Why Us?

WHY USE A PROFESSIONAL PROPERTY MANAGER?
When dealing with Property Management you must have a thorough understanding of the RESIDENTIAL TENANCIES ACT 1987. This is a highly specialised aspect of Real Estate. It is fraught with the danger of litigation in almost every function you complete.

A competent Property Manager not only gains a strong understanding of their role by completing the Property Management Registration Course and then registering with the Real Estate & Business Agents Supervisory Board, they continually increase their knowledge of insurance requirements, changes to legislation and industry trends to ensure all clients gain the highest level of service at all times.

Agents are often engaged to pick up the pieces of poorly self managed properties, or what could easily be seen to be negligent Property Managers, after it has cost the owner countless hours in trying to resolve conflicts with their tenant, not to mention the monetary cost.

Prior to managing investment property consider some of the following points:

Do you know enough about The Residential Tenancies Act 1987 in order to maintain a fair and professional relationship with your tenant? Yes, the tenant could sue you if you conduct yourself outside the Residential Tenancies Act!

How much do you know about the tenant selection process? Asking the right questions and getting the right answers before you put someone in a property can save untold heartache and frustration, not to mention $$$$$$$.

Have you lodged your tenants’ security bond money in accordance with the Department of Consumer & Employment Protection (DOCEP) requirements? Did you realise if you have not you may be liable for a fine.

Do you know the right procedure when dealing with rental payment arrears? Have the correct notices been issued & have enough days been allowed in the calculation of dates? If not your notices may be totally invalid and you will have to start the procedure all over.

Do you know enough about The Residential Tenancies Act to effectively represent yourself in Court? It often appears the Magistrate is “pro tenant”, this is because the procedure must be precise. If you make mistakes it will cost you dearly!

All good things must come to an end. Could you successfully terminate your tenancy and recover possession of your property without the need to go to Court? Do you know the correct procedure, the right notices to issue and the correct time frames? Are your people skills effective in getting what you want?

How much knowledge do you have with regards to the procedure when handling Abandoned Goods and Absconding Tenants? The Department of Consumer & Employment Protection has a range of procedures that must be followed dependant on what goods are left at the property. Additionally, if you enter the property when possession has not been given you could end up being charged under the Criminal Code.

Would you be able to recover any outstanding debts? At what point do you go to Court, how do you get the Bailiff involved, do you have Landlords Special Risk Insurance, will the national tenancy database assist in your debt recovery?

Could you complete a Property Condition Report with enough detail to stand up in Court if needed? If it is not a precise record then it may have little or no value if needed for evidence.

WHAT VALUE DO YOU PUT ON YOUR PROPERTY MANAGER?

In agreeing on a fee for service, you should first establish what the service actually is. Ask yourself the question “Does it meet our needs?”
You will often find Agents discounting their fees, but very rarely advise that you will receive a discounted service to match the fee. The bottom line is you always get what you pay for.
For a full insight into the service and fee structure for Sanctuary Real Estate please feel free to contact our Property Manager at 9258 2700. or email lynda@sanctuaryrealestate.com.au