Posted by admin on 25 February 2010
We’ve just read all the news online about the new fine imposed for leaving your bin out for more than 48 hours and we don’t strongly disagree.
As residents of inner city and suburban streets of Brisbane we like a neat street. But as real estate agents we wonder – who will pay the fine?
We’ve today gone out to a property under our management to complete the exit inspection, the tenants have moved on. The tenants have done exactly what we expect them to do and left their bin out waiting for bin day. I’m not dragging it in and dragging it back tomorrow (especially on 30 homes a month) Where would agents fine time. And..Yuck!
366 comments on news.com.au clearly shows people have an opinion on this issue. As a tenant or landlord in Brisbane what would you prefer?
a) Tenant leaves bin on street and property manager pulls in within reasonable time frame
b) Council fines landlord, so bin is left inside and stays full (ooh stinky for next tenants)
We know for sure it will be landlords that will pay the fine (Council has all their records at their fingertips and nothing for the tenants) and that doesn’t seem fair.
We know it is an issue, but I think a ‘repeat offender’ system might have to be adopted. Your thoughts?
Tags: Brisbane City Council, Brisbane landlords, Brisbane Property Management, Brisbane property manager, Brisbane rental properties, Brisbane tenants, real estate agents Brisbane
Posted in Brisbane landlords, Brisbane's future & new infrastructure, Brisbane's rental market | No Comments »
Posted by admin on 29 January 2010
Apartment owners: Did you know your body corp does not cover you for public liability inside the four walls of your property?
Many owners have never had this explained to them. So what danger are you in as a landlord? In case of a slip and fall claim by a tenant. In case of an accident in the bath or shower. Plus many more risks. Someone has to pay damages, and hopefully that person is your insurer.
Did you know a policy for Landlord Protection Insurance can cover you not only for the all important Public Liability but may also cover you for:
• Loss of Rent claims caused by storm or fire (we recently had a home in Paddington with the roof blown off, but with a policy to cover your loss of rent it doesn’t cost the landlord anything)
• Carpet damages and clean ups caused by air conditioning leaks or washing machine blow outs
• Loss of Rent claims caused by absconding tenants or rent arrears or properties left in a mess while you/we clean up
• Damages caused by tenants Maliciously, Accidentally or Purposefully
Imagine this scenario… your agent selects a good tenant with references and all the bells and whistles. But three months later, they break up with their spouse and get fired from their job!
The rent stops, of course they get no phone call. The tenants walk away because it’s all too hard!
At 8 days we issue a Notice to Remedy Breach for rent arrears, 7 days later the tenants haven’t paid, the next day we issue a Notice to Leave and 7 days later the tenants haven’t handed back the keys. We put in the paperwork to go to court for a Warrant for Possession, then next week attend. We get the Warrant and the Police come the next week.
The agent is finally able to change the locks and have possession of the property back. They find they have 6 hours of cleaning, carpet cleaning and a bill from the new set of locks and keys.
We’re already more than 5 weeks without rent! The bond money (usually a maximum of 28 days worth) has been spent in a heartbeat yet the agent has done everything the law allows. So who pays…?
You or your insurer…. your call.
Tags: Bond Money, Brisbane tenants, landlord insurance, Public Liability Insurance, Rent Arrears, tenant damage, Water Damage
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Posted by admin on 29 December 2009
It’s excellent to see that the Residential Tenancies Authority have released a ‘Green Booklet’ for landlords.
Each time we sign up a new tenant and handover keys, we must provide the RTA’s Form 17a Information Statement or “The Green Booklet”. We love The Green Booklet as it explains so many basic rules relating to a tenancy.
It’s good to provide the same basic info to landlords, as if there is something a landlord doesn’t understand, they can find general information in this booklet.
Some landlords assume incorrect information and this type of document is produced widely to educate, which we love!
But even if you CAN understand 36 pages, the booklet is no substitute for years of experience and knowledge.
All Property Managers will tell you that you keep learning throughout your career and in a team environment when we have a challenge we seek advice from our colleagues… so how can a landlord possibly manage the risks of tenancies themselves?
Starting a tenancy
All tenants are good while they’re good, and yes they’re easy to manage. Once you have an actual dispute to manage, it’s a very different story!
For more advice, tips and info go to
www.rta.qld.gov.au or www.beesnees.com.au/faqs_1.html
Tags: Brisbane property manager, Brisbane tenants, Green Booklet, Queensland tenancy legislation, Residential Tenancies Authority, rules of renting
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