In this section, you will find information on the typical process of renting a home through Harcourts.
If you would like more information or have an enquiry about a specific property, our local offices will be happy to assist you.
When you find the right property, you will need to complete a Tenancy Application Form. You may need to provide photographic identification and verification of your current address, as well as other supporting documents.
The rental bond is requested as financial protection should there be a breach in the tenancy agreement. Your rental bond will be lodged with the Residential Tenancy Bond Authority. The bond is held as security against any property damage, undue wear and tear or in the event there is money owing at the end of tenancy.
Once it is established that all conditions of the tenancy have been met, the bond will be refunded promptly. The amount of bond payable is specified in the tenancy agreement. Please note, the bond required may increase where there is a rent increase.
Only the people (and the number of people) included on your tenancy agreement are permitted to reside at the property on a permanent basis. Should a tenant wish to move in or out, you are required to notify your Property Manager in writing immediately.
Please note, a new tenant will need to be approved through the application process prior to moving in.
It is your legal responsibility to pay your rent, to the landlord in advance. Please ensure that your payments reach us on or before the due date. Harcourts will not physically collect your rent. Rent must be paid by the method stated in your tenancy agreement.
If you have any problems with your rent payments please notify your Property Manager at the earliest possible time. If you fall into arrears, we will be obligated to follow the procedures outlined in the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 to collect the rent on behalf of the landlord.
A property condition report is used to determine the condition of the property at the commencement of your tenancy. It also ensures that you are not held responsible for damage at the expiry of your tenancy which may have been there prior to your occupation. You are required to make comment and additional notes, sign and return the document to your Property Manager. The document will be filed with your Tenancy Agreement and used as evidence of the property condition at the commencement of the tenancy.
Routine Inspections will be made at regular intervals. The primary role of these inspections is to advise the owner of the condition and care of their property and what, if any, maintenance is required. This is an opportunity for you to point out any maintenance required at the property. Photos may be taken by the Property Manager during the inspection.
It is important when you notice a maintenance issue that you inform your Property Manager as soon as possible. This can be done using the maintenance request form and can be issued via email, fax or mail. Jobs requiring attention by tradespeople firstly require permission from the landlord.
Once the landlord's approval has been obtained, a work order is forwarded directly to the specific trades-person, who will then be in direct contact with you to arrange a convenient time to address the approved maintenance. Please be aware that works carried out on the property by any person not approved under a work order from a Harcourts office may result in your liability to pay the account.
We ask that you always try to contact your Property Manager first however, if it is after hours and you cannot contact the Property Manager, you are permitted to contact an emergency contractor directly.
The legislation is specific about what constitutes an emergency repair and it's important that you know that should the issue not be deemed an emergency, you will be responsible for the account. An emergency repair is something that is likely to cause injury or which makes the property unsafe or leaves it unsecured (for example, a burst water service, serious leak, serious electrical fault etc).
Contact your Property Manager to discuss your legal requirements with regards to ending your tenancy as written notice periods will be required. Once the Property Manager has received/issued your 'Notice of Intention to Leave/Notice to Leave', they will contact you and advise requirements for handing over vacant possession. Once vacant possession is established (that is, all keys have been returned) a bond/final inspection can be completed.
The rental bond will only be returned once it has been established that all rent is paid as required, the property has been returned in its original condition as per the entry condition report (excluding fair wear and tear) and all applicable invoices have been paid. If keys are not returned within the appropriate time frame, locks may need to be changed, leaving you liable for the cost.
Your tenancy agreement is a legally binding contract. There is no obligation of the landlord to release a tenant early from a fixed-term agreement. If your situation changes and you're considering breaking-lease, please contact your Property Manager to discuss the options that may be available.
Our legislation resources page includes links to rental property legislation for each state and territory of Australia.
