FAQ - rental
How do I inspect a property for lease?
Properties are open by appointment or on Saturdays. On Saturdays, an inspection is conducted
for prospective clients to view the property. If the property is currently tenanted, we must pre-book with the tenant no less than two (2) days prior.
How do I apply?
Before any application will be considered, each applicant must achieve a minimum of 100
checkpoints. We have applications online through one form, and hard copies. Applications are
then processed and referred to the owner of the property for approval.
What happens once my application is approved?
Once the application has been approved, the client is required to secure the property with a
security deposit, which totals to two (2) week’s rental and is receipted in the account for the first
two week’s rental. After the security deposit is received, we notify all unsuccessful clients that
the property is leased and the property will be removed from advertising. Generally, this process
will be completed within 48 hours.
What happens to my 2 weeks in advance?
The two weeks rent payments in advance is funded towards the first two weeks of the lease.
The day the lease commenced, the rental for two weeks was paid and therefore the next
payment is due in two weeks’ time from the day of moving in being for the next pay period.
How do I sign my Lease?
Your lease will be signed online via DocuSign. You will receive a link via email which will enable
you to review your lease and execute it via DocuSign.
How do I complete the ingoing inspection report?
After the lease has been executed the tenant will receive a copy of the Ingoing Inspection
Report.
The tenant is to then inspect all rooms of the property and make notes in the tenant comment
section. If the tenant disagrees with any comments that the agent has made, the tenant is to
note this down. Once the condition report has been completed the tenant must return this to
the agent no longer than 7 days after receiving the report, also ensuring that all parties have
signed the report accordingly.
How do I report repairs?
Repair requests should be provided to our office in writing, whether it is in the form of an email,
fax, or letter posted in the mail or filling in the repair request form and returning it to our office.
We require all repairs to be in writing. If a repair is URGENT you are required to call the office
immediately along with notification in writing. The office will then organise the maintenance as
soon as possible as per the Residential Tenancy Agreement. If it is after hours and the repair is
urgent, please refer to clause 19 of your Residential tenancy agreement and the list of
Emergency Trades People stated on your Lease. We ask that any Urgent Repairs be logged
immediately by e-mail to rentals@ljha.com.au with any supporting photos and other
documents to avoid any issues with reimbursement of costs.
You can access the repair reporting form here - https://ashfield.ljhooker.com.au/maintenance-form
More information on emergency repairs here - https://ashfield.ljhooker.com.au/renting/emergency-repairs
How do I apply for a pet?
Applying for a pet must be done in writing. This can be done in the form of a pet application
form from our office, an email, or letter sent to the office. This request will then be put forward
to the landlord for consideration at their discretion. If approved you will then need to complete a
pet application form which will be sent to you, you must comply with all clauses in the lease that
refer to keeping a pet at the property.
I have no electricity! What do I do?
Please check that there is no power outage in your area and ensure your bill payments are up to
date. If you have checked these and you have not resolved the issue, please check the main
power switch board to see that all main switches are turned to the on position. In some cases, a
faulty appliance may have tripped the power – this needs to be checked by turning the main
switch back on, then one by one turn your appliances back on. If this has not been resolved,
please contact our office for assistance. If after hours, please refer to clause 20 and the
emergency contact numbers on your lease.
What happens if I lose my keys?
Should the unfortunate event occur that you have misplaced your keys, you will be required to
replace these keys at your cost. The office holds keys for most properties, however it is not a
requirement to do so and therefore if the keys are not available here at the office for you to
copy, you may need to arrange a locksmith to provide you with a new set of keys. Additionally if
your block has a security door key, this will need to be purchased directly from the strata agent.
Who is liable for pest fumigation?
Tenants are generally liable for pest fumigation if the infestation occurs after they have moved
into a property, also keeping in mind that the infestation may be caused by the activities or lack
of cleanliness on the tenant’s behalf.
However, the Landlord may be responsible for the pest control if the infestation is evident at the
beginning of the tenancy.
Who is responsible for TV Arial and Internet Connection?
Tenants are responsible for TV Arial and Internet Connection as per the Residential Tenancy
Agreement Clause 58.2 which states “The availability of the telephone/fax lines; internets
services; analogue, digital or cable television (and the adequacy of such services); are the sole
responsibility of the tenant and the tenant should make their own enquiries…”
How do I renew my lease?
Applying for a lease renewal must be done in writing. This can be done in the form of an email or
letter sent to the office. This request will then be put to the landlord and the landlord will either
approve or decline the lease renewal. If the landlord approves the request, a new lease will be
drawn up once an appointment has been booked in.
Can I hang pictures on the wall?
No nails, hooks, blue tack or cello tape is to be used on the walls/ceilings of the premises without
the prior consent of the landlord in writing. As an alternative any adhesive hooks (eg. 3M hooks)
that don’t damage the paint or walls may be used.
Do I need to be home for Property inspections?
It is not necessary to be at home for these inspections, however it is beneficial that you are to
ensure access is provided.
There’s mould growing through the property, can you please fix this?
Mould is caused due to a lack of ventilation which is often due to windows being kept closed
during this time. Keeping windows closed assist with increasing moisture/condensation on
walls and windows which is the leading cause of mould growth. Please note that as per Clause
47.9. “The tenant agrees; To ventilate, in adequate and timely manner, all bathroom, laundry
and kitchen area to prevent the growth of mould”. It is the tenant’s responsibility to ensure that
the property is properly ventilated. Should you notice any water penetration throughout the
property that may be causing mould on the walls or ceilings, please advise our office
immediately as this is a separate issue that will require attention.
Why are my smoke alarms being tested by 2 companies?
Under the Residential Tenancies Act it is the responsibility of the landlord to ensure a working
smoke alarm is in each and every rental property. Most landlords contract the maintenance of
the smoke alarms to a third party (Eg Property Services 360) to ensure that they are working
correctly as per Australian Standards and this ensures they are fully compliant. This is different
to the Strata annual fire safety statement, as this is a local council requirement for the entire
building and only a certain percentage are required to be inspected.
What happens if I want to leave the property prior to the end of my lease?
Should you wish to vacate the premises prior to the expiry of the fixed term agreement, you are
required to pay the lease break fees as per section 51 of in the Residential Tenancy Agreement
(the tenant agrees that if the fixed term is for 3 years or less, 4 weeks rent if less than 25% of the
term has expired, 3 weeks rent if between 25% & 50% has expired, 2 weeks if between 50% &
75% has expired and 1 week’s rent if 5% or more has expired and continue paying rental up until
the day vacant possession is provided.
How many days notice is required to vacate the premises?
Should you wish to vacate the premises at the end of your Tenancy Agreement, notification
must be given in writing at least two (2) weeks prior the end of the lease .If you wish to vacate
the premises after the Tenancy Agreement has expired, notification must be given in writing at
least three (3) weeks prior to vacating.
When will I receive my bond back?
After your tenancy has completed and the keys have been returned, a final inspection is
required to be completed with the landlord & yourself (if you wish to be present) to ascertain if
the property has been vacated in the same condition it was taken possession of. Should all be
satisfactory and all rental been paid, the bond will be released and you should receive this within
seven (7) days. If there is a claim that has been made on the bond and the bond form has been
signed, it will take also seven (7) days. However, if you don’t sign the bond claim form this can
delay the bond being received and may take up to twenty one (21) days to be released.
