TENANT'S HANDBOOK - Fox's Real Estate

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TENANT'S HANDBOOK - Fox's Real Estate
T E NANT ’ S H A N D B O O K

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TENANT'S HANDBOOK - Fox's Real Estate
WE LCO M E !
    Welcome to Fox’s Real Estate! We know that moving can be an exhausting and stressful time
     and we hope that the relocation and unpacking process is as quick and easy as possible so
                           that you can relax and enjoy your new home.
        We are eager to keep you happy and comfortable and to ensure that the Property is
     maintained throughout your tenancy. Please don’t hesitate to advise us of any problem so
                                   that we can be of assistance.

                                   We are here to help!

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TENANT'S HANDBOOK - Fox's Real Estate
TENANT ’S PORTAL
    Property Tree Tenant Portal is an online platform
    where Tenants can access their property
    information and communicate directly with
    their Property Manager. Your portal gives you
    the flexibility to have real time access to your
    information, whenever you need it.

    Features
    YOU CAN:
    4   View property details and outstanding items
    4   View current lease and rent information
    4   View transaction history
    4   Access receipts and invoices
    4   Communicate directly with your property
        manager and keep records of your
        conversations in one place

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TENANT'S HANDBOOK - Fox's Real Estate
PAYI NG YO U R RE N T
    We strongly recommend your rent                   These actions form our arrears management
    remains in advance in case of unforeseen          procedure:
    circumstances.
                                                      •   4 days in arrears - Reminder phone call or
    We understand that surprises happen that              SMS
    can result in delayed rental payments and
                                                      •   8 days in arrears - Notice to Remedy
    although this situation may never apply to
                                                          Breach issued with 7 days to remedy the
    you, it is important that we advise you of our
                                                          breach.
    rent arrears process.
                                                      •   15 days in arrears –Notice to Leave issued
    If you happen to fall into arrears or know that
                                                          with 7 days’ notice to vacate.
    you will be unable to make a rental payment,
    please contact the office and discuss the         Tenants who have not remedied their rent
    situation with your Property Manger.              arrears by the expiry date on the Notice to
                                                      Leave will be expected to have vacated the
                                                      property by that same date. If a Termination
                                                      Notice is issued your name and details may
                                                      be listed on a National Tenancy Database and
                                                      be blacklisted which will affect your credit
                                                      hostory.

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TENANT'S HANDBOOK - Fox's Real Estate
CO ND I TION RE P O RT
Our Agency has completed the Entry Condition Report, signed it and given a copy to you at the
 start of the Tenancy. After completing and signing the form, you must return the completed
                      Entry Condition Report to our Agency within 5 days.
 Our Agency will then return a copy of the signed and completed report to you within 14 days.
Please note, you can scan and email the report back, however, if you do this you will also need to
                  post or drop in the original copy of the report within 1 week.
    If you do not complete and return the report it means that you agree with our Agency’s
  description of the property. The completed report and any photos or video could be used as
                       evidence by the Tribunal in the event of a dispute.

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TENANT'S HANDBOOK - Fox's Real Estate
GEN E R AL R E PA IRS & M A IN T E N A N CE
    All Maintenance must be logged through your          Emergency repairs
    Property Tree Tenant Portal. The benefits of
    using your portal include:                           Emergency repairs include such situations as:

    •   After the first login you don’t need to          •   Burst water service
        remember your password
                                                         •   Gas leak
    •   You can log and check the status of any
                                                         •   Blocked or broken toilet
        maintenance task 24/7 on your phone,
        tablet or computer                               •   Fault/damage likely to cause injury

    •   You will save time logging requests and          •   Serious roof leak
        can attach photos or files to make it easier
        for us to assess the issue                       •   Electrical shock/fault

    •   You can type in a description (or speak it in,   PHONE FOX’S REAL ESTATE ON 5532 3333
        if your device has voice recognition)            TO REPORT THESE TYPES OF SITUATIONS
                                                         IMMEDIATELY.
    •   You can add notes anytime to a request
        simply and easily                                If after hours, leave a detailed message of the
                                                         situation and refer to the Emergency contact
    •   You can use the app on more than one             numbers listed on the Tenancy Agreement
        device                                           as well as the information in the Information
                                                         Statement, which was provided in your
    If you report a maintenance issue and the
                                                         Moving-In Kit.
    tradesman finds that the repair is due to
    misuse or due to you not looking after the
    property, you will be liable for the invoice.
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TENANT'S HANDBOOK - Fox's Real Estate
PR OPE RTY R O UT IN E IN S PECT ION S
As part of our management responsibilities       INTERIOR
our Agency conducts regular Property
                                                 •   Floor Coverings
Maintenance    Inspections or   Routine
Inspections.                                     •   Walls

When We Inspect                                  •   Doors and Locks including Front and Rear

We undertake Routine Inspections every 3         •   Ceiling / and Fans if applicable
months.
                                                 •   Smoke Alarms if applicable
A day and approximate entry time within a
                                                 •   Light Fittings
two-hour timeframe is provided to you via an
Entry Notice, at least 7 days in advance         •   Power Points

Your presence at the inspection is welcome,      •   Built in cupboards – shelving and rails
but not necessary, as the staff member
conducting the inspection will use our Agency    •   Curtains, blinds
key set.                                         •   Whitegoods if included in tenancy

What We Inspect                                  •   Fixtures eg oven, hotplates

The inspection’s key purpose is to visually      •   Hot water system
inspect the areas applicable to the Property
                                                 •   Furniture if included in tenancy
as listed below, and identify repairs and
maintenance needed. A report is prepared         •   All wet areas – taps, pipes below sink and
and forwarded to the Landlord for instructions       basins
if repairs or maintenance work is required or
recommended.
                                                 EXTERIOR

                                                 •   Garage / carport

                                                 •   Gardens and lawns

                                                 •   Paintwork

                                                 •   Guttering and downpipes

                                                 •   Steps – structure and paint

                                                 •   Balcony and decks

                                                 •   Stumps, if applicable

                                                 •   Driveway, paths, courtyard

                                                 •   Clothesline

                                                 •   Pool / spa, if applicable

                                                 •   Fencing

                                                 •   Taps

                                                 •   Safety Switch

                                                 •   External Light Fittings

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TENANT'S HANDBOOK - Fox's Real Estate
GEN E R A L T E NA N CY IN FO RM AT ION
    TENANT RESPONSIBILITIES                         •   Reporting    malfunctioning        irrigation
                                                        systems or sprinklers.
    The following items are your responsibility
    while you are living at the property:           •   If you have a pet, all pet droppings need
                                                        to be disposed of regularly. (Please refer to
    •   Replacement of all light bulbs with the
                                                        your pet agreement)
        correct wattage.
    •   Replacing smoke alarm batteries every six   KEYS, LOCKED OUT?
        months
                                                    Office Hours - you can collect our office set
    •   Reporting non-functioning smoke alarms      and return them to our office within the hour.
        immediately if batteries do not solve the   Identification will be required.
        problem.
                                                    After Hours - you will be required to contact a
    •   Reporting of all necessary maintenance      Locksmith at your cost.
        via the Tenant Portal
    •   Steam clean carpets every 12 months to      PETS
        maintain their condition                    If you have a pet at the time you sign the
    •   Keep property clean, inside and out, free   lease, we need a picture of your pet to put in
        of grease, mould, mildew, cobwebs etc.      your file.
    •   If you are responsible for garden           Not all properties allow pets so if you are
        maintenance, you will need to mow, water,   considering adding a pet to your family, contact
        weed and dispose of all yard debris on a    our office to fill out the ‘Pet Agreement” form
        regular basis.                              for Landlord approval.

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TENANT'S HANDBOOK - Fox's Real Estate
POT PLANTS                                            ensure that ALL fencing requirements are
                                                      met in accordance with relevant legislation.
It is recommended that pot plants are raised
off the carpet or outside areas to avoid water        We recommend you contact the State
damage or staining.                                   Government and your local Council for further
                                                      information.
CONTENTS INSURANCE
The owner will not be liable or responsible
                                                      RUBBISH
for loss or damages to articles or property           Is to be placed IN the bins or bin chutes
belonging to the tenant. It is advised that the       provided, located on the common property.
tenant maintain contents insurance for their          No rubbish is to be left outside doors or in the
personal belongings.                                  bin area. All boxes are to be broken down and
                                                      placed inside the bins.
CHANGE OF A SHARED                                    No furniture or building materials are
TENANCY AGREEMENT                                     permitted to be left on common property or
                                                      dumped. General waste and recycling only.
If a tenant listed on the Tenancy Agreement
wishes to move out, all tenants listed on             If you require additional Council bins, please
the Tenancy Agreement will need to sign a             contact your Property Manager.
‘Change of Shared Tenancy’ form.
If you want someone else to move in to the
                                                      STORAGE IN CARSPACES
property, they will need to fill out an application   Is not permitted unless stored in a Body
form and once it has been processed we will           Corporate approval lockable storage unit.
contact the owner for the final decision. New
tenants cannot move into the property until           PROPERTIES WITH
the application process is complete.                  FLOORBOARDS
                                                      It is recommended by our office to have
PARKING OF CARS                                       floor protectors on the base of ALL Furniture
All cars, motorbikes, trailers, campervans,           located/used on the floorboards.
caravans, boats and trucks are to be parked in        These can be purchased from most
designated parking areas ONLY.                        supermarkets and all hardware stores. Any
Do not park on front lawn areas, or on Body           damage caused to the boards in your Tenancy
Corporate designated common areas (where              will be required to be rectified upon vacating
applicable).                                          the property.
It is the Tenants responsibility to repair any        Doormats at each entrance can help reduce
damage done when parking cars etc in such             dirt build up on the floor
areas. Oil stains on driveways is the Tenant’s
responsibility to remove before vacating              CLEANING FLOORBOARDS
the Property. To avoid such damage, we                Is best to clean with an anti-static mop for
recommend the purchase of a drip tray.                surface dirt and dust and a well rung out mop
                                                      that is damp rather than wet for cleaning. Be
POOLS AND POOL FENCING                                careful not to use excessive amounts of water
PLEASE DO NOT MAKE THE ASSUMPTION                     as this can cause water damage to the boards
THAT YOU ARE ABLE TO INSTALL / ERECT A                requiring replacement.
POOL OF ANY TYPE AT THE PROPERTY.                     •   Never use corrosive cleaning chemicals
If you wish to have a pool of any size, it may        •   Never use steel wool
require fencing due to Legislation. You must          •   Never use polish
first seek permission from the Landlord in
                                                      •   Always use a soft broom or
writing for the pool. If permission is granted,
                                                          recommended timber floor broom
it is then the responsibility of the Tenant to

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PUMBING AND TOILETS                                  OCCUPANCY
     Please report any visible leaks as soon as they      Only the people originally included on the
     become apparent. If a Tenant is found to be at       Application and approved by the Landlord can
     fault for a blockage, the cost will be directed      reside at the property permanently. If a new
     to the Tenant.                                       Tenant wishes to replace an existing Tenant,
     •   DRAINS never tip oil/fat down your drain         our office must be informed to approve the
         as this can cause a build-up of grease and       new application and complete any required
         leads to blockages                               paperwork. No one can move in without our
                                                          permission, and any Tenants vacating the
     •   TOILETS only toilet paper should be
                                                          property need to complete a Notice to Vacate.
         flushed -NO nappies, wipes, sanitary
         napkins, paper towels, cotton buds,
         contraceptive items (for example but no
                                                          SMOKE ALARMS
         exclusive to)                                    To comply with Fire Services Legislation the
                                                          following are responsibilities of the Tenant
     •   Drain cleaning products such as Draino
                                                          during the Tenancy:
         are recommended to be used quarterly
         (3 months) in all frequently used areas          1.   The Tenant/s will notify the Agent when a
         (kitchen sink, bathroom basin and shower              smoke alarm has failed or is about to fail,
         drains) -this will assist in keeping the              other than because the battery is flat or
         drains clear of hair, soap scum and grease            almost flat.
         build up.                                        2.   The Tenant/s will not remove, dispose
     •   Bidet Toilet Hoses are not to be installed            of, or otherwise tamper with to cease its
         to the toilets -this is an illegal practice in        effectiveness, the smoke alarms installed
         Australia.                                            at the premises unless it is to clean or
                                                               change the battery.
     STONE BENCHTOPS                                      3.   The Tenant/s will ensure that all exits from
     It is recommended that a cream cleanser                   the property are maintained as clearways
     is used on all stone benchtops like Jif or                so they can be safely and effectively used
     Gumption. These products are available from               for escape in the event of a fire.
     all leading supermarkets and hardware stores.        4. The Tenant/s agree to arrange for the
                                                             cleaning and testing of each smoke alarm
     TELEVISION WALL MOUNTS                                  in the dwelling at least once every 12
     Any requests to mount a television wall                 months where the Fixed Term Tenancy is
     mount bracket will need to be submitted                 12 months or longer or a Periodic Tenancy.
     to the Property Managers in writing. This            5.   The Tenant/s agree to arrange for the
     request will be directed to the Landlord for              replacement of each battery that is spent
     their consideration and approval.                         or nearly spent during the Tenancy.
                                                          6. Our Agency can supply a list of preferred
     HANGING PICTURES ON WALLS                               Contractors who can carry out the work
     Stick on hooks (3M/Command) are permitted               for you at your expense. If arranging your
     to be used by Tenants. lnstallation of nails/           own Contractor ensure they are qualified
     hooks are not permitted and will be requested           and hold current Public Liability Insurance
     to be removed upon vacating. Any damage                 cover.
     caused from hooks will be required to be
     rectified upon vacating.

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SAFETY SWITCH FOR POWER                           TESTING A SAFETY SWITCH
CIRCUIT                                           •   To test a safety switch, simply press the
                                                      TEST button.
The Tenant/s agree to test the Safety Switch
if installed for the Power Circuit on the Power   •   This should automatically trip the switch
Board every 3 months. Instructions and                to the ‘off’ position.
information details:                              •   Reset by pushing the switch back to ‘on’.
                                                  •   If it doesn’t work, contact your Property
WHAT IS A SAFETY SWITCH?
                                                      Manager immediately.
Safety switches are an insurance against
                                                  •   Carry out the safety switch test every three
electric shock and are designed to prevent
                                                      months.
injury or death.
                                                  WHY DID IT ‘TRIP’?
They monitor the flow of electricity through
a circuit. They automatically shut off the        •   If a safety switch turns off the power, it
electricity supply when current is detected           may be that a resident could be using a
leaking from faulty switches, wiring or               faulty appliance or the electrical wiring
electrical appliances. This stops the chance          may have become faulty.
of current flowing to earth, through a person,    •   Reset the safety switch. If it trips again,
electrocuting them.                                   unplug the last appliance used. If
Installing a safety switch is an inexpensive          everything works okay, take that appliance
safety measure that protects everyone.                to a licensed electrical Contractor to be
                                                      checked.
HOW DO I KNOW IF A SAFETY SWITCH IS
                                                  •   If the safety switch keeps tripping,
INSTALLED?
                                                      disconnect all appliances and plug them
Check by looking at the switchboard for a             in, one at a time, until the faulty one is
TEST/RESET button. That tells you if there is a       located.
safety switch installed.
                                                  •   Avoid touching appliances while carrying
When you open the switchboard, you should             out this process.
see something like this:

TYPICAL SWITCHBOARD
This shows the main switch, safety switch with
test button, and four circuit breakers. All
homes have circuit breakers or fuses. These are
designed to protect the wiring and appliances
within the premises. Only safety switches are
designed to protect people.

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M OVIN G O UT
     ENDING A TENANCY EARLY                            ENDING A TENANCY
     If you wish to vacate the property DURING         Notice is required in writing and must meet
     your fixed term Tenancy, you will be liable       the prescribed time frame prior to the expiry
     to pay rent until a new suitable tenant is        of your Tenancy Agreement.
     secured or the tenancy agreement expires
                                                       After you have given notice to vacate, please
     (whichever comes first).
                                                       remember to do the following:
     There will be a form for you to complete
                                                       •   It is the responsibility of the tenant to
     outlining your responsibilities and to
                                                           deliver all keys to our office. Keys can be
     provide us with the authority to commence
                                                           delivered before close of business the day
     advertising. This will be emailed to you and it
                                                           you are vacating or by 9am the following
     will need to be signed and returned ASAP.
                                                           morning.
     You will also need to deliver receipts for
                                                       •   You will also need to deliver receipts for
     carpet cleaning and any other services
                                                           carpet cleaning and any other services
     that you used to ensure the property is
                                                           that you used to ensure the property is to
     to standard (add here - as per your entry
                                                           standard. These can be dropped off with
     condition report). These can be dropped off
                                                           your keys.
     with your keys.
                                                       •   Please ensure that electricity is left
                                                           on for three days after you vacate the
                                                           property so we can complete the vacate
                                                           inspection.
                                                       •   If you are responsible for the yard
                                                           please ensure that it is back to ‘move in
                                                           condition’ before you leave.

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ACKNOWLE D G E ME N T &
                        CO NF IRM AT ION
       By completing this confirmation, the Tenant/s acknowledge having received the Tenancy
      documents and items detailed in this Tenant Handbook on or before the commencement of
            the Tenancy Agreement and acknowledge the responsibilities as the Tenant.

PROPERTY ADDRESS
Property Address

Tenant 1 Name

Tenant 1 Signature

Tenant 2 Name

Tenant 2 Signature

Tenant 3 Name

Tenant 3 Signature

Tenant 4 Name

Tenant 4 Signature

AGENT DETAILS
Company Name

 FOX’S REAL ESTATE
Property Manager Name

Property Manager Signature

Date and Time

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EN D O F L EA SE CL EA N
                                        C HECKL IST

     GENE RAL REQU I R E M E N TS                                                                     COMPLETED

      Windows, Windowsills and tracks to be vacuumed and cleaned

      Doors, door frames and tracks to be left clean and undamaged

      Marks to be removed from walls with sugar soap or similar product

      Cobwebs to be removed from ceiling cornices and walls

      All light fittings to be cleaned and free from insects

      All floors and skirting boards to be washed

      All ceiling fans throughout to be free from dust (if applicable)

      Clean all mirrors throughout including wardrobe door mirrors (if applicable)

      All exhaust fans throughout the property to be cleaned

      Air vents to be dusted

      All vertical blind strings to be attached and secure

      Air conditioners and filters to be cleaned (if applicable)

     KITC H E N

      The oven and grill cleaned. Drip trays to be cleaned of all grease.

      Range hood cleaned including the filters (where applicable)

      All cupboards cleaned inside and out (don’t forget the tops of the cupboards)

      Sink taps and disposal unit (if applicable) cleaned and polished

      Walls and tiled areas to be free from grease

      All benches and floors to be cleaned and free from dirt and grease (don’t forget the corners)

      The dishwasher left clean. Wipe over internal door, remove debris from the bottom drainer
      (if applicable)

     BATH ROOM AN D E N S U I T E S

      Shower recess to be scrubbed

      Grouting to be free of all soap residue and mildew

      Shower curtain (if applicable) to be washed and shower screen to be cleaned

      All plugholes are to be clean and free from debris

      Mirrors to be wiped over

      All drawers and cupboards to be cleaned

      Toilet to be cleaned thoroughly, including bowl, lid, seat, cistern, and behind the toilet

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L AUN D RY                                                                                         COMPLETED

 Clothes dryer filter to be cleaned out

 Clean under laundry tub and clean plughole

 Cupboards to be cleaned thoroughly inside and out

BA LCON Y AN D DEC KS

 Sweep and mop, clean railings, glass and light fittings

 Remove all cobwebs

GAR AG E , CARPO RT, D R IVEWAY

 Sweep and remove any oil residue from concrete, pavers, paths and driveways

 Remove all cobwebs from ceilings and under eaves

GAR D E N S AND L AWN S

 Mow lawn, trim all edges, weed gardens and remove all rubbish

 Empty & wash out council bins and place bins on footpath for collection

 Air vents to be dusted

 All vertical blind strings to be attached and secure

 Air conditioners and filters to be cleaned (if applicable)

T IP S & T RICKS

  •   Pouring some liquid chlorine down a toilet will lift any stubborn stains.
  •   Baby wipes are great for cleaning skirting boards or window tracks.
  •   Leave the oven cleaner overnight to get rid of any stubborn stains or baked on grime.
  •   Do not put rubber backed curtains in a washing machine.
  •   Cotton buds work well on wardrobe and window tracks.
  •   Sugar Soap & Gumption can get rid of almost any kind of mark, just make sure you wipe it over with water.
  •   Plain Colgate toothpaste is great for stubborn scuff marks

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07 5532 3333 | www.foxs.com.au | pm@foxs.com.au
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