RESIDENTIAL RENTAL HOUSING OPTIONS

FULLY FURNISHED RENTAL PROPERTIES - Fully furnished accommodation is fairly limited. 'Fully furnished' typically means that the property offers all white goods - fridge, dishwasher, microwave, washing machine, dryer - as well as bedroom furniture and most other large furniture items. It is wise to ask if linen, towels, crockery and cutlery are included in the rental,a s many properties do not include these items.

UNFURNISHED RENTAL PROPERTIES - Unfurnished properties make up a substantial part of the residential market. Unfurnished accommodation should normally containe light fittings, floor coverings, drapes, heating, a hot water service, kitchen cupboards and benches, a stove or oven, and on occasion a dishwasher. You will be requried to supply your own white goods and furniture.

HOW TO FIND AND VIEW RENTAL PROPERTIES

There are a variety of options you can choose from when it comes to sourcing rental properties:

• Rental lists are available from our office at 67 Lime Avenue, Mildura
• You can view all of our rental properties on our website www.collieandtierney.com.au or at www.realestate.com.au
• The Mildura Weekly also advertises our rental properties

VIEWING PROPERTIES

There are two options available to view rental properties:

• Attend an 'open for inspection', whereby a house or apartment is open for 15 minutes, so interested parties can view the property before applying for it
• Contact Collie & Tierney on 5021 2200 and make an appointment

THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Application forms are easily obtained from Collie & Tierney office. Often there is more than one applicant for a house or unit, therefore you must be prepared for the possibility that your application may not be successful. The property manager will require referees - people that can confirm your financial, work and rental situation, and provide a character or personal reference. Be prepared for this when viewing rental properties. The application process generally takes anywhere from 3-7 working days.

It is alwasy good to include a positive written reference from a previous landlord in your application if possible.

SECURING A PROPERTY

All properties require a bond, to be placed on the property when a rental application is accepted. This is the cost of one calendar month (4.333 weeks) for a Victorian property and 4 weeks for a NSW property. The security deposit is paid into the Residential Tenancy Bond Authority - a government body - and it remains in this trust account until you vacate the propery. The bond needs to be either a bank cheque or money order made out to the RTBA (Residential Tenancy Bond Authority). No interest is gained in this account, and access to the funds cannot take place. The bond will be refunded at the end of your lease if you return the property in the same condition (excluding fair wear and tear) as when your tenancy began.

You will also need to pay the first 2 weeks rent upfront to secure the property. These funds go to the landlord as part of his rental earnings.

As demand for good quality properties is high, it is important that you have access to the necessary funds to secure your appliation.

LEASE & CONDITION REPORT

A standard agreement is usually written up by the real estate agent and signed by both the owner and the tenant. It is not necessary for any legal person to look over the agreement, however it is very important that you read each of the clauses in the lease agreement and ensure that you clearly understand your rights and responsibilities. Any questions should be directed to the real estate agent for clarification. If you believe that the subject clause is in breach of the Residential Tenancy Act but the real estate agent will not negotiate any further, you can contact Consumer Affairs Victoria to seek further clarification. Please keep in mind, however, that it is in the real estate agents best interests to ensure the lease agreement drawn up by their agency is in line with teh Tenancy Act. Many agents use a standard document authorised by the Real Estate Institute of Victoria and then add special clauses where appropriate.

The agent will complete a property condition report before the lease commences. You will have 3 working days to go through the property and confirm what the agent has highlighted on this report. It is in your best interest to check the report thoroughly to ensure any already existing damages are recorded on the condition report. Once satisfied the report reflects the true condition of the property, you will need to sign one form and return it to our office and keep the other form for your records. If you do not hand back in your condition report you will be held responsible for any existing damage at the property.

It is normal practice for the tenant to be responsible for arranging the connection of the utilities. Utilities include electricity, gas and telephone. The landlord will pay water rates and council land rates.