The management and staff of Coronis Realty look forward to being of service to you during your tenancy. To help you get started in your new place, we’ve developed this Tenant Guide, which outlines what is expected and how to get the best use of our systems.

Given our strong experience in managing rentals, we understand some of the questions you may have when you move into a new residence. This Handbook is meant to be a quick-reference booklet that offers handy hints that help make you feel right at home.

Keep it in a safe and easy-to-access place, so that you can refer to it when you need to. If you need more information on any of the issues in this brochure, please speak with our Property Management staff – they’ll be happy to assist you, or visit our website at www.coronis.com.au.

“Welcome to your new home!”

The information below will assist you with your queries, however please do not hesitate to contact our rental team should you need further information.

THE INFORMATION LISTED BELOW WILL GUIDE YOU THROUGH YOUR TENANCY WITH CORONIS RENTALS

BUSINESS HOURS

Monday To Friday 8.30am — 5.00pm
Saturday 9.00am — 4.00pm

RENTAL PAYMENTS

Please ensure that your rent is always paid in advance. In today’s ever growing cashless society, we are increasingly looking for new and effective methods of paying rent without having to use cash. For security reasons most companies are shying away from accepting rent over the counter. With this in mind, we now provide the following options for payment of rent:

DIRECT DEBIT – All you need to do is complete one of our direct debit forms and let us do the work for you. We will deduct the rent from your bank account on a weekly or fortnightly basis.

DIRECT CREDIT – Rental Rewards Program – The Rental Rewards Program allows you to pay your rent on your credit card, Bankcard, MasterCard or Visa. This program enables you to earn reward points or frequent flyer points in the process. You can select a weekly, fortnightly or monthly payment and Rental Rewards will deduct the rent from your selected card on their ‘set and forget’ system.

HANDERENT - A secure payment service that allows you to pay your rent via the BPAY option on your telephone or internet banking. Great for shared properties!

PROPERTY INSPECTIONS

You can expect routine inspections of your property to be carried out every 6 months unless otherwise agreed with your Landlord. You will be advised of these inspections at least 7 days prior, although we will try whenever possible to advise you two weeks in advance. You are not required to be present at these inspections. We have a master key to your property and will do the inspection in your absence. To help us with our inspection, please leave a message on your kitchen bench with a list of any items you believe require attention. You can do the same if you have questions, and we’ll try to help where possible.

BOND

Your rental bond is a form of “Insurance” against damage to the property as a result of negligence or misuse, or leaving the property without notice. The bond is lodged with the Residential Tenancies Authority for the duration of the tenancy. Provided that the property is left in as near as possible to the condition it was when the tenancy commenced, and no rent is outstanding, the bond is refunded.

WHY FILL OUT CONDITION REPORTS?

When you move in, both you and the landlord/ agent need to complete the Residential Tenancies Authority Entry Condition Report (Form 1a). This form with the Agents section completed, was given to you when you moved into the property. This is a record of the home’s condition at the start of your tenancy. It’s an important way of showing that the place is in the same condition when you move out as when you move in. Complete the Entry Condition Report and return a copy to us within 3 days after the day you’re allowed to move in. (NOTE: if not returned within 3 days you forego your rights of notation of the Condition Report at the commencement of the tenancy). Remember to keep your copy in a safe place; it’s your evidence about the condition of the place when you move in, and it will help protect your bond.

It’s important that you know your responsibilities as a Tenant. Here’s a guide that can help you stay informed, and avoid confusion. In all references, unless marked, the Essential Terms & Conditions of your Tenancy Agreement are the primary guidelines upon which you should maintain your property/tenancy. For your ease, we have further interpreted these Essential Terms & Conditions relating to various parts of your property or tenancy. Remember, if you’re in doubt, you should consult your copy of the Essential Terms & Conditions.

PETS

Unless the prior permission of the Landlord is obtained through the Property Manager, NO pets are allowed on your property. If pets are approved, they will be noted on your Residential Tenancy Agreement, and must strictly be kept outside the house i.e. in the yard of the property. Any additional or new pet other than that noted on your Tenancy Agreement requires the permission of your Property Manager. Under no circumstances are pets allowed in either Townhouses, Units or Villas, as it is against Body Corporate By-laws and Council Regulations. Birds are sometimes acceptable, as long as they do not make excessive noise i.e. NO cockatoos. When residing in a unit the by-laws of the Body Corporate should be checked. Small fish tanks are generally allowable but where fish tanks exceed 2 cubic feet, or 0.1m3, permission from the Landlord must be sought.

PEST CONTROL

Under the Special Conditions of your Tenancy Agreement, you must make sure that your property is free from pests and vermin (cockroaches, fleas etc.). Treatment is at your expense. This is a requirement that is necessary at (but not limited to) the end of your tenancy.

NOISE/NUISANCE

Under Section 102 (RT Act), noise must be kept within the legal limits, particularly between 11pm and 8am. This is of special note to tenants in townhouses or unit complexes where noise at all times must be controlled i.e. stereos, radios, television, singing etc. As a rule of thumb, if you can hear it outside the unit, it’s too loud.

BREACH OF TENANCY

We recommend that you take good note of the advice regarding breach of tenancy in the Residential Tenancies Authority Form 17a - Information Statement. In principle, at any time you breach your tenancy or decide to break your lease and leave early, you will be responsible for payment of rent up to and including the day the new tenant commences his/her tenancy. In addition, it is your responsibility to pay the Landlord’s costs in re-letting the property (normally equivalent to one weeks rent) and the cost of advertising required to re-let the property. In this event it is also the tenants responsibility ro have the smoking alarms tested at a cost of $75.00

Your Tenancy Agreement

CHANGE OF TENANCY

In the event of a Change of Tenancy, it is the tenants responsibility to advise the Agent and to ensure than an application for tenancy is completed and accepted by the Agent prior to any new occupants entering into the property. The tenants must also sign a change of shared tenancy form. A cost of $55 + GST will be payable to the agent to execute any changes.

TAP WASHERS/STOVE ELEMENTS

In general you’re not responsible for tap washers or stove elements as these last many years. However, you should note that where unreasonable wear and tear were to occur, e.g. taps being turned off with more force than required or stove elements being damaged by pots boiling over where either water or other cooking liquids have burnt onto them, this would then be considered your responsibility and, as such, the cost of repair or replacement.

HOT WATER SYSTEMS

In most properties - whether it be fed by electricity or gas - your hot water system will be a storage unit. As a rule of thumb, they will need to be topped up every three months.

This is done by opening the valve at the top of the unit until the water flows out. Careful, it will be hot! This is the primary cause for loss of hot water, particularly in winter. It is important to note that should a tradesperson be called to the property to top up a hot water system the cost would be your responsibility.

SMOKE ALARMS

It is the tenant’s responsibility to have smoke alarms tested at least every 12 months. General maintenace such as replacing batteries and annual cleaning and informing the agent of any faults is also the respnsibility of the tenant. However, at NO time should a tenant re-locate, remove or do anything that would muffle the sound of it’s alarm (penalties apply).

PRE TENANCY INFORMATION RECEIVED

The tenant acknowledges receipt of the Body Corporate By Laws (if applicable), Residential Tenancies Agreement, Condition Report completed by the agent and signed (and the tenant agrees to return the Condition Report within three days), Tenant Information Booklet & property keys.

PETS (IF APPLICABLE)

NO pets are allowed on the property unless you have written consent from the lessor or Agent. The tenant agrees that should the lessor and our office approve pets to be kept on the premises, a formal pet agreement will be entered into. Failure to enter into a pet agreement will constitute a breach of agreement for the keeping of pets at the property.

RENT REVIEW

The tenant agrees to a fair market rent review being carried out on the property every 6 months. Any rent increases will be processed in accordance with legislation.

DISHONOURED CHEQUES, DIRECT DEBITS & RENT CARD PAYMENTS

Cheques that have been refused by the bank for any reason will attract a fee to cover the bank charges and processing costs. The tenant agrees to pay this cost.

PARKING OF CARS

Cars, motorbikes, boats, trailers and vans are only to be parked in the designated approved areas. It is prohibited to park on the front lawn areas, body corporate common areas (if app.), nature strips or other lawn areas etc. Oil stains on driveways are your responsibility to clean and remove. Should your vehicle have an oil problem, we strongly recommend that you purchase a drip tray. Unregistered vehicles are not to be kept at the property unless they are properly garaged and the only vehicle that you own.

POT PLANTS

The tenant agrees to ensure that pot plants are raised off of the carpet to avoid water damage or staining.

CARPET STAINS

The tenant agrees to remove marks and stains on the carpet immediately before serious and permanent damage occurs. If necessary, a professional carpet cleaner should be engaged. It is recommended that you have the carpets professionally cleaned every 12 months.

PAINTWORK ON WALLS

The tenant agrees that no nails, screws, hooks, blue tack, sticky tape or tacks are to be fixed to walls, wardrobes or ceilings without the written permission of the agent. It is our experience that when these are removed, paint and plaster damage occurs and the tenant will be held responsible.

POOL MAINTENANCE (IF APPLICABLE)

The tenant agrees that it is their responsibility to keep the pool in a well-maintained safe condition. The pool must be clean and vacuumed, water balanced, filter cleaned and timers set (where fitted). All pool equipment must be accounted for and securely stored. A certificate is to be supplied by a reputable pool service company once every month authenticating the condition of the pool and water. If it is noted that the pool is not being maintained, you will be given 48 hours notice to rectify the problem. Failure to comply with this will result in a professional pool cleaner attending the property. The tenant agrees to pay for any associated costs to restore the pool to its original condition, if caused from tenant neglect.

POOL FENCING

The tenant agrees that if they erect a portable pool at the property they will ensure that the fencing requirements are in accordance with legislation requirement to minimise potential risk.

LAWNS AND GARDENS (IF APPLICABLE)

We have taken the time to ensure that the lawns and gardens are presented in a neat and tidy condition. The tenant agrees to keep the grounds (lawns & garden beds) in the same condition and not to store equipment, boxes or rubbish in the yard as it destroys the lawn and is a place for vermin to live. lawns weeded and mowed regularly. Grass clippings are to be removed from the property and not put in gardens or on grass areas. Failure to maintain the lawns in a neat and tidy condition will result in a professional lawn maintenance company attending the property. The tenant agrees to pay for this cost.

SMOKING

The tenant agrees that smoking is not permitted inside the property.

EXCESS WATER (IF APPLICABLE)

The tenant agrees to pay for all water usage at the applicable rate as set out by the local council.

VACATING

The tenant agrees that if the premises are not cleaned to the Agent’s satisfaction within a reasonable time, a professional cleaner will be engaged to clean where required and the cost will be deducted from the bond. The tenant agrees that upon vacating, to have the carpets professionally steam cleaned by a licensed operator on vacating the property, or as directed, at the tenant’s own expense and a copy of the receipt is to be produced.

TENANT AGREEMENT ANNEXURE “A”

BY-LAWS
BODY CORPORATE REGULATIONS

NOISE

A proprietor or occupier of a lot shall not upon the parcel create any noise likely to interfere with peaceful enjoyment of the proprietor or occupier of another lot or any person lawfully using common property.

VEHICLES

Save where a by-law made pursuant to section 30 (7) authorizes him so to do, a proprietor or occupier of a lot shall not park or stand any motor or other vehicle upon common property except with the consent in writing of the body corporate.

OBSTRUCTION

A proprietor or occupier of a lot shall not obstruct lawful use of common property by any person.

DAMAGE TO LAWNS, ETC. ON COMMON PROPERTY

A proprietor or occupier of a lot shall not damage any lawn, garden, tree, shrub, plant or flower being part of or situated upon common property except with the consent in writing of the body corporate, use for his own purposes as a garden any portion of the common property.

DAMAGE TO COMMON PROPERTY

A proprietor or occupier of a lot shall not mark, paint, drive nails or screws or the like into, or otherwise damage or deface, any structure that forms part of the common property except with the consent in writing of the body corporate, but this by-law does not prevent a proprietor or person authorized by him from installing:

1. any locking or other safety device for protection of his lot against intruders;
   or
2. any screen or other device to prevent entry of animals or insects upon his lot.

This is on the proviso that the locking or other safety device or, as the case may be, screen or other device in constructed in a workman like manner, is maintained in a state of good and serviceable repair by the proprietor and does not detract from the amenity of the building.

BEHAVIOR OF INVITEES

A proprietor or occupier of the lot shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that his invitees do not behave in a manner likely to interfere with peaceful enjoyment of the proprietor or occupier of another lot or of any person lawfully using common property.

DEPOSITING RUBBISH, ETC. ON COMMON PROPERTY

A proprietor or occupier of a lot shall not deposit or throw upon the common property nay rubbish, dirt, dust or other material likely to interfere with the peaceful enjoyment of the proprietor or occupier of another lot or of any person lawfully using the common property.

APPEARANCE OF BUILDING

In the case of building units plan, a proprietor or occupier of a lot shall not, except with the consent in writing of the body corporate, hang any washing, towel, bedding, clothing or other article or display any sign, advertisement, placard, banner, pamphlet or like matter on any part of his lot in such a way as to be visible from outside the building.

STORAGE OF FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS, ETC.

A proprietor or occupier of a lot shall not, except with the consent in writing of the body corporate, use or store upon his lot or upon the common property any flammable chemical, liquid or gas or other flammable material, other than chemicals, liquids, gases or other material used or intended to be used for domestic purposes, or any such chemical, liquid, gas or other material in a fuel tank or a motor vehicle or internal combustion engine.

A PROPRIETOR OR OCCUPIER OF A LOT SHALL:

save where the body corporate provides some other means of disposal of garbage, maintain within his lot, or on such part of the common property as may be authorized by the body corporate, in clean and dry condition and adequately covered, a receptacle for garbage; comply with all local authority by-laws and ordinances relating to the disposal of garbage; ensure that the health, hygiene and comfort of the proprietor or occupier of any lot is not adversely affected by his disposal of garbage.

 

KEEPING OF ANIMALS

Subject to section 30 (12), a proprietor or occupier of a lot shall not, without the approval in writing of the body corporate, keep any animal upon his lot or the common property.

CATEGORY A - URGENT

This category includes situations that could lead to the death or injury to persons, endanger health or cause serious and extensive damage to the property: 

• Gas leaks
• Fire
• Live bare electrical wires in an accessible location
• Burst water pipes within or outside the building
• Severe storm or water damage
• Sewerage blockages (health hazard)
• Securing dwelling after forced entry
• Major structural damage threatening safety of occupants

ACTION BY TENANT:

IN OFFICE HOURS:

Should any of the above situations occur anytime during office hours, the Tenant should contact Coronis to report it.

AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY:

For urgent maintenance that cannot wait until the next business day refer to the front page of your lease at the bottom under urgent repairs. Alternatively contact TPC Maintenance on 0402 600 304.

WHAT TO SAY:

The Tenant must give their name, address and telephone number, and describe the nature of the emergency.

RESPONSE TIME:

A maintenance request will be attended to within 1 to 4 hours, depending on the assessed urgency.

OTHER IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW:

Maintenance staff will advise you on what temporary measures can be taken until repair work can be carried out.

CATEGORY B - PRIORITY

Situations that may cause serious inconvenience to a Tenant for more than one day:

• Blocked drains (minor, not health hazard)
• No hot water
• Toilet cisterns not working or overflowing
• Broken windows (if not a security or safety threat)
• Faulty locks
• No lighting or power to power points

ACTION BY TENANT:

IN OFFICE HOURS: Should any of the above situations occur day/night from Monday to Friday, it is essential that the Tenant contact Coronis during office hours to report the maintenance request. Work that is not an emergency should be reported on the next working day. It will be attended to as soon as possible, according to priority.

RESPONSE TIME:

Reported to a tradesperson who will then contact you.

OTHER IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW:

Maintenance staff will advise you on what temporary measures can be taken until repair work can be carried out.

CATEGORY C - ROUTINE

Situations that may cause inconvenience to a Tenant or, in the long term, affect the value of the property ie: internal doors sticking, leaking gutters, fence repairs

ACTION BY TENANT:

The Tenant should advise Coronis in writing of all routine maintenance requests from Monday to Friday during office hours.

RESPONSE TIME:

A maintenance request will be attended to within 48 hours.

OTHER IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW:

After hours maintenance requests will only be actioned by the after-hours Emergency Service if the request is a true emergency. Coronis staff will NOT book any maintenance after hours unless it falls within guidelines.

YOUR EASY GUIDE TO MAINTENANCE

There are three categories of urgency for repair works. Keep this Easy Renting Booklet convenient to help you determine what is urgent, and what steps you can take to help.

N.B. After-hours work is very expensive and, wherever possible, tenants should wait until the job can be done within normal working hours. Tenants are responsible for the full cost of repairs if damage is caused by themselves or their visitors.

ELECTRICITY

Please ensure that you have had your power connected if you are new to the property. Check with Energex to ensure that there is no fault in your street. If you live in a unit, check with your neighbour – if other units in your complex are experiencing similar problems it may be the Body Corporate that needs to be contacted for action. Please check the fuse box. The safety switch may have been activated for some reason and may need to be reset.

LIGHTS OR POWER POINTS NOT WORKING

No power to the property or no lights or no power points working (could also be only half the house has power) Have you checked the meter box? In most cases the problem will be that a fuse has tripped or the safety switch has tripped. This usually happens if you have a faulty appliance or if you have too many appliances switched on at the same time. Turn off the appliances you were using at the time and to go to the meter box. Take special note of any switches that are in the off position. You will need to turn all switches to the off position, leave them of for a few seconds and then turn them all on again. Turn each appliance on, one at a time. If the safety switch trips when you turn on the toaster, kettle etc then it is likely that particular appliance is faulty or has just become faulty. Keep in mind that it can sometimes be the fridge or other major appliances that have recently become faulty.

In an old home, you may have the old style fuses that should not be fixed by the tenants. Have a look at the fuses and see if you can see the wire broken on any of the fuses. If an electrician is called to the property and the fault is with one of your appliances or simply to reset the Safety Switch then you will be charged for the service fee.

STOVE ELEMENT NOT WORKING

Check the connections to make sure it is not loose or dirty. Sometimes pulling the element out, cleaning it and putting it back in again is all you need to do to fix the problem.

NO HOT WATER

Have you filled the hot water system? Almost all hot water systems need to be filled (usually quarterly). If it has not been filled recently then that would be the reason for the lack of hot water. How to check - there is a release valve at the top of most hot water systems. You will need to lift the valve and hold it up until water is released from the overflow valve. This can take seconds or a couple of minutes, but would not be any longer than that. It will then take approximately 24 hours for the tank to reheat and should be fine from there. You should fill the system each time you receive an electricity bill. This is a good reminder.

Is your electricity account on night rate off peak – if so, you would only have a limited supply of hot water as the system only reheats at night and not during the day. This is usually ok if you have a small family but if you have children or a new baby you will soon discover that you may need to have it changed. Energex will not need to go to the property to do this, it can be done from the exchange and needs to be done by you as you are the holder of the account. It usually means an increase in your electricity account though. If it is a gas system, you may need to light the hot water system. If you are new to the house this may not have been done, or on occasions if there is an air pocket in the supply they can go out. The instructions on how to relight the system will be on the outside of the system. If you have gas bottles, the bottles may be empty. If the previous tenants did not use all of their gas you will still get a supply until they are empty and you should have them refilled regularly. Failure to refill the system or ignite the pilot light could result in the call-out fee being invoiced to the tenant.

BEFORE LODGING A MAINTENANCE REQUEST WITH CORONIS, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING MAINTENANCE TIPS TO AVOID UNNECESSARY CALL-OUTS!

BATHROOM OR KITCHEN SINK BLOCKED

Try using some draino to clear the blockage. You could also try pouring boiling water down the sink to free up old soap or hair or try the same with the kitchen sink to remove old food from the kitchen waste. Never put fat or oil into the drain as it will block up the pipes. Another handy hint is to turn all taps on in the house and flush the toilet all at once. The excess rush of water is often enough to force any hair or minor blockages through the waste pipes, particularly if you notice a smell coming from the water drain in the bathroom floor. Plumbing faults; ensure that no foreign objects have found their way into the pipes or insinkerator. Items that can cause problems are: disposable nappies; sanitary napkins; and teaspoons. Blockages caused by foreign objects are the tenant’s responsibility.

GARAGE REMOTE CONTROL NOT WORKING

Replace the battery in the remote as this is the most common cause. Otherwise, check that the combination in the remote is the same as the combination on the panel in the garage. This is not always possible depending on the type of remote. Check that the lever in the garage (generally next to the control box) is on auto. If it is on manual the remote control will not work. However, you will be able to manually operate the garage door.

KEYS AND LOCKS

All locks require lubrication from time to time. Ensure that WD-40 or RP-7 has been applied prior to calling the office. If you have locked yourself out, you will be asked for photo identity before we can let you borrow our office set of keys and we are not able to give keys to anyone who is not on the lease or listed as an approved occupant. All lost keys are the responsibility of the tenant. Locksmiths charge a minimum of $88 for a service call. Please note: A call-out fee of $75 will be charged by Coronis Realty if we are required to reopen the office or keep the office open in order for you to collect a key. (We can try to make these arrangements for you, however, it may not always be possible)

RUBBISH BINS

Brisbane City Council is responsible for rubbish collection and the maintenance of the wheelie bins. Please contact them directly if you have any problems or require repairs to the wheelie bins.

Please use common sense regarding emergency situations. Wherever possible, electricity, gas and water supplies should be turned off at the mains to minimise danger to yourself and others and damage to the property and your belongings!

KEEPING IT CLEAN!

When you’re renting a property, you as Tenant, are responsible for maintaining the condition of the carpets. It’s EASY to keep carpets looking good and lasting for years if you follow these simple guidelines.

KEEP IT REGULAR

Regular vacuuming slows down wear and tear and prevents everyday dirt and soil from causing unnecessary damage. Vacuum thoroughly at least once a week. There are other smart tactics to use. Try laying mats in areas that are frequently used to help keep carpets clean. You can also minimise carpets fading by keeping curtains drawn against direct sunlight whenever possible. Tenants in a property for longer than 12 months should consider having the carpets cleaned every 12-18 months.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT DAMAGE

If you spot a loop or tuft of carpet that has pulled out, DO NOT try to pull out a sprouting yarn. The result may be an unattractive run in the carpet. INSTEAD, cut off the pulled loop level with the rest of the carpet, using sharp scissors. With wall- to-wall carpets, high humidity can cause a rippling effect. If this remains after the humidity has left, contact your property manager for a professional assessment of the damage. This can be arranged by your Property Manager, minimising the cost to you as Tenants by having the job professionally done.

SPILL/ STAIN REMOVAL

Act immediately if there’s a spill or accident and you will help minimise the stain. Here are 5 simple steps to follow:

1. SCOOP up any solids before cleaning.
2. BLOT as much liquid as possible with clean white toweling or paper towel.
3. CLEAN according to spot removal guide. Apply cleaning agent to a clean towel, NOT directly on the carpet.
4. RINSE with cold or lukewarm water, but don’t saturate.
5. BLOT DRY with absorbent material such as paper towel or use a cold air fan to complete drying.

REMEMBER: DO NOT rub or scrub the area. Start from the outer edge and work your way towards the centre.

CARING FOR CARPETS

A large termite nest can cause major damage to buildings in a relatively short period of time. Most homes have either physical or chemical barriers to prevent termite entry. Because termites travel underground or in mud tunnels you are unlikely to see them. However there are some things you can do to keep the property safe.

Structural damage to homes, particularly roofs, although rare, can cause a safety risk to you and your family. If you are in any doubt about termite activity, please call your agent and report your concerns. This information was prepared by a pest control company as a guide only. A qualified Timber Pest Inspector should be consulted, if in doubt.

Your solid hardwood floor is a natural product which should give many years of service, and its appearance will mellow and improve with age. It must, however, be properly cared for, and the purpose of this leaflet is to provide you with the necessary instructions for looking after your floor. Like any form of floor-covering, a wooden floor must be regularly cleaned and maintained in accordance with certain basic rules. It is a natural product and therefore vulnerable to misuse, but will reward care and attention. The most important thing to remember is to AVOID EXCESSIVE MOISTURE.

DO

1. Stick felt pads (or something similar) to the feet of chairs and tables to minimise scratching.
2. Fit a mat by outside doors
3. Take particular care with areas of high traffic.
4. Sweep regularly in order to prevent grit or small stones being trodden into the surface, causing scratches and abrasions of the protective finish.
5. Clean as often as necessary with LehaOH-49 cleaner diluted in a bucket of water. This should be applied with a ‘squeegee’ mop or similar which has been squeezed so that it is only slightly damp.

DO NOT

1. Allow water to soak between the floorboards and ON NO ACCOUNT pour the contents of the bucket onto the floor prior to spreading with the mop.
2. Drag hard, heavy items across the floor, as this will damage it: modern floor finishes are hard, but they are not impregnable.
3. Neglect to clean the floor.
4. Leave damaged or worn areas of timber flooring exposed, as they will absorb moisture and be susceptible to stains.

CARING FOR WOODEN FLOORS

1. Report any unusual mud build ups or mud tracks around the house
2. The weep holes in the external brickwork of a brick home are a favorite entry point for termites. Try to keep a clear brick below these weep holes and don’t build soil or mulch in gardens above this level. This will allow you to clearly see tell tale mud tracks leading into these weep holes
3. Don’t store items against the external wall of the house. Termites can use these as a bridge to access the building undetected
4. Report plumbing leaks to your agent promptly, as these can attract termite activity
5. If you notice termite mud galleries or other activity, it is extremely important not to disturb or interfere with them. Notify your agent immediately.

TERMINATING TIPS FOR TENANTS

When you’ve decided you will be moving, you need to give your Property Manager a minimum of two weeks written notice of intention to leave. The date you vacate cannot be sooner than the end of the tenancy agreement or before the expiry of two weeks from the date of notice (see p2 -– Tenancy Agreement – Breach of Tenancy). You should use a RTA Form 13 for the giving of notice. When you hand in your keys, you must supply us with details of your forwarding address (in accordance with Section 115 of the Residential Tenancies Act 1994). A post office box number is not sufficient. If you don’t supply a correct address, you may be liable for a $1,500 fine, of which application for enforcement will be pursued by Coronis. Rent will be charged (minimum) up to and including the day you hand your keys in to our office. All final inspections will be carried out after you have completely vacated the property and returned the keys to our office (as per clause 20.1 of your Essential Terms & Conditions).

Up to 2 weeks before...

MAKE A LIST

It’s a good idea to list all the people you need to inform of your new address. As you receive mail in the weeks before you vacate, check that the sender is on your list. You should include friends/relatives, banks, subscriptions, catalogues/ mailing lists, clubs etc.

TALK TO THE POSTIE

Arrange to have your mail redirected with the post office for a few weeks after you move. This ensures your mail reaches you and will allow you time to change any address you may have forgotten previously.

TRUCKIN’ ALONG

If you’re hiring trucks to help move, book them a week or two in advance. The same with helpful friends: give them plenty of notice so you are not stuck with everything yourself on the day.

STAY COVERED

Update your insurance policies.

Up to 2 weeks before...

EARLY BIRDS:

Gather everything you need for the move i.e. boxes, packing tape, rope etc. Start packing anything you won’t need for the week - the aim is to get everything packed by the day before you actually vacate the house.

RETURN YOUR RENTALS

Return all library books and rented videos. Don’t forget to collect lay-bys or items with cleaners or repairers.

KEEPING UP APPEARANCES

Clean the outside of the house and weed and tidy the gardens so that you only have to mow the lawn and clean the inside of the house just before moving out.

START IN THE KITCHEN

Defrost the freezer and clean the oven & pantry.

READINGS, READINGS

Arrange for final readings of your services such as gas, electricity, and telephone to be performed just prior to your move. Also, organise for these services to be connected in your new home prior to your arrival.

GIVING NOTICE AND MOVING OUT

This is where the RTA Form 1a - Condition Report you filled out in the first 3 days of your Tenancy, and handed into our Office, comes in handy. If your property is not in the same condition as at the start of the Tenancy, any work that needs to be done after you vacate will be deducted from your bond. Following the standard vacate cleaning procedure (as listed) will help you protect your bond. Read this in conjunction with your original Condition Report.

CARE FOR YOUR LITTLE ONES

Arrange for child care and pet care on moving day.

DON’T FORGET THE MILKMAN

If you have milk, newspapers or anything else delivered regularly, ensure you cancel these services in advance and pay all accounts in full before you move.

CLEAN THE SCENE

Book a carpet cleaner and pest controller as soon as you have moving dates planned.

DISCARD HAZARDS

Empty petrol or dangerous chemicals before moving.

PROTECTING YOUR BOND

GENERAL AREAS

1. All doors, ceilings, walls, floors, skirting boards, window ledges and tracks must all be washed and free from marks, dust, cob webs, finger-marks etc. 2. Windows should be cleaned both inside and out (where accessible) and left free of dirt and streaks. 3. Don’t remove picture hooks from walls. Cupboards should be cleaned inside and out.

FITTINGS

1. Light fittings must be cleaned and cob webs removed both inside and outside the property (where accessible). You must re place any missing or broken light bulbs. 2. Drapes are to be washed or dry-cleaned according to fabric. Rubber-backed cur tains are to be dry-cleaned only. 3. Blinds are to be cleaned and in working order. If necessary, replace broken vertical blinds chains or clips.

Finally...the moving day...

Preparation is the key! Have everything ready to remove from the house the night before. Have payment ready for the removalist, and don’t forget to put out the rubbish bin for collection. Pack electrical items into their boxes, defrost the fridge and freezer (put a towel down to catch any drips) and leave out all cleaning products you’ll need for the final clean. When you’ve moved everything out of the house, double-check each room, wardrobe, cupboard and shelf to make sure there’s nothing left behind. It’s a good idea to leave your forwarding address on a note inside the house in case any items of mail slip through the re-direction service. After the pest control and carpet cleaning has been carried out, securely lock the premises and return the keys to Coronis Rentals, with a copy of the cleaning/pest control receipts. The final inspection will be normally carried out within 48 hours, and your Property Manager will then contact you to talk about the condition of the property and the return of your bond.

CARPETS & PEST CONTROL

1. Carpets must be professionally steam cleaned by a reputable company, who provides a receipt. Recommended carpet cleaners can be organized through our office.
2. Pest controlling must be done as per your Lease special conditions and Flea Control must be done if a pet has resided at the prop erty at any time.

BATHROOMS

1. The shower recess, bath, sinks, toilet, cup boards, exhaust fans, drawers and mirrors must be cleaned thoroughly, with particular attention paid around tap handles, drains and toilet bowls.
2. Ensure there are no traces of hair, soap resi due and mould.
3. Shower screens and curtains should likewise be washed.

KITCHEN

1. Clean range hood internally and externally, dismantle and degrease exhaust fans and all filters and grills.
2. Oven (especially behind stove) griller, element rings, and drip trays are to be clean and free of grease and carbon deposits.
3. All cupboards, drawers and shelves must be cleaned inside and out with warm soapy water.
4. Sinks must be cleaned of food and stains and dishwashers (if fitted) must be cleaned thoroughly inside and out. Remove and clean filters and cutlery basket and leave doors open after cleaning.

LIVING AREAS

1. Clean all walls and floors, including skirting boards.
2. Make sure the scuff marks are removed from tiled and vinyl floor coverings.
3. Clean fireplace/heater if applicable.Similarly, air conditioners, if fitted, must be thoroughly cleaned, as must ceiling fans.

BEDROOMS

1. Clean all walls, floors, skirting boards and ceiling fans.
2. Ensure light shades are cleaned inside and out.
3. Clean walk-in-robe/built-in robes/shelves/ drawers.
4. Remove stickers and blu tac from walls with care, without damaging paint.
5. Remove any stickers or blu tac from walls or ceilings, restoring to original condition.

EXTERNAL

1. Remove all rubbish from the yard i.e. garden waste, car parts etc.
2. Mow lawns and trim the edges as well as fence lines.
3. Weed the garden and pebble beds.
4. Clean the gutters and down pipes of leaves.
5. Remove all wasp nests, cobwebs, etc. from under eaves and around guttering (where accessible).
6. Clean walls, floor and door to carports, garages, pergolas, verandahs etc.
7. Clean any oil/grease stains from driveway, carport and other concrete areas.
8. Sweep the pathways clean.
If you’ve had pets, remove all pet hair from patio, screens and around doors.
9. Ensure that flea control is carried out by a professional.
10. Properly repair/replace any loose or ripped insect screens.
11. Replace missing or broken light bulbs.
12. Replace any broken sprinkler system mechanisms.
13. Ensure pool is balanced and professionally tested and provide us with a copy of the report.