Landlord Preparation Guide

Getting your property ready for tenants to move in is one of the most important steps we can take to ensure the tenancy starts on the right note.

Our entry condition reports reflect the state of the property at the beginning of the tenancy, enabling our team to expect the property to be returned in that same condition (minus fair wear and tear) at the end of the tenancy.

If there are any property specific notes that you believe the tenants should know about upon moving into the house (e.g. alarm codes, specific cleaning items for floors, benches etc.), please provide our team with a list of these.

Our expectation is the house and grounds will be presented to us to a professional standard - while you do not have to engage a professional to clean the house/carpets or maintain the grounds (pool where required), we do have high expectations of cleanliness.

This allows us to expect the tenants to return the property in this same standard.

Property Compliance & Safety

Ask your LJ Hooker Property Investment Manager for information about how you can ensure your investment property is compliant.

If you are unsure about a particular item, please contact your insurance company or local Office Of Fair Trading to ascertain what the ramifications are should you not address this item.

Property Owner Obligations:

• • Provide the property in a reasonable state of cleanliness
  • Provide the property in a reasonable state of repair at tenancy start
  • Allow for 'wear and tear'

Tenant Obligations:

• • Keep the property in a reasonable state of cleanliness
  • Not intentionally damage premises
  • Notify the landlord 'as soon as practical' of any damage
  • Not use premises for illegal purposes
  • Not add or remove fixtures or make any renovation, alteration or addition to the premises

Agent Obligations:

• • Act in the best interest of all parties
  • Abide by legislative guidelines
  • Minimise risk and avoid liability claims for all parties

It is important to remember the tenant wants to build a secure home environment in your investment property.

It's a great idea to take a step back and review your property, asking yourself 'would you live here?' - if you property needs a little spruce up, your LJ Hooker Property Investment Manager can assist with this too or see our Recommended Tradespeople here.

2023 Minimum Housing Standards

Minimum housing standards will come into effect for new tenancies from 1st September 2023, and for all tenancies from 1st September 2024.

Minimum housing standard aim to ensure all Queensland rental properties are safe, secure and functional and provide tenants, residents, property managers and owners more clarity around the maintenance obligations for rental properties.

Click here to download a checklist to help ensure your property is compliant with the 2023 Minimum Housing Standards.

Photography

Top quality photography is a vital element of a successful campaign.

Most people's first impression of your property will not be up close and personal, it'll be through photographs presented in the online listings - after all, people spend 60% of their time looking at the photos!

Click here to download our Preparing For Photography Checklist.

Landlord Rental Property Preparation Checklist

To ensure a smooth start to a new tenancy the following checklist has been designed to help alleviate the process for what's next once a property has been LEASED.

This list will aid the transition to your appointed investment manager.

Things To Consider:

• • All windows and door including cupboard and wardrobes open and close easily
  • All locks are secure and operate effectively with keys provided
  • Full sets of keys to be provided to our office plus one tenant. Any additional tenants will need access keys only
  • The property provides adequate security to enable tenants to obtain contents insurance and personal items
  • Property meets current smoke alarm requirements (see Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Website)
  • Any operating instructions or manuals for appliances or other items which tenants require instructions to use
  • Provide agent with any warranty details for any applicable items or building works (if applicable)
  • Ensure all lights and fittings are in working condition and spare left if required
  • Pre-place or leave picture hooks on walls in best locations - this helps control placement and number of picture hooks allowed
  • Where applicable ensure pool safety certificate is current - these expire after two years
  • If pets have been in the house, consider a flea treatment throughout
  • If you notice any pests, consider a pest control to treat those prior to tenants moving in
  • Basic utilities to the house are functional and ready for tenants to arrange their own connections including but not limited to electricity, gas, internet and phone

Click here to download our Landlord Rental Property Preparation Checklist.

Remember teething issues can occur when tenants move into the property - each individual has different expectations of cleanliness, presentation and matters requiring maintenance.

If you've been putting up with something, have it fixed to prevent any angst around the matter for tenants.