Your guide to renting a home

Here’s everything you need to know about renting a home through RE/MAX Xtra.
Interested in renting a property? Here’s an overview of the process and a few handy hints to help you through the process.

Find the right property

Find the Right Property

It’s easy to search online for available rental properties, but before you start looking, here are some things to consider:

  • How much rent you would like to pay each week?
  • In which area would you like to live?
  • What facilities and services are nearby?
  • What type of home you are looking for, e.g., house, apartment, or say a townhouse?
  • How many bedrooms you need?
  • The number of bathrooms?
  • Your car parking requirements?

The Application Process

Once you have found the right property, each applicant will need to complete a Tenancy Application Form in full.

RE/MAX Xtra uses 2Apply for our application process. You can access all our rentals and their unique application code HERE. You will be asked for an inspection code which is 1200.

If you have not previously rented through RE/MAX Xtra, you’ll also need to provide identification. Each piece of identification is worth a certain number of points, and your supplied ID needs to add up to 100 points in total.

These are the acceptable forms of identification and their points value:

Primary Identification Documents

Passport (current or expired within last two years, but not cancelled)70 Points
Full ORIGINAL Australian Birth Certificate or Birth Card70 Points
Citizenship certificate70 Points

Secondary Identification Documents

Current Australian Drivers Licence40 Points
Current Australian Boat Operator's Photo Licence40 Points
Current Australian State or Territory Proof of Age/Photo Card40 Points
Medicare Card25 Points
Utility Bill; eg: Electrical, Water, Gas25 Points
Bank Statement/s25 Points
Motor Vehicle Registration Papers25 Points
The application process

The Screening Process

At RE/MAX Xtra Group, we look for prospective tenants that will treat the property as if it were their own. This means they should have financial stability, the ability to pay the rent and a good rental history. You will be asked for 100 points of Identification, three months worth of Bank Statements and your last 3 payslips. You will be asked to sign a privacy declaration so we can start your review. Once you complete an application, our leasing team will conduct a review of the information you’ve provided. They will also contact your personal references, previous landlords/agents and employers and will run a national tenancy check on your past rental history. Your application will also be shared with your landlord and stored electronically in line with our privacy policy.

The Keys

At the commencement of the lease, you will be given the keys to your new home. When you leave the rental, your tenancy will not end, and you will continue to be charged rent until the original keys (and any copies you made) are returned to RE/MAX Xtra. To avoid additional charges keys are to be returned no later than 5:00pm on the final day of your lease.

Paying the Bond

Paying the Bond

It is held as security against any property damage or wear and tear over and above what would be considered normal for the term of your tenancy. Your bond is lodged electronically with NSW Fair Trading, Rental Bonds On-line, and they will hold it for the duration of your lease. As long as the property does not suffer damage or undue wear and tear during your tenancy, the bond will be refunded when you move out.

The amount of the bond is specified in the lease document and should not exceed four weeks’ worth of rent. When you leave the property, if there is unpaid rent or you have caused damage that requires repairs, we will deduct the exact costs required to fix the issue, and the balance of the bond will be returned to you. If the damage or unpaid rent exceeds the amount of the bond, no money will be refunded.

Moving

Utilities and more

Move me in offers an efficient moving home service to assist you in connecting you power, gas, phone, broadband and Foxtel.Whether you need new connections, disconnections or transfers of your existing services, we can help and it’s FREE. We will even throw in a couple of pizzas and a bottle of drink on your move in night on us, once you use Move Me In.

Click HERE to access.

Removalists, Truck Hire and Insurance can also be supplied by Move Me In at super competitive rates and these services you will need to pay for. You can access them through the above link


Mail Redirection

Australia Post can redirect your mail to your new address.

Click HERE to access the form.

Moving

Insurance

The owner’s insurance on the property does not cover your personal belongings. We strongly recommend that you take out contents insurance to cover your possessions for loss, damage or theft. Please have a look at the Move Me In offer above.

Paying the Rent

We make it easy for you to pay your rent through Simple Rent. Simply set it up, and the rent will automatically be deducted from your nominated account each month. What’s more you get a week’s rent free each year using this service in the form of shopping vouchers. It’s a great way to monitor your rent and their app makes it simple to claim your rewards.

Maintenance

For emergency maintenance such as blocked toilets, major leaks or floods, or gas leaks please contact us immediately on 0438 999 405 for seven-days-a-week support.

For electricity outages click HERE.

For water outages click HERE.

Inspections

Inspections

We will inspect the property regularly to make sure it is being well maintained. You will be given the opportunity to advise us of any repairs or maintenance you feel is needed.

Initial Inspection

Upon the commencement of your lease, RE/MAX Xtra will complete an inspection and full condition report. You will be given the opportunity to check this, add to it, and return it to us within seven business days. We will refer to this report at the end of the tenancy, so it’s important that you read the condition report thoroughly, provide comments within the required timeframe, and retain a copy in a safe place.

Periodic Inspections

We will routinely inspect your rented property three months after you first move in and every three to six months thereafter. You’ll be advised in advance, and it’s a good idea to be there to discuss any problems affecting your tenancy or contact us prior to the inspection to raise any issues.

Final Inspection

When you leave the property, we will perform a final inspection. This inspection will be carefully compared with the initial inspection report to ensure that there has been no damage (beyond normal wear and tear) and that no fixtures have been removed (e.g. light fittings).

Ending Your Lease

Your tenancy agreement is a legal contract protecting both you and the owner. Once the fixed term has expired, you may continue living at the property or vacate. If you intend to vacate, you must give at least 21 days’ notice prior to the expiry of your agreement. Your bond will be refunded to you promptly after the property is fully vacated, less any deductions that may be agreed or directed by the tenancy tribunal. 

Staying In Touch

You will be given a unique link to our Property Management software, Property Me. Through this app you can;

  • Log a maintenance issue along with pics and video
  • Monitor the progress of you maintenance request
  • Sign off and complete the maintenance request
  • Download your tenancy ledger and monitor your rental payments and paid to dates.
  • Notify us of anything else you might require

At RE/MAX Xtra it’s all about people and if you’re a tenant you’re one of our people. We look forward to welcoming you in to the Xtra Family.