Bond

‍

When renting a property, the landlord can request the tenant pay a bond, a security deposit. The maximum bond amount typically equals one month's rent unless the rent exceeds $900 per week. Sometimes, the landlord may seek approval from the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) to raise this limit.

‍

Once tenants pay the bond, it is a legal requirement for the landlord or agent to lodge it with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA) within 10 business days. The RTBA will then provide the tenant with a receipt confirming the bond lodgment.

‍

If the tenant hasn't received the receipt within 15 business days of making the payment, the tenant has the right to contact the RTBA to address the matter promptly. Ensuring the proper handling and documentation of a tenant’s bond is essential for tenants and landlords, as it guarantees a fair and transparent rental process for everyone involved.

‍

Urgent Repairs and Maintenance

‍

Regarding repairs and maintenance in a rental property, certain issues require immediate attention and are classified as urgent. These may encompass the following situations:

‍

• A blocked or broken toilet can cause inconvenience and sanitation problems.
• Any dangerous electrical fault that poses a potential hazard to the occupants or the property.
• A gas leak can be highly hazardous and requires immediate resolution.
• A serious water leak or flooding, which can cause significant damage to the property and belongings.
• The breakdown of an essential service or appliance the landlord provides, such as a malfunctioning hot water system, affects daily living conditions.

‍

Non-Urgent Repairs

‍

Addressing non-urgent repairs in the rental property is essential for maintaining a comfortable living environment. Non-urgent repairs refer to any issues that do not fall under the 'Urgent repairs' category specified in the Repairs in rental properties.

‍

• Inform Landlord: Write a detailed communication outlining the repairs needed to the landlord. The tenant can utilise the 'Notice to the rental provider of rented premises' form to document the request comprehensively.
• Timely Response: According to regulations, it’s in landlord responsibilities Victoria to respond to the repair request within 14 days.

‍

Mainatianace 

‍

Both the tenant and landlord have to take care of the rental property. Here's what tenants can generally expect in terms of maintenance duties:

‍

• Keeping the Property Clean: Tenants are responsible for maintaining the property reasonably clean. Regular cleaning and tidying up after yourself help to ensure a pleasant living environment for everyone involved.
• Minor Maintenance Tasks: Renters are typically in charge of handling minor maintenance tasks. These may include changing standard light bulbs and ensuring the garden remains tidy unless your rental agreement specifies that the landlord is responsible for upkeep.

‍

Utilities 

‍

Going through utility and service charges can be like manoeuvring through a maze, with rules varying from one state to another. It's important to follow your state's guidelines for accurate information.

‍

In general, during a tenancy, tenants typically bear the responsibility for the following utility charges if the rental property boasts a separate meter dedicated solely to supplying one property:

‍

• All charges related to the supply or consumption of electricity, gas, or oil encompass supply fees and reconnection costs.
• Charges based on the actual water consumed, excluding service charges or reconnection fees.
• Any sewerage disposal charges that may apply.
• Utilisation charges for bottled gas usage, though not applicable to charges about the supply or rental of gas bottles.

‍

On the flip side, if the rental property lacks separate metering, the onus of responsibility falls on the landlords for:

‍

• Handling the initial connection fees for utilities.
• Covering the usage charges associated with the utilities.

‍

Understanding the Process and Your Rights

‍

‍

As a landlord, you may encounter situations where you need to evict a tenant from your property. However, evicting a tenant requires adherence to specific rules and procedures, which can vary slightly from state to state.

‍

To ensure a smooth and legally sound eviction process, it is crucial to understand the following:

‍

Reasons for Eviction

Familiarise yourself with the valid reasons for giving notice to terminate a tenancy agreement in your state.

‍

Proper Notice Requirements

Determine the correct format or official notice form you must use while providing your tenant eviction notice.

‍

Notice Period

Be aware of the required notice period you must give before the end of the tenancy agreement.

‍

For example, in Victoria, landlords must provide a signed written notice, which can be delivered by hand or sent by post. If the tenant does not vacate the property within the specified notice period, landlords can request an order of possession from the tribunal within 30 days. This order will include instructions for the tenant to vacate the premises, with a warning of forcible eviction if non-compliance persists. In extreme cases of non-compliance, landlords can obtain a warrant of possession to facilitate the authorities in removing the tenant from the property.

‍

Compliance with Tenant and Landlord Laws

‍

Being a responsible landlord comes with many rights and landlord responsibilities Victoria; understanding them is key to becoming a successful property investor. Every state has different laws about these things. Therefore, becoming well-versed in the relevant laws is imperative. Entrusting a professional property manager to navigate these complexities on your behalf can be a wise decision.

‍

If you own rental properties in Victoria, you can take advantage of the valuable resource Consumer Affairs Victoria provides. This will help you understand the laws for landlords in this state.

‍

Simplifying Property Rental Management for Landlords with Houst

‍

Houst is a leading property rental management company dedicated to providing comprehensive assistance and support to landlords. With a mission to streamline the short term or long term rental process, Houst offers a range of innovative solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of property owners.

‍

At Houst, we understand that being a landlord entails numerous challenges and landlord responsibilities Victoria. Our platform eases property management burdens, so landlords can focus on maximising rental yield and providing seamless rentals. Houst will manage everything from Airbnb listing, Airbnb cleaning and maintenance, check ins to the rental collection. Get Houst Franchise Partnership now!

‍