Will an applicant with a higher salary be more likely for success with a rental application?
When applying for a rental, property managers will ask a tenant to disclose their salary.
This may feel intrusive, but it is a necessary component of an application to ensure a tenant is able to comfortably afford the weekly rent without going into arrears. The 30% rule will often apply here so that no more than one-third of a tenant's salary is being paid towards rent, otherwise the tenant will be under rental stress.
When applying for a rental, property managers will ask a tenant to disclose their salary.
This may feel intrusive, but it is a necessary component of an application to ensure a tenant is able to comfortably afford the weekly rent without going into arrears. The 30% rule will often apply here so that no more than one-third of a tenant's salary is being paid towards rent, otherwise the tenant will be under rental stress.
Will a tenant having a pet affect their application's success rate?
Tenants with pets can often find it hard to come by pet friendly homes and may be concerned that applicants without animals will have a higher chance at success with their application. However this is not necessarily true.
For the best chance at success, pet owners are encouraged to create a cover letter for their pet to provide to the owner to ensure they have as much information as possible to take into consideration when going over applicants. These documents should include images of your pet, information about their temperament, registration details, and any references that can be collected from previous landlords.
Are landlords more likely to pick couples over individuals?
Some landlords may note in their listings that a property is more suitable for a couple than an individual tenant due to an assumption that their income and lifestyle will be a better fit for their property. Although this is the case for some landlords, there will always be a variety of owners who are happy to take individuals into their property, especially if they have had past experiences with a share house. It will always come down to the owner's individual preferences.
Does everyone living in a rental have to officially be on the lease?
Although it is encouraged for every tenant to be on the lease, if the landlord gives permission, an individual on the lease may have the option to fill the rooms with sub-tenants. If a tenant chooses to have a room sub-tenanted, an application may have to be filled out for the landlord's approval. It is also often encouraged for the primary tenant to provide a contract to the individual they choose as a sub tenant, as the primary renter will be responsible for any late rent or damage that may occur at the property.
Will tenants be evicted if they do not pay rent on time?
If a tenant does not pay rent on time and goes into arrears, it is a serious consideration for eviction. However, throughout COVID-19, many tenants found themselves without work and unable to pay rent on time.
In this situation, or any similar circumstance, it is best to be honest and upfront with the property manager or landlord and explain your situation, as arrangements can often be made.
Can a property manager have access to the rental at any time?
While a proper manager may have keys to access a property, they are not allowed to gain entry while occupied unless they have prior permission to do so by the tenant. Property managers and landlords are required to liaise with the tenants to agree on a meeting time that works well for all parties, with a tenant having the option to either be present or give the property manager or landlord permission to enter while they are not at the property.
If something breaks, does a tenant have to fix it?
Depending on the situation, tenants do not always have to cover expenses for damages to a rental property. If something is broken by a tenant, it will be their responsibility to pay for those repairs. However landlords are accountable for any general wear and tear on the property as well as damage due to extreme weather conditions. Tenants are always encouraged to look over the condition reports at the start of the lease to make sure all damage is reported.
Do tenants have to hire a professional cleaner to get their bond back?
When leaving a rental, the tenant is required to leave the property in the same conditions as when they arrived. Although hiring a professional cleaner ensures that the property will be up to standard, a tenant is still permitted to do the cleaning themselves if that is what they prefer. If a property manager finds that the quality of cleanliness is not up to scratch, they may elect to take funds from a tenant’s bond to provide their own professional cleaners.
Can tenants hang art in their home?
A tenant generally needs permission from a landlord to drill holes into walls for art. However recent ACT rental reforms have allowed renters to hang art without needing approval. Landlords still have the ability to add conditions to any requests such as hiring a professional to install the hooks or determine what specific kind of hook is allowed to be used in the property.
