Frequently Asked Questions by Tenants
How do I contact your office?
To receive prompt action, the best form of contact with our office is via email or fax. If you do not have access to email, feel free to contact our office directly by telephone. Our e-mail address is prime@bigpond.com.au our facsimile number is 9326-1430 and our office telephone number is 9327-2700. In the case of an emergency outside business hours please contact 0419 209 264.
Our business hours are: 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday - 9:00am to Midday on Saturday
How do I pay my rent?
The tenant agrees that it is their responsibility to pay rent in advance and in accordance with the Terms of their Residential Tenancy Agreement at all times. Rent is due on or before the due date – this date will be specified on your Agreement. Please remember that our Landlords have financial commitments to meet and they rely on rent being paid on time.
Rent can be paid either in person, by mail, or direct credit to our trust account. It is most important that the rent is paid on or before the due date. Personal cheques, bank cheques, credit cards (MasterCard, visa & bankcard only – 1.35% bank charges apply) or money orders are acceptable or direct credit from your Bank to our Trust Account. No responsibility is accepted for cash sent in the mail.
Our Trust Account details are noted on your Residential Tenancy Agreement.
If your rent falls into arrears we will contact you with a friendly reminder. If you continue to be in arrears more serious steps will be taken. Your Landlord reserves their right to terminate the Residential Tenancy Agreement when the rent falls more than 14 days behind.
What bills do I have to pay?
The landlord is responsible for payment of all rates and levies. If your home is separately metered for water you will be responsible for water usage as billed by Sydney Water. An invoice will be sent to your for payment upon receipt.
You are responsible for all utilities to the property i.e. electricity, gas, telephone, cable etc.
“Direct-Connect” is a company that can connect your home's electricity, gas, home phone and broadband internet in one easy phone call. Direct Connect is a free, no obligation service designed to take the stress out of moving and save you time on the phone. "Direct-Connect” is not affiliated with Farquharsons Executive Rentals however for every connection made through our office a donation is made to The St Vincent de Paul Society. Please ask one of our staff for the sign-up form or log into www.directconnect.com.au for more information.
Alternatively, you may wish to connect your Utilities individually. The following are Utility providers you may wish to contact:
Gas AGL 131-245
Electricity Energy
Phone Telstra 132-200
Foxtel 131-999
Can I organise my own repairs?
You cannot organise your own repairs unless it is an after hours emergency and you are unable to contact our office. An urgent repair is classified in your tenancy agreement but includes repairs such as burst hot water service, gas leak, serious roof leak, dangerous electrical fault etc.
All general repairs must be reported to our office in writing. Please fax, email or drop in a written request to our office. If work is carried out at the premises by a tradesperson, please contact our office if you feel that the work has not been completed satisfactorily.
If a tradesman is required to attend the property and a suitable time has been agreed between the tenant and the tradesman and the tenant is not home, the tenant agrees that they will be charged for the standard service call for attending the property.
If a repair request is reported to our office and it is caused by tenant neglect, the tenant agrees to be responsible for the payment of the account. For example, power failure due to one of your faulty appliances, a foreign object blocking toilets or garbage disposal units.
If you are ever unsure of whose responsibility the repair is - please contact us.
Do I need insurance?
It is the tenant’s responsibility to insure his or her own belongings and furniture. With the ever increasing incidence of burglary and theft, we strongly recommend you take out your own contents insurance. Third party property insurance will ensure that you are protected from a claim by the Landlord in the unfortunate circumstance where you are the cause of damage to the Landlord’s property.
Will there be inspections of my property?
Our office will carry out periodic inspections on the property to ascertain the condition of the property and necessary maintenance requirements. (7 days written notice will be given to you on all occasions). This inspection also provides an opportunity for you to point out any problems or maintenance that you think may be necessary.
Who is responsible for smoke alarms?
Smoke alarms are provided in all of our rental properties for your safety and protection. It is therefore very important that the smoke alarms remain operational. Please immediately advise our office should you have any concerns about the smoke alarms on your home.
What do I do if I am locked out of the property?
If you find yourself locked out of your property you may visit our office to collect our office set of keys. It is important to note that for privacy and security reasons, we are only able to give keys to tenants listed on the tenancy agreement and photo identification must be produced.
If the lockout occurs outside of normal business hours it is up to the tenant to arrange (and pay for) a locksmith. Our preferred locksmith is Julian from J&D Locksmiths – telephone number 0433 457900.
If you change the locks to your home you have an obligation under your Residential Tenancy Agreement to provide us with a set of keys as soon as possible.
How do I give notice to vacate?
Written notice must be given to end the Residential Tenancy Agreement. Fourteen (14) days prior written notice is required to end a tenancy when the fixed term period of the agreement is due to expire.
Twenty-one (21) days written notice is required once the fixed term has already ended.
For more information please refer to “The Renting Guide” that was given to you with your Residential Tenancy Agreement.
When vacating a property please be aware that rent is payable up to and including the day that all the keys and remote controls are returned.
Can I break my tenancy agreement?
We can assist you should you wish to break your tenancy agreement. The following conditions will apply: The tenant is responsible for and must pay rent until the property is relet to a suitable tenant and binding agreement to enter into or until the end of the tenancy agreement, whichever is sooner.
The tenant must pay for reasonable lessor compensation costs being equal to the first weeks rent or as otherwise agreed. The tenant must also pay for all advertising costs expended by the office in the process of securing a new tenant.
General
Please read your tenancy agreement and accompanying “Renting Guide” and be aware of your obligations and rights. If you have any queries in respect of your tenancy please do not hesitate to contact us for assistance.