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Jan 23, 2020
3 important changes to NSW Residential Tenancy legislation
The NSW Office of Fair Trading has announced comprehensive changes to the Residential Tenancies Amendment (Review) Act 2018 [NSW] and the Residential Tenancies Regulation 2019 [NSW]. The Residential Tenancy Laws NSW changes will come into effect on 23 March 2020 and will affect property managers, landlords and tenants. If you are wondering how these landlord legislation changes will impact you and to ensure that you remain compliant, this video will pinpoint three changes that are important and every landlord should know about. [siteloft_youtube video_id="KyaXWN0UWVo" autoplay="0" suggestions="1"] If you’re ready to discover how you can rent out your property with confidence, download our free Step By Step Checklist to Renting Your Property with Confidence. YES, DOWNLOAD MY CHECKLIST Minor Alterations Tenants may make minor alterations, fixtures, additions and renovations with the landlord’s consent, but the landlord cannot unreasonably withhold consent if the alteration, fixture or addition is considered unreasonable. A prescribed list in the 2019 Regulation will outline was is considered unreasonable. Break Lease Fees Tenants have the right to break their lease agreement if it is signed after 23 March 2020. Tenants will pay a break fee of: 4 weeks rent if less than 25% of the fixed term has expired 3 weeks rent if 25% or more but less than 50% of the fixed term has expired 2 weeks rent if 50% or more but less than 75% of the fixed term has expired 1 week’s rent if 75% or more of the fixed term has expired Increased disclosure duty for landlord The disclosure statements have been strengthened, meaning landlords are required to ensure that tenants know anything of the property’s history that they should know. This includes: if the property: has been affected by flooding or bushfire in the previous 5 years has significant health or safety risks (unless they are obvious when you inspect the property) has been the scene of a violent crime in the previous 5 years is affected by zoning or laws that will not allow you to obtain a parking permit and only paid parking is available in the area is provided with council waste services on a different basis to other premises in the area is listed on the loose-fill asbestos insulation register if other people are entitled to share the driveway or walkway. Dual flush toilets It should be noted that form March 2025, all toilets in rented properties must be dual flush with a minimum 3-star rating in accordance with the Commonwealth Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme. The WELS scheme uses a rating system to help consumers make informed choices about the water efficiency of products they buy. Landlords who intend to replace or upgrade existing toilets in their property should consider installing dual flush toilets with a minimum 3-star WELS rating to meet the water efficiency requirements by 23 March 2025. Some of the other reforms include: Rent increases must be limited to once per year during a periodic agreement when the fixed term has passed. Landlords must obtain tenants’ prior written consent to publish photographs or video recordings of premises, including property interiors for advertising purposes which may show tenants’ possessions. Repairs and replacements of hardwired smoke alarms must be carried out by an authorised electrician Non-payment of water usage or utility charges may now result in tenancy termination (in addition to non-payment of rent) Victims of domestic violence will be able to terminate their tenancy without penalty To find out more information about these changes coming in to effect to the Residential Tenancies Act, we encourage you to visit the NSW Fair Trading website or contact our office. If you’re ready to discover how you can rent out your property with confidence, download our free Step By Step Checklist to Renting Your Property with Confidence. YES, DOWNLOAD MY CHECKLIST If you feel you could benefit from our experience with property management, we’d love to hear from you. Simply reach out I hope that has helped you today. If you have any questions I’d love to talk to you. My number is 0426 264 771. I look forward to talking to you soon.
Jan 1, 2020
Property Manager mismanagement: are you being cared for right?
Landlords often to want to know if they are actually being cared for properly by their Property Manager. They will quite often want to know what a Property Manager should be doing for them that they are not aware of. Unless you have had different property managers in past, how would you know if you are receiving the right property manager management? How often do you analyse your relationship with your property manager? If you are wondering if you are being cared for right by your current Property Manager, this video will highlight what you should be expecting from them and how it pays to take a step back andevaluate the quality of the property management service you are receiving. [siteloft_youtube video_id="_tUBP4rutHw" autoplay="0" suggestions="1"] If you’re ready to discover how you can rent out your property with confidence, download our free Step By Step Checklist to Renting Your Property with Confidence. YES, DOWNLOAD MY HECKLIST While everything may seem to be running fine on the surface, there can be signs that suggest it’s time to switch property managers. Asking yourself these questions can be a good start to evaluating the quality of your property management service. Signs you are not receiving the best property manager management Do you have a positive relationship with your Property Manager where you feel comfortable enough to ask any questions whenever you need? Are you constantly following up on emails and calls or is your communications responded to promptly? Does your rental income come into your account reliably and consistently each month? Are you offered fortnightly or monthly payments? Are you being charged any fees that you didn’t know about when you first signed with the agency? Is your tenant happy? Does your Property Manager have an ideal relationship with the tenant and know about their future plans and movements? When tenants move out, how long does it take for the property to be tenanted? Are new tenants being vetted for credit rental history and prior tenancies? Is a detailed and thorough entry and exit condition report completed? Are repairs and maintenance attended to quickly by quality, registered tradespeople? Is your Property Manager ensuring that your investment is being looked after so that it is gaining value over time? Are you provided with regular and detailed routine inspections? Do these routine reports provide you with details on what needs to be addressed in the future so that you can budget for that expense down the track? Is your property given regular rent reviews to make sure that the rent is at market value? You deserve the very best service from your property management company. If you feel that you are not receiving it, it might be time to change your property manager. If you’re ready to discover how you can rent out your property with confidence, download our free Step By Step Checklist to Renting Your Property with Confidence. YES, DOWNLOAD MY CHECKLIST If you feel you could benefit from our experience with property management, we’d love to hear from you. Simply reach out I hope that has helped you today. If you have any questions I’d love to talk to you. My number is 0426 264 771 and I look forward to talking to you soon.
Dec 4, 2019
What if your investment property is transferred to another agent?
Have you ever received a change in property management notice from your chosen managing agent to say that the management of your investment property has been transferred to another agent? In this video we discuss what it means when a rent roll is sold by an agency, and what it means for you as a landlord. We outline what you can do and what are your rights as an investor. [siteloft_youtube video_id="1f9LpL_gIJ4" autoplay="0" suggestions="1"] If you’re ready to discover how you can rent out your property with confidence, download our free Step By Step Checklist to Renting Your Property with Confidence. YES, DOWNLOAD MY CHECKLIST Receiving a letter or email from your chosen managing agent to say your investment property has been transferred to another agent can be difficult. You have spent valuable time researching the right agent to manage your asset, only to find out that their business is no longer. Essentially, what it means is that they have sold their rent roll to another real estate agency- a real estate business that you may not know anything about. So what can you do? You should know that it is OK for you to make your own decision as to who will manage your investment property. You don’t have to have that decision made for you and have your property transferred to another agent if the rent roll has been sold. You can make your own inquiries , and complete your own due diligence on selecting the right managing agent for you. When a rent roll is sold by a real estate business, and the properties are transferred to a new agency, new Managing Agency Agreements will need to be signed by you as the property owner. This will establish the agreement between yourself and the new agency. This is your opportunity to ensure that this new agency is the right choice for you. If you feel a connection to this new agency and agree with their services on offer, then we encourage you to sign your agreement with them. If not, we encourage you to look around and establish your own new managing agent, ensuring you are prepared with questions to ask your property manager. You should note that you are able to change your property manager mid lease. Once you have signed your agreement with your new managing agent, they can make contact with the old agent to advise, give appropriate notice, and collect necessary files, paperwork, and keys. You don’t have to worry about the uncomfortable situation of having to tell someone that you are moving are moving your properties – your new agent should be able to do that on your behalf, giving you peace of mind. If you are a property investor who has had their property transferred to another agent and would like to know more about your rights, reach out to us to see how we can help provide you with confidence with renting out your investment. Let’s chat. If you’re ready to discover how you can rent out your property with confidence, download our free Step By Step Checklist to Renting Your Property with Confidence. YES, DOWNLOAD MY CHECKLIST I hope that has helped you today, but if you have any questions whatsoever I’d love to talk to you. My number is 0426 264 771. I look forward to talking to you soon.
Nov 14, 2019
Questions to ask your Property Manager
Choosing the right agent to manage your property is essential to ensure your property is looked and that you receive the maximum benefit and result from your investment. In this video, we have outlined the ultimate guide on the questions to ask your Property Manager and what you should expect from them. [siteloft_youtube video_id="/Ymac9_WG8Ho" autoplay="1" suggestions="1"] If you’re ready to discover how you can rent out your property with confidence, download our free Step By Step Checklist to Renting Your Property with Confidence. YES, DOWNLOAD MY CHECKLIST What is the point of difference? Your property managers should be able to tell you what their point of difference is. Here at One Agency JD Property Agents our Property Managers provide all landlords with their direct mobile numbers. Our Property Managers are always available to landlords whenever they need us. How many properties are managed for service levels? Your Property Manager should have the capability to consistently deliver you a high level of landlord services. If they managing 200 or more properties on their own, they may not be able to do this due to time restraints. How often are routine inspections completed? Your Property Manager should be able to tell you how often they do routine inspections. At One Agency JD Property Agents we conduct detailed routine inspections every six months. If required, we conduct quarterly inspections to ensure that the property is being maintained to the right standard. How are tenants selected? Ask your Property Manager about their process for tenancy selection. They should thoroughly check all tenancy applications and ensure they scrutinise things such as current and previous living arrangements, rental references, business and personal references, current employment, income to rent ratio for affordability, and national tenancy database for any previous bad debts. How are rent arrears managed? Ask your Property Manager the details of the current standard arrears policy and what procedures they have in place to manage rent arrears. If they are maintaining a good relationship with tenants and keeping in regular contact with them, rental arrears should be minimised through the relationship that is built. A zero tolerance to rent arrears is what should be explained to you, along with timeframes for when actions occur if rental arrears present themselves. If you’re ready to discover how you can rent out your property with confidence, download our free Step By Step Checklist to Renting Your Property with Confidence. YES, DOWNLOAD MY CHECKLIST I hope that has helped you today, but if you have any questions whatsoever I’d love to talk to you. My number is 04 26 264 771. I look forward to talking to you soon.
Oct 1, 2019
Pest control in rented properties
At ONEAGENCY JD Property Agents, we understand tenancy legislation and can ensure your rights and responsibilities as a landlord and a tenant are met. If you are wondering about your rights and responsibilities of pest control in rented property, this video explains in detail about who is accountable for infestations. [siteloft_youtube video_id="/gGpI2aUluKw" autoplay="1" suggestions="1"] If you’re ready to discover how you can rent out your property with confidence, download our free Step By Step Checklist to Renting Your Property with Confidence. YES, DOWNLOAD MY CHECKLIST Who is responsible for pest control for rental properties? When inspecting the property initially tenants should inspect the property carefully and look out for signs of pests, including droppings in cupboards and on floors. If the tenant feels there is an infestation they should advise the Landlord or Managing Agent prior to moving into the property. The landlord is responsible for the eradication of pests if the infestation occurs at the start of the tenancy. However if the infestation is reported once the tenant has moved into the property the tenant is usually responsible for the eradication of pests, the exception to this would be birds, possums, termites or if they are able to prove that the infestation has been cause by a breach of the Residential Tenancy Agreement. Next steps for pest control in rented properties If the tenant is found to be liable for the cause of the infestation, what’s next for pest control in rental properties you own? If, for example, they have pets and the property has a flea infestation, then the tenant will be required to have the infestation eradicated. If you’re unsure what your own rights are, you can learn more about pest and vermin control for rental properties from Fair Trading. Your rental property manager should also be able to provide you with what your next steps are for your property. Remember to ensure that you include any invoice associated with pest control for tax time preparation to allow you obtain the maximum benefit from your investment property. If you’re ready to discover how you can rent out your property with confidence, download our free checklist to Rent Your Investment Property. YES, DOWNLOAD MY CHECKLIST You can learn more about our rental services in Fairy Meadow and surrounding suburbs by contact Joanne on 0426 264 771. I look forward to talking to you soon.
Aug 8, 2019
Living in Mount Ousley
Mount Ousley is a residential suburb of northern Wollongong on the foothills of Mount Keira. It lies between Fairy Meadow and Mount Pleasant and its name is also given to the road that crosses the nearby Illawarra Escarpment on the Princes Highway into Wollongong. This means easy access to the freeway to Sydney or down the coast for the weekend. With a population of 1600, living in Mount Ousley comes with close access to shopping and education options for different families, along with different levels of housing. The area boasts the beautiful Greenslopes Reserve is a public garden and recreation area, an ideal park area for a picnic. Mount Ousley attractions Mount Ousley is a clean and green area, that offers a neighbourly spirit, and peace and quiet. The area boasts the beautiful Greenslopes Reserve is a public garden and recreation area, an ideal park area for a picnic. If you’re hungry, the area also has Red Rooster or if you’re after netball supplies, MTS Netball can work with all your netball needs. Transportation from Mount Ousley Whether you need to get into the city of Wollongong or a nearby suburb, there are two bus stations for easy access. Stations are at: Ramah Ave after Foothills Rd Foothills Rd at Cabbage Tree Lane Schools in Mount Ousley There are two Mount Ousley public schools to choose from. The first is Elonera Montessori School and Preschool on Mount Ousley Rd. Another option is Mount Ousley Public School, which is actually located in McGrath St, Fairy Meadow. Along with these schools, Mount Ousley also has a preschool facility available – Mount Ousley Preschool, which is located in David Crst, Fairy Meadow. Living in Mount Ousley If you’re looking at living in Mount Ousley, you’ll find it boasts leafy streets with quality homes and often beautiful ocean views. The homes range from the more established to modern designs to sturdy homes that have stood the test of time. The topography of the area can differ greatly, with not all areas being level – in fact some areas being very steep. This steep topography lends itself to features such as uniquely designed homes, beautiful escarpment views or stunning water views from some homes. If you’d like to talk about finding your next home in Mount Ousley, give Joanne a call on 0426 264 771. If you have any family or friends that might benefit from real estate guidance, please feel free to pass on my details or share this link. I’d love to be able to help.
Jul 24, 2019
Living in Mount Pleasant
Are you considering living in Mount Pleasant in Wollongong? This beautiful area is situated on the eastern slopes of Mount Keira and consists of open forests of eucalypts. An exclusively residential area with a population of nearly 1400, it boasts many high quality homes ideal for professionals, singles and families with kids. In fact, it was once nicknamed Babytown because of the number of large families that lived in the area. Mount Pleasant attractions for families While a residential area, Mount Pleasant still comes with its attracts. They include the aptly named Sublime Honey farm, which sells honey and honey-related products. The other attraction in the area is the Illawarra Rhododendron Garden, which contains thousands of azaleas, hundreds of rhododendrons and rare companion plants like camellias. It’s a perfect spot for a picnic lunch or wedding. For the more adventurous, Mount Pleasant also has Rewindmc, a quality classic, retro and cafe racer motorcycle tours and rentals for the Illawarra and Southern Highlands areas. Transportation in Mount Pleasant There are numerous bus stations throughout Mount Pleasant to allow easy access into the city and other areas in the Illawarra. Stations are at: New Mount Pleasant Rd after Brokers Rd New Mt Pleasant Rd at Rose Pde New Mount Pleasant Rd opp Dobinson St Ramah Ave opp Woodland Pde Ramah Ave opp Alvan Pde Ramah Ave before Brokers Rd Ramah Ave at Greenslopes Ave Mount Pleasant schools If you’re moving to the area with children, Mount Pleasant has its own school – Pleasant Heights Public School. The school, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2019, caters to primary aged children. However, there are other nearby schools in areas like Fairy Meadow. Living in Mount Pleasant One of the great things about living in Mount Pleasant is the quality of the homes. Homes are usually sturdy 4 bedrooms, although there are some 3 bedrooms. They are usually a large with 2 or more bathrooms, and 2 or more garages. People living in the area are usually looking for their 2nd or 3rd home purchase. The topography of the area can differ greatly, with not all areas being level – in fact some areas being very steep. This steep topography lends itself to features such as uniquely designed homes, beautiful escarpment views or stunning water views from some homes. If you’d like to talk about finding your next home in Mount Pleasant, give Joanne a call on 0426 264 771. If you have any family or friends that might benefit from real estate guidance, please feel free to pass on my details or share this link. I’d love to be able to help.
Apr 24, 2019
Living in Fairy Meadow
If you are wondering where to buy property and looking for a suburb close to the city of Wollongong, that’s family-friendly and has everything you need to sustain great health and wellbeing, Fairy Meadow is really one of those Illawarra suburbs. Living in Fairy Meadow means you're only 4kms from the centre of the city and with a population of 7,400, it caters to a variety of different family makeups, living options and shopping needs. Here’s just a taste of what living in Fairy Meadow can be like for you: Fairy Meadow Attractions for Families It’s close proximity to the beach makes Fairy Meadow an appealing location for those who love the outdoors, water and staying healthy. The two beaches are Fairy Meadow Beach and Puckey’s Estate. The Fairy Meadow SLSC, started in 1950 and has become an integral part of the community Speaking of the beach, Park Run starts at Fairy Meadow Beach every Saturday and is a free community event that brings the area together. If ball sports are more your style, the suburb has its own Fairy Meadow Bowling Club, which features regular entertainment outside of its games roster, and a Tennis Club, which is popular with all ages. Other sporting and active living options for those who love to stay fit and healthy include United Divers, McKeon Swim Centre, Fairy Meadow Surf Life Saving Club and Wollongong Surf Leisure Resort. Those with a creative streak may be drawn to the Fairy Meadow Community Centre. It has a full calendar of events for various ages and demographics, including music classes for little ones, dancing for older students, martial arts and church groups from different cultures meet at the centre. It’s also used as a function centre for different events. Another place to meet with friends is the Fraternity Club, which includes different restaurants, play space for the kids, regular giveaways and promotions, and more. Or maybe the Illawarra Woodworkers Group in Fairy Meadow might be more your scene if you have a passion for woodcraft. There are also many churches, including Fairy Meadow Anglican Church, St John Vianney Catholic Cathedral, Citylife Church, Towradgi Congregational Church, Wollongong Christian Reformed Church and Fairy Meadow Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses all in the area. Whether you’re thinking about your own eventual transition into aged care or wanting to be close to a loved one in aged care, Fairy Meadow is close to the Tarrawanna Aged Care facility. If you love spending time in parks, you have a full selection, including Guest Park, Bassett Park, North Dalton Park, Puckeys Estate, Thomas Dalton Park, and Fairy Meadow Beach Park. Eating out and socialising Want to find nightlife close to home? Then Fairy Meadow has two great spots – The Charles Hotel and Cabbage Tree Motel Fairy Meadow. However, if you’re simply after a good meal with friends or family, then there’s an array of cuisines – from Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Malaysian, Lebanese, Aussie barbecue and steaks – and even drive through takeaways. Or pick up some fish from the local seafood shop and cook up a feast at home and don’t forget to grab a cheesecake for dessert too. On weekends, there’s always somewhere to go for a coffee and cake to relax. Living in Fairy Meadow One of the advantages of living in Fairy Meadow is the diversity of housing. From apartment living to older affordable homes on the Princes Highway, newly renovated properties and large, modern homes in Daisy Street. Units are aplenty in Fairy Meadow and ideal for investors and first home buyers. Wollongong Surf Leisure Resort offers affordable, full-time housing in relocatable and manufactured homes. and is located close to the beach and includes tennis courts, putt-putt golf and more. All bases are covered when living in the Wollongong suburb making it true lifestyle living. Fairy Meadow was the first settlement, before housing moved out to Balgownie and Tarrawanna where bigger homes are now positioned. The houses increase again in size in Mount Pleasant and Mount Ousley, where there are larger, grander style homes. Cabbage Tree Lane, Fairy Meadow local resident, Tony Roder, fell in love with Fairy Meadow and says it has the best coffee shop in town, and has brought his family back together again. If you’d like to talk about finding your next home in Fairy Meadow, give Joanne a call on 0426 264 771 or reach out. Find out what property is currently for sale in the area and feel free to call into one of the open for inspections. Wollongong’s Best Shopping Love a bit of retail therapy? Fairy Meadow has it all, often avoiding the need to go into the Wollongong City Centre. With free, easy to access parking and three supermarkets – Aldi, Woolworths and Coles – it makes grocery shopping a joy again. For those who love finding grocery bargains, Fairy Meadow is home to the Leisure Coast Fruit Market, a popular fruit market with its fresh fruit and vegetables. The large business is also home to a garden centre, which is only one of two in the entire Illawarra region. Cake shops in Fairy Meadow include Zweefers, and Pasticceria Massimo Papa. Your banking needs are covered at IMB Bank and Bendigo Bank within the main shopping precinct, as your insurance requirements with GIO being located on the Princes Highway. Fairy Meadow also has one of the oldest butcher’s shops – Paul’s Butchery – a continental butcher that attracts people from across the entire region. More into beauty and general retail? There are hair salons, lingerie shops, music stores, bookshops, sports stores, bridal stores, activewear, Salvos Stores, Vinnies and Officeworks. If you’re after a bigger purchase like a car, Gateway Holden is located on the Princes Highway. If you’re looking for things to improve the home, try the hardware stores, pool centre and let’s not forget a family pet, with a local pet store in the area. Transportation If you don’t have your own vehicle to navigate through the flat suburb and easy access streets, there are other options for transport in Fairy Meadow. A train runs from Fairy Meadow Station in Elliots Rd that will take you from Sydney to Bomaderry. A bus moves throughout Fairy Meadow 7 days a week, with stops at: ● Fairy Meadow Station, Elliotts Rd ● Fairy Meadow Demonstration School, Balgownie Rd ● Princes Hwy opp Fairy Meadow Demonstration School ● Princes Hwy opp Collaery Ave ● Innovation Campus, Squires Way ● Vereker St at Cabbage Tree Lane ● Elliotts Rd before Carters Lane ● St John Vianney’s Catholic Church, Princes Hwy ● Princes Hwy opp Guest Park ● Cabbage Tree Lane opp McLean Ave ● Princes Hwy after McGrath St ● Meadow St before Balgownie Rd ● Princes Hwy at Elliotts Rd Schools in Fairy Meadow One of the greatest advantages of living in Fairy Meadow when you have a young family is the schooling options. Whether it’s academic schooling, dance, drama, singing or music, there are different schools to suit different styles and abilities. Here are the schools you can access without leaving the suburb: ● Little Peoples – 478 Princes Hwy, Fairy Meadow ● Willy Wagtails Garden – 43 Florence St, Fairy Meadow ● Good Samaritan Catholic Primary School – 48 McGrath St, Fairy Meadow ● Mount Ousley Public School – 31 McGrath St, Fairy Meadow ● Towradgi Public School – Carters Ln, Fairy Meadow ● Fairy Meadow Demonstration School – Princes Hwy, Fairy Meadow ● Joanne Grace School of Dance – 88-92 Jardine St, Fairy Meadow ● Cons Music Drama School – 25 Balgownie Rd, Fairy Meadow ● G4 Guitar School Wollongong – 52-56 Princes Hwy, Fairy Meadow ● SINGsational – Norman Street, Fairy Meadow ● Rhythmic Moves School of Dance & Performing Arts – 43 Daisy St, Fairy Meadow ● Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts – Lysaght St, Fairy Meadow Service Providers Fairy Meadow has attracted a lot of professional, service-based businesses to help locals. If you’re looking to move, there are self-storage services, while if you’re moving in, there is insurance options and Australia Post. When it comes to your car, there’s in-car installation or towing services (let’s hope you don’t need those though). If you are moving into aged care or have a loved one you’re moving into aged care, there are services to help you with the transition. Joanne has helped many families transition loved ones into aged care and out of long-standing family homes. If you would like to know what houses are for sale in Fairy Meadow, or if you are considering options to sell your home in Fairy Meadow, call Joanne on 0426 264 771 for assistance. Considering how you can Right Size your Home and perhaps move into Aged Care? Register for this short course and learn how to best right size your home when moving into aged care. If you have any family or friends that might benefit from real estate guidance, please feel free to pass on my details or share this link. I’d love to be able to help.