​Preparing to Rent your Property​


There are a few things to take into account when renting your property. 


Under the QLD Residential Tenancies Act, a landlord must:


o    Ensure that the property must be clean and fit and safe to live in and in a good state of repair.

o    Maintain the premises in good repair and in a way that the premises remain fit for the tenant to live in.


At SBFN when you contact us for a rental appraisal we will provide you with suggestions for achieving the maximum rental, and with any items in the property that represent any health or safety concerns, we will provide recommendations to ensure that you are not exposed legally.


Our knowledge and experience is invaluable when assessing your property.


Items we may refer to when we inspect your property are.  

More Preparation Tips 

Smoke Alarms

​In Queensland, landlords are legally required to ensure their rental properties have compliant smoke alarms installed. This includes installing them in specific locations, testing them regularly, and ensuring they meet the required standards. Tenants also have responsibilities regarding smoke alarms, including testing and cleaning them regularly. ​

Swimming Pool Maintenance & Safety Checklist

If your property has a swimming pool, we recommend that you include a professional pool maintenance fee in the weekly rent. Tenants are responsible for the provision of pool chemicals, and the cleaning of the pool.

Pool owners must have a pool safety certificate issued by a licensed pool safety inspector. A copy of the certificate should be included with the tenancy agreement.

Water Efficiency

Landlords are allowed to pass on the full water consumption charges (including bulk water charges) to tenants provided all the minimum criteria have been met.

What are the minimum criteria for water charging?

Landlords are able to pass on the full water consumption charges to tenants if:

o    The rental premises are individually metered (or water is delivered by vehicle), and

o    The rental premises are water efficient, and

o    The tenancy agreement states the tenant must pay for water consumption.

Pest Control

For houses, we recommend a pest control treatment be carried out annually. If you are vacating a property where a dog/cat has been kept, a flea treatment is recommended.

Exterior Cleaning & Garden Tidy Up

For houses, we recommend pruning back any overhanging trees/vines, weeding of garden beds, mowing and edging of lawns and removal of garden waste. Pressure cleaning of driveways and/or paving areas is also recommended.

Security

Ensure that the property provides adequate security to enable tenants to obtain contents insurance for their personal items. Also, it is recommended that all locks are secure and all operate effectively with keys.

Windows and Doors

Ensure that all windows and doors (including cupboard doors), open and close easily. All locks and keys must be fully functional so that the premises are fully secure.

Keys

Ensure at least 3 sets of keys, security swipe cards & remote controls (if applicable) have been provided to your Property Manager including keys for window locks, garage, garden sheds and the letterbox.

Bins

Council waste bins must be made available for the tenant's use. This the general waste bin, the green waste bin and the recycling bin.

Appliances

It is a legal requirement that any appliances left at the property for use by the tenant must be maintained in a working condition by the landlord. It is recommended that landlords retain the original warranty and appliance manuals and provide a copy for reference by the tenants.
Body Corporate (Strata)
​

If the property is a strata unit, villa or townhouse, a copy of the Strata By-Laws should be provided to us as we are legally obliged to provide the tenant with a copy. Should the Strata By-Laws be changed/updated by the Body Corporate, please provide us with a copy of the changed By-Laws so they can be provided to the tenant. When the property has been leased, we also advise the Body Corporate/Strata Manager know the name & contact details of the new tenant.

Carpet Cleaning

We recommend that professional carpet cleaning be carried out prior to a tenant moving in. The tenant is required, at the end of their tenancy, to ensure that the carpet is left in as close as possible the same condition as when they moved in (fair wear and tear excepted). Having the carpets professional cleaned prior to the tenant moving in, sets a good standard.

Cleaning

It is very important at the commencement of the tenancy, that the property has a PRE-TENANCY CLEAN. We can arrange a pre-tenancy clean quote with one of our recommended cleaners if required. If we hand over the property with a high standard of cleanliness, we can ensure the tenants return the property to the same standard of clean at the end of the tenancy.

General Repairs & Any Safety Issues

Upon inspecting your property, we will make recommendations as to any repairs/safety issues that may need to be addressed - prior to a tenant moving in.
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