately. We recommend free services such as Direct Connect to arrange disconnection and connection of services at your new property. Ask you property manager for a Direct Connect form to make the process easy. Direct Connect can also assist with other services associated with moving.
5. Arrange to vacate the property prior to your actual end date to allow time for a final bond clean. Some companies guarantee your bond return based on the job they do. If you are completing the final clean yourself, use the checklist provided to you in the pre-vacate meeting. We can also run through a pre-vacate inspection prior to your Exit Condition Report being completed which may save you from having to return to the property or from not receiving your full bond refund.
6. Arrange for carpet cleaning and pest control if your tenancy agreement requires it. Your property manager be able to provide you with a list of agency preferred contacts. Your property manager will notify you if your tenancy agreement states any other requirements upon vacating.
7. At your pre-vacate meeting, your property manager will ask for your bank account details and forwarding address for your Bond Refund Form. Providing this information leads to less delays when your bond refund is processed.
8. Despite popular belief, your property manager would prefer you to receive your bond back in full, and the property returned to the state it was when you moved in. We understand that accidents happen and wear and tear is expected. If the property is not returned to the expected condition as in the Entry Condition Report, further action may be required. You may be required to return to the property, or have your bond cleaner or gardener return to the property to finish cleaning or gardening that may have been missed. If damage has occurred outside the usual wear and tear, you may be responsible for repairs. Some things can be repaired easily, however all repairs must be carried out to a professional standard, and some require a licenced and insured tradesperson to complete the work. You will have the option to pay for these repairs directly to the repairer (prior to repair), or have the amount deducted from your bond.
9. Most importantly – communicate regularly with your property manager. Communication can eliminate unnecessary stresses associated with moving. Call, text, email or Facebook your property manager to keep them updated with your progress, ask them questions or report issues as they arise. There’s nothing worse than a nasty surprise that could have been avoided!

The procedure for Breaking a Tenancy Agreement differs slightly from this process. For information on ending your lease early, contact your property manager.

The information above was correct at time of publishing (July 2016). Do not act solely based on the material contained in this article. The information and statements herein are general comments only and do not constitute or convey advice per se.