Checklists& GeneralInformation
Minimum Housing Standards 2023
Use this checklist to help ensure your property is compliant with the 2023 Minimum Housing Standards.
WEATHERPROOF & STRUCTURALLY SOUND
☐ The premises appears to be visually weatherproof and structurally sound
☐ Windows and roof do not leak in the rain
☐ Visually the floors, walls, ceiling and roof are in good repair and do not appear to be affected by significant dampness
☐ Decks and stairs do not visually appear to show signs of significant/dangerous wood rot
☐ Upon visual inspection of the premises, it appears that it is not likely to cause damage to a person’s safety
FIXTURES & FITTINGS
☐ All fixtures and fittings in the property appear in good repair according to the current tenant
☐ Any air conditioners, ceiling fans, security cameras, ovens and other electrical appliances or inclusions are all working and in good repair. If not, they must be removed from the premises or repaired.
☐ All windows and doors appear to have working locks or latches
☐ All windows above 1.6m in height appear to have security screens and/or not open more then 125mm.
VERMIN, DAMP & MOULD
☐ Premises appears to be free of vermin or traps/bait have been set to eradicate vermin
☐ Premises appears to be free from mould or damp or treatment has been organized
☐ Where possible, premises appears to have has satisfactory ventilation in the bathroom to reduce mould and damp. Tenant has been informed of how to mitigate the risk of mould.
PRIVACY
☐ All windows in bedrooms and other rooms where people outside, can see inside, have coverings – Blinds, curtains, frosting or tinting
PLUMBING & DRAINAGE
☐ Hot water system appears to be a suitable size for the number of occupants in the property
☐ Property appears to have hot and cold water suitable for drinking
BATHROOMS & TOILETS
☐ All toilets have doors for privacy
☐ Toilets all appear to be working correctly including refilling, flushing & connected to sewerage system
KITCHEN
☐ Functioning cooktop in good order
LAUNDRY
☐ Sink and taps in good order
“Presentation sets Expectation” Always start with the end in mind
Getting the 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 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, please give our team a list of these. These can include items such as solar power boosters, septic or biocycle tips and tricks or specific cleaning items for flooring, kitchen benches etc.
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 state.
Other things to consider
• All windows and doors including cupboards 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 alarms requirements (see attached information sheet from QFES)
• 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 spares 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
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.
Renting To Tenants With Pets
Reasons to consider renting to a pet owner
1. Pet owning tenants are generally willing to pay more rent.
2. Pet friendly properties rent faster.
3. Responsible pet owners can make excellent tenants.
4. Tenants with pets want to hold onto longer leases.
5. No more problems with “hidden” pets.
6. Most Australians feel their pet is part of the family and care for them as such.
7. “Considering pets” will not lock you into a pet-particular outcome.
8. Pet application and agreements forms are available.
MYTH BUSTING
MYTH: Pets create damage to properties
FACT: US data showed that there was little, if any difference in damage between tenants with or without pets. Interestingly, the cost of damage from pets was much smaller than the costs associated with tenants with children.
MYTH: A second pet is double trouble
FACT: Tenants with more than one pet need not be seen as a problem. Most pets, including dogs and cats, are social creatures, and companionship is important for their wellbeing.
Keeping two pets can help alleviate issues associated with boredom and loneliness.
MYTH: Strata properties are not suitable for pets
FACT: Dogs and cats can be kept successfully in small spaces and cats, in particular, can adapt well to an indoor or high-rise environment.
Not all strata schemes permit pets, so it is important for landlords and managing agents to check that the bylaws allow pets and whether any particular approvals are required before agreeing to rent the property to a pet owning tenant.
MYTH: Bigger pets mean bigger problems
FACT: The size of a pet is not related to how well it will be suited to a particular living environment.
Experts emphasise that it is the owner/pet relationship which results in socially responsible behaviour and activities i.e. toilet training, manners, exercise, care etc.
Experts also look to the temperament and degree of socialisation of the pet.
Some landlords and agents stipulate that a dog has to weigh less than 10kg or be ‘small’.
However this is very subjective and many larger dogs tend to be very quiet and docile.
Real estate photography isn’t easy. Use this checklist to get your listing ready for photography.
GENERAL REMOVE
Always maximize space to create a larger look and feel, remember less is more!
o Family pictures and personalised ornaments
o Memorabilia
o Animal food bowls, bedding and toys
WINDOWS AND MIRRORS
o Free of streaks
FLOORS
Remove these items to enhance perception of floor space size in photos.
o All rubbish bins out of sight
o Remove rugs and floor mats
LAMPS, LIGHTS AND FANS
o Turn on all lights and lamps
o Turn off ceiling fans
o Replace any faulty light globes (very important for dusk/twilight shoots)
LOUNGE/LIVING AREA
CLEAR
o TV remotes
o Video game equipment
o Any visible electrical cords
o Books, magazines and additional clutter
o Pedestal fans
o Keep any cushions to a minimum and neatly arrange
Tip: If you have homewares or a nice coffee table book you can display them tastefully on the table.
Tip: Keep in mind that rooms can look different depending on the height of your shot, so take a few different angles and use your favorite. This is especially important in areas like bedrooms, kitchen, dining areas, and also balconies with a view.
WWW.BOXBROWNIE.COM PRE-PHOTOGRAPHY CHECKLIST
BEFORE AFTER
Sometimes weather can interfere with the perfect photo. Let us edit your image to display a listing’s full potential.
BATHROOMS
SHOWER
o Shower screen free of streaks
o Keep toilet lid down
REMOVE
o Remove washing baskets
o Rubbish bins
o Tissue boxes
o Used soap dishes
o Bath mats off floor
o Remove products lying around
Tip: Put out freshly co-ordinated towels, neatly double folded looks best. Use matching colors for most attractive results.
KITCHEN AND DINING AREAS
REMOVE
o Put away dishes
o Hide small appliances
o Bench tops clutter
o Tea towels
Kettles and coffee machines are okay as long as they don’t clutter your bench space. The idea is to style your space like a display home.
APPLIANCES
o Clean all appliances
o Free of streaks
o Turn on oven light for extra ambiance
o Refrigerator – remove magnets, kids’ drawings, fingerprints and calendars
Tip: For that professional touch turn all taps to the centre, so that they are all matching – basins, showers and baths. Remember all taps including bathrooms, the kitchen and outdoor areas.
WWW.BOXBROWNIE.COM PRE-PHOTOGRAPHY CHECKLIST
BEFORE AFTER
Don’t let the seasons ruin a great shot. Get us to enhance your images and remove unwanted items to make your listing stand out.
LANDLORD RENTAL PROPERTY PREPARATION GUIDE 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 Tick these items off as you go along and email us any relevant paperwork requested.
Essentials – Prior to a lease commencing we require:
1. THREE sets of property keys/remotes (TWO for tenants and ONE full access set for our office) .More may be required if more than 2 tenants are approved
2. Provide exact details of Parking/Storage details and relevant numbers associated.
3. Alarm details and who to contact.
4. Smoke Alarm Check Compliance Certificate – agency can organise.
5. Pool Safety Compliance Certificate.
6. Water Efficiency Certificate houses only – agency can organise.
7. Contact relevant bodies for Council Rates, Water Rates and Strata Rates with our office postal address and email
9. Supply correct bank details for rent disbursement.
10. Copy of Landlords Insurance Policy - required before property is listed "for lease"
11. Property to be professionally cleaned including any maintenance of gardens.
12. Tenant ‘settling in guide’ outlining any specific items in the property a tenant and ourselves should be aware of. i.e. how to operate the alarm system, pool maintenance guide
13. All manuals for appliances to be left in the property
14. Details of maintenance people. i.e. Gardener, etc.
15. Re-direct your mail if you have been living at the property.
16. Cancel your utility account details or contact MoveMeIn to help you disconnect your power at the premises prior to the new tenant moving in.
17. Property is to be vacated at least 48 hours prior to tenant moving in so that property professionally cleaned and exterior areas are cleaned so that an in-going condition report can be compiled prior to the tenant occupation.
18. If the property is Furnished for Lease please provide inventory in word document.
Completing these requests as soon as you can will save you time and money. Ensuring that all issues are addressed before a tenant moves in.
