9 Tips For First Time Renters In Melbourne

Apr 23, 2021 Whether you are relocating alone or with your family, finding a first rental property in a new city is a big task. The entire experience can bring a lot of excitement and stress at the same time. As a first time renter, you need to do a lot of research about the residential rental market, the per week rent of potential properties in particular locations and tenancy laws before the final move out. Apart from this, book reliable Melbourne removalists at least 4 weeks prior to your home relocation. They will assist you in packing and transiting precious possessions from one place to another without causing any damage. This way, you can focus on finding the right rental property in Melbourne. Here are some tips below for first-time renters that will simplify your journey to a great extent.

1. Look For Suitable Rental Properties

Of course, the experience can help you find the ideal leased property in the hotspots in Melbourne, but you can also start from scratch and plan everything in an organised manner for better outcomes. It is good to prepare a ‘must-have’’ list so that you can find the right property within your estimated moving budget. After that, you can begin your search and shortlist the best options to view. Make sure you make an appointment to inspect or view the property before making the final decision. For a first-time renter, you need to prepare an application ahead of time so that you can submit it as soon as you find an ideal property.  These work as a prove that you have a stable income and you are capable of living in a rental property. Tip: Choose credible and reliable referees as you don’t have any rental history.

2. Look for Affordable Suburbs

Affordable rental property means finding the right place with all the local amenities within your estimated budget. Melbourne has some of the cheapest suburbs where you can look for homes, units and other dwellings at reasonable rental rates. These are:

• Craigieburn – Located in the north of Melbourne, Craigeiburn boasts of cutting-edge developments, schools, parks, shopping centres and sports centres. The median rent for a house is $380 per week and units for $350 per week.
• Melton – It is one of the fastest growing suburbs in Melbourne- thanks to the affordable public transportation facilities, good schools and affordable housing. The average rent for houses are $320 per week and units rent for $300 per week.
• Footscray – This suburb is close to Melbourne’s CBD and home to Victoria University. If you are a student, you can look for rental accommodation in this suburb. The median rent for houses is $465 per week, and units rent for $360 per week.

3. Thoroughly Inspect the Property

First-time renters may not find the property inspection process an important step. However, you should check it thoroughly before signing a lease agreement so that you can get into the property which is safe and perfect for living. Below are the things you need to inspect for: • Make sure the property is not in a damaged condition. • Well-maintained garden area • All current appliances, such as ovens, microwaves, fridge are in working condition. • It should meet the safety standards Tip: If you are under a serious time crunch, hire professional removalists in Melbourne to manage the entire relocation process. This will help you inspect the property without any hassle.

4. Know Everything About Residential Tenancy Agreement

If you want to live in a rental property, you will have to sign a contract which is known as a residential tenancy agreement or a lease agreement. It is important to have a legal contract to sustain a transparent relationship between you, the tenant and your property manager or landlord. A lease agreement outlines: • The rent amount that you need to pay every month or week • How it is to be paid • The type as well as duration of a lease • Bond amount • Clauses and details on what will happen if you leave the property in the middle or break the agreement • Repairs and maintenance clauses • Special terms related to cleaning and pets, etc

5. Know Tenants Rights

As a tenant, you should know your rights as well, along with your responsibilities. You have the right to privacy, which means your property manager cannot visit the property without your permission. Your landlord even can’t force you to pay for the general repairs and maintenance. If you are living in Melbourne, then know rental tenancy laws in Victoria for more information. The state government made amendments to the existing laws to support tenants and their renting experiences. Some of the new laws are: • Renters are allowed to make some modifications to their properties, fix the broken air conditioner, repair the smoke detectors, etc. • Landlords have to provide evidence for giving tenants a notice to vacate in some situations and new arrangements for getting the bond money back. • Landlords can only rent out properties that meet basic minimum standards to tenants who relocate to new rental properties after 28^th March 2021.

6. Know What is Bond

It is an amount of security deposit that you will pay at the beginning of your tenancy. The bond amount provides security for your landlords in case you breach the agreement or damages the property during the lease. In case you return the property in a damaged or dirty condition, a landlord has the right to withhold your bond and use it for professional cleaning and repairs when you vacate. The bond can cost is equal to your four weeks rent. Make sure you hire professional end of lease cleaners in Melbourne while moving out of a rental property to get your bond back.

7. Know how to pay rent

After deciding the amount of rent, make sure you discuss the payment methods so that you can pay your rent on time. You can pay via EFTPOS, electronic bank transfer, cash, credit card and cheque.

8. Importance of Condition Report

A condition report is a document that shows the state of the rental property when you first move in. It is important for a landlord to prepare a condition report so that you can check and sign within a few days of moving into a property. Make sure the report include complete information, including the walls, floors and doors of a property. It should cover existing issue with any electronic appliances and furniture. Take photos of the property before you move in that can be used as evidence in case any rental dispute occurs between you and landlord.

9. Property Repairs and Maintenance Responsibilities

If something you bought is damaged or broken, then check whether it is covered by your contents insurance or not. It is also determined as renter’s insurance. Such a type of insurance policy is designed especially for renters so that they will cover you to repair or replace your items after damage caused by flood, fire, theft, etc. Always remember that your landlord is responsible for the repairs and maintenance lords. He/she has to maintain the good condition of property. In case, you damage something during your lease, you have to repair it as soon as possible.

Endnote

Moving into a rental property for the first time is a daunting process. Make sure you know everything about the renter’s rules, responsibility and tenancy laws before signing the agreement. The tips mentioned above will make your journey a bit easier. For the smooth transition of your belongings, hire highly-trained removalists in Melbourne at the best price.