Useful Information

Insurance

Landlord insurance may provide cover for damage or theft, loss of rent, rent default, contents, liability, flood and legal costs. Let us know if you would like further information on landlord insurance companies. Also note, if your property is vacant you need to advise your insurance company.

Property Styling

It is important that your property is presented in a well maintained and spotless condition to achieve the highest rental possible to attract quality tenants. If you have taken the time to present your property well, tenants are more likely to look after and care for the property.

Presentation tips:

Street Appeal – mow and edge lawns and weed the garden
Cleanliness – oven and range hood, dishwasher, light fittings, windows, painted surfaces, light switches, doors, skirtings, bathroom is free of mould and the exhaust fan is cleaned, tap washers are replaced, smoke alarm has been serviced, blinds are cleaned and carpets steam cleaned
Appliances – oven, rangehood, dishwasher, heating – all recently serviced and in good working order. Also make sure you have a copy of the manual for each appliance.
Light fittings – replace all light globes and leave a few spares for the new tenants
Antenna – if there is a connection make sure it is working
Maintenance – minor repairs and painting, remove rubbish, locks on doors and windows are all functioning, roof and guttering in good repair

Smoke Alarms

The REIV and Building Commission have identified it is the owner’s responsibility to maintain smoke alarms in residential rental properties. By law, every property must have smoke alarms fitted in accordance with the Building Regulations and every smoke alarm must have the battery replaced and be correctly cleaned and tested at least once a year.

Taxation Office – Guide for investors

This guide explains how to treat rental income and expenses, including how to treat more than 230 residential rental property items – click on the link below –
Rental properties 2015 – Australian Taxation Office >

What is an urgent repair?

As documented by Consumer Affairs (Renting a home – A guide for tenants) To assist you, we have listed all items that are considered urgent repairs…
READ MORE >

Why Piper Property Management?

Our company works with investors from the time of purchase, whether you live locally, interstate or overseas – we are a dedicated property management company. From the time you purchase your investment we take care of the maintenance, presentation, marketing, leasing and management.

You will always deal directly with Dot Piper, so you always know who is taking care of your property.

If you are thinking of buying an investment property – we would be pleased to advise you on a rental opinion and any other information you may need to consider prior to purchasing. You may also find the following helpful when looking to purchase:

Look for:

• a low maintenance property in good repair
• organise a building inspection
• a property that is close to local services – shopping centres, parks, schools, transport
• one with strong employment opportunities
• check rents in the area and vacancy rates

“I understand the importance of the investment relationship between tenant- agent – owner. It starts with good communication and a professional approach. I am an investor with a portfolio of investment properties and have a very good understanding of what you are looking for when choosing a property manager – probably the same as me – someone who has experience, understanding, communication and is proactive – working hard for you.”

Ensuring your tenant is happy and the property is in good working order is very important – if the tenants are happy they tend to stay longer and look after the property and pay the rent on time. Small things make a big difference.