Keeping Your Landlord Happy: A Guide to Being a Model Tenant in Australia

Landlords play a significant role in many people's lives, with over 30% of Australians currently living in rental accommodations.

Being on good terms with your landlord can provide security and a positive reference and ensure you fully receive your bond when you move out.

Keep reading, and we'll show you how to be a model tenant that any Australian landlord will be pleased to have.

Pay Rent On Time

Paying rent on time is imperative for maintaining a good relationship with your landlord. Not only is it a legal requirement, but it's also a sign of respect for the owner and their property.

If you struggle to pay rent on time, contact your landlord or their agent immediately. They may be willing to work out a payment plan or temporary reduction in rent to help you make ends meet.

Remember to swiftly communicate any issues to your landlord to avoid leaving a bad impression on them.

It's also essential to remember that late rent payments can result in additional fees, charges, and legal action. When you don't pay rent on time, landlords in Australia have the right to issue a breach notice, which can result in the lease being terminated if the issue is not addressed.

Be proactive in addressing any financial issues affecting your ability to pay your rent on time. This can include pursuing financial assistance or budgeting tools and negotiating temporary relief with your landlord.

Respect the Property

Respecting the property is not just a matter of good manners - it's also a legal obligation. 

As a tenant, you are responsible for keeping the property in good condition or reporting any damages or repairs that are needed and avoiding causing undue wear and tear.

This includes keeping the property clean and tidy, disposing of rubbish responsibly, and avoiding damaging walls, floors, or fixtures.

Respecting the property also means being mindful when using shared spaces and facilities, such as laundry rooms, outdoor areas, and car parks.

In addition to not damaging the property or causing disruptions, try to clean up after yourself and ensure you're not hogging resources meant to be shared amongst tenants.

This can include following guidelines for laundry use, keeping outdoor areas tidy, and respecting parking areas designated for others.

Look After the Premises

Taking care of the property you're renting is crucial for maintaining a good relationship with your landlord. This includes staying on top of cleaning and maintaining any outdoor space you're responsible for. 

It's also important to report any maintenance or repair needs that are your landlord's responsibility as soon as you notice them. This includes leaky pipes, malfunctioning appliances, or other pressing issues.

Keeping a record of your correspondence with your landlord or their agent is also essential in case there are any disputes about repairs or damages.

Another way to ensure that you're taking good care of the property is to conduct regular inspections and maintenance checks.

This can include checking for leaks or other issues in the plumbing and HVAC systems, inspecting electrical outlets and appliances for damage or wear and tear, and ensuring that all doors and windows are secure.

By catching potential issues early on, you can prevent more extensive damage from occurring and avoid costly repairs.

Stay on Good Terms With Your Neighbours

Being mindful of your neighbours is important for maintaining a peaceful and harmonious community.

This includes being considerate of noise levels, avoiding unnecessary disruptions, and not parking in neighbours' designated parking spaces. If you have any issues with a neighbour - address them as soon as possible. 

This may also mean talking to them directly, contacting a mediator, or contacting your landlord or agent for assistance. Keeping the lines of communication open with your neighbours can help prevent small issues from becoming more significant.

If you're having trouble getting along with a neighbour, being proactive about finding a solution is vital. 

It's also important to know your rights and responsibilities as a tenant and seek legal advice if necessary. Never attempt to solve disputes yourself, as this can often cause more harm than good.

Try to stay on your landlord’s good side by being the mature person in a problematic situation.

Moving On

When you're ready to move, giving your landlord as much notice as possible is important for maintaining a good relationship.

Typically, this means 30 days, but your lease may have a different term stated. Before moving out, document the condition of the property and any changes or repairs that have been made during your tenancy.

This can include taking photographs, making notes of any damages or repairs, and providing a written summary to your landlord.

Additionally, it's essential that all your personal belongings have been removed from the property and that all keys and access cards have been returned to the landlord or their agent.

Another thing you can do is book end of lease cleaning and ensure it’s carried out as thoroughly as possible. This includes deep cleaning carpets and floors, scrubbing bathrooms and kitchens, and wiping down all surfaces. Make sure to hire a reliable company.

Additionally, if any damage has occurred during your tenancy, it's crucial to address it before you move out. This can include patching wall holes, repainting, or replacing damaged fixtures.

By leaving the property in good condition, you'll increase the likelihood of getting your bond back and receiving a positive reference from your landlord.

Final words

By following these guidelines, tenants can ensure a positive experience with their landlord, potentially leading to security, positive references, and receiving their bond back in full when they move out.

Remember to pay rent on time, respect and look after the property, be mindful of neighbours, and prepare for moving out adequately by providing notice and leaving the property in good condition.

Ultimately, your landlord will be quite happy it has a model tenant living on the premises, and you will enjoy all the benefits of that fact.

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