No matter how well-managed your Northern Beaches rentals are and how quickly your property manager responds to complaints, there’ll come a time when even your best tenants will give notice.
Tenants vacating your property can mean lost rental yield or issues in your cash flow. Therefore, it’s crucial to know exactly what to do when a tenant gives notice.
Of course, having a property manager means you have someone ready to look after this situation, so there’s no need for you to feel overwhelmed and stressed. But to give you an idea of what you should do, below are some steps you need to consider:
1. Thank the tenant
Tell your property manager to thank the tenant and commend them for being a great renter (if they have been so). By taking these steps to keep their goodwill and ensure their proper exit from your property, your tenant might even recommend you to friends and family looking for accommodation or space.
If your tenant is moving because they need a bigger space, they might be willing to move to another property you own, as long as it fits their living requirements.
2. Ask your property manager to check other important items
Instruct your PM to perform the following tasks:
- Ask your PM to check if the tenant has given sufficient notice. The minimum notice period in NSW depends on the type of lease and the reason for ending the tenancy contract. Usually, however, the notice period is something the tenant and landlord should have agreed upon from the very beginning. Ideally, the longer the notice period, the better for you as the landlord.
- Tell your PM to call or visit the tenant to discuss how they can get their bond back. During this talk, your PM should also confirm the move-out date with the tenant as well as the return-of-keys date and other details.
- Ensure the rent payment is updated. Your PM should check if the rent has been paid and will be paid up until the move date.
3. Conduct a thorough property inspection
Your PM must make sure all keys are returned promptly, and that the home has been inspected completely. They also need to see to it that the home is clean and secure.
During inspection, make sure your property manager is able to distinguish between normal wear and tear and actual damage. They should also keep detailed notes of their observations and take photos as needed.
4. Refresh your property
Although repainting between tenants is not an absolute requirement, we recommend you refresh the paintwork and also get carpets cleaned or the flooring refreshed once the tenant vacates the property.
Also, check the bathrooms and re-grout if necessary. Take care of all minor repairs, such as leaky taps and broken lights. Change the battery in the smoke alarm and have it tested to be on the safe side.
Let your property manager take care of vacating tenants
Your property manager is there to take the stress of tenants leaving and finding new renters off of your hands.
However, it’s important for you to know your role as a landlord and be aware of tenants’ rights in NSW or wherever you own property in Australia. This way, you’ll know what to expect from your property manager and ensure you adhere to applicable property rules and regulations.
If you need help with managing your property or want to lease out your building or unit, please contact JDH Real Estate.
Can we help with your Northern Beaches property?
Whether you’re selling or want to rent your property, the team at JDH Real Estate can help. Please give us a call today.