Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take to find a tenant for my property? This is a common question and yet there is no specific answer. However, at Drummond Property Management we understand that a vacant property affects your wallet immediately. Therefore, we can tell you that properties that are presented well, professionally marketed and priced realistically according to the market conditions, is more likely to be leased out quickly. How do you make sure you are putting a good tenant into my property? The key to finding a good tenant is to following our selection process and advice so you always get the best applicants chosen for your property. We take processing applications very seriously because we understand how important a good tenant is to the success of your investment. We will access the tenants ability to pay for the property, check their rental history and phone their references. When do I receive my rental payments? The choice is yours! We can cater to you and when you would like to receive your disbursements, whether that is weekly, fortnightly or monthly. What happen if my tenant doesn't pay rent? We have strict rental arrears procedures in place, should your tenant fall behind in rent. •1-3 days late - SMS and email reminder •4-7 days late - phone call, SMS and warning latter (landlord notified) •8-12 days late - door knock, phone call, email, second warning letter (landlord notified) •14 days plus - termination is served Who pays for insurance? As a landlord you are responsible for insuring the property, however, the tenant is responsible for their own 'home and contents insurance'. We strongly recommend that your property is fully insured, specifically with a 'landlord insurance' policy. Who is responsible for garden and lawn maintenance? The tenant is responsible for the landscape with regular and routine maintenance keeping the yard and gardens healthy and presentable. However, any major work such as tree lopping or pruning trees and shrubs is the responsibility of the landlord. Who pays for damage by the tenant? If there is damage to a property caused by a tenant that is not considered normal wear and tear, it is the responsibility of the tenant to pay for the repairs. Normally the bond will provide a sufficient protection to remedy the damage, however, in other cases, the tenant can be taken to Tribunal as needed. Can I terminate the tenancy agreement? NSW End of fixed term tenancy: You can end your agreement at the end of the fixed term contract, by giving the tenant minimum 30 days notice that includes the last day of the term. Termination of periodic tenancy without a reason: You can terminate your tenancy agreement without reason, by giving the tenant 90 days notice (with provisions). End of tenancy due to a breach: You can end your tenancy agreement due to a breach if either party breaches a term of the agreement, or if the tenant is more than 14 days in arrears of rent, by giving the tenant 14 days notice. For further details, please contact our office or view the Residential Tenancies Act 2019 . Can the tenant break the agreement? NSW If a tenant wishes to break the tenancy agreement and vacate the property before the fixed term expires, the tenant is responsible for paying the mandatory break fee: •If the tenant has been in the tenancy for less than 25% of the fixed term: 4 weeks rent •If the tenant has been in the tenancy for more than 25% but less than 50% of the fixed term: 3 weeks rent •If the tenant has been in the tenancy for more than 50% but less than 75% of the fixed term: 2 weeks rent •If the tenant has been in the tenancy for more than 75%: 1 week’s rent How much will my property rent for? No property is the same! Your properties rent will be determined by where your property sits in the market. Your expert property manager will consider the current vacancy rate, supply and demand, and other similar recently listed and leased properties against the features and attributes of your property. What if I want a higher rent amount than your recommendation? You can place your property on the market as you see fit, however, it is the market demand that sets the rental amount, not your property manager. If your prospective tenants think the asking rent is too high, your property may stay vacant for longer than necessary.