Renting - The Process

 Browse our Rental Properties here

Applying

When you find the right rental property, you will need to complete a Tenancy Application Form.  If you have not previously rented through RE/MAX Gold Real Estate Bendigo you will need to present and provide copies of identification to the value of 100 points with your application. For example, a Drivers Licence, Medicare Card, ATM card or credit card and a bill addressed to you at your current address.  For this reason online application is not possible. Note: An Application Form must be completed in full by each Adult to occupy the property.

Listed below are documents you may provide as well as their point value.

The Screening Process

At RE/MAX Gold Real Estate Bendigo we look for people that will look after the property as if it were their own, with financial stability, the ability to pay rent, and a good rental history. Once you complete an application, RE/MAX Gold real Estates leasing team will conduct a review of the information you provided. 

They will also contact your personal references and employers.  When we have completed all the checks we will forward your application to the landlord.

Bond

The rental bond is required as financial protection should there be a breach in the lease agreement. Your rental bond will be lodged with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority. The bond is held as security against any property damage or undue wear and tear. In the event that there is no damage to the property over and above 'normal wear and tear' expected during the term of your tenancy, the bond amount will be refunded to you after you vacate.

The amount of the bond is specified in the lease document. The one calendar months rent is common practice plus an additional amount in some cases where pets or furnished properties are involved.  If we need to recover costs associated with the end of the lease, for instance unpaid rent, or repairs or damage caused by you, then only the exact costs associated will be claimed, with the remainder returned to you.

Keys

Picking Up Your Keys
At the commencement of the lease you will be given the keys to your new home.

Returning Keys
Your tenancy does not terminate until the keys (including any copies you made) are returned to RE/MAX Gold real Estate. You will be responsible for paying rent until the keys are returned.

Moving In and Utilities

Moving into a new home can be a very stressful time. There are a lot of hidden expenses, household tasks and responsibilities to remember when moving house. To help you move house, we have listed a few companies that can take the hassle out of moving.

Utilities: Connect Now Enter your basic movedetails below to start choosing providers for electricity, gas, phone, payTV  and more for free!

Removalist: AustralianRemovalists Find, compare and choose the right quote.  The quickest and easiest way to help you find the best quote from a furniture removal company.

Truck Hire: Budget Rental truck rates and reservations - earn extra Qantas Frequent Flyer points with your next move, by hiring a truck with Budget Truck Hire.

Mail Redirection: Australia Post Moving or travelling? We can help by either redirecting your mail to the address of your choice or by holding it for you until you return.

MOVING TIPS 

Four weeks before your move

set a firm date foryour move

you may want to hire a relocation consultant (particularly if you are moving from interstate or overseas)

organise a removalist - ask friends or relatives for recommendations

if you need storage, arrange it now

organise transit and/or storage insurance for your belongings

organise your travel plans for moving day - if you’re moving some distance, you may need to book a hotel or other accommodation

if necessary, book time off work

collect moving materials such as boxes, packing tape, rope, newspapers (for wrapping) and marking pens

keep a list of incoming mail and start notifying businesses and suppliers of your change of address

Two weeks before your move

start packing nonessential items and clothing - list the items packed on the outside of the box

contact your utility companies and communication providers (eg Telstra, Optus and Vodafone.)

arrange for disconnection and reconnection of telephone, internet and pay tv services at your new address.

ask someone to look after the kids on moving day

update insurance policies

make a list of the items you want the removalist to move and any items you’ll be moving yourself

if you have pets, organise care for them during moving day and make necessary pet transport arrangements.

start cleaning yourhome

arrange redirection of mail with Australia Post. You can do this online.

dispose of any hazardous waste in the correct manner. Empty your freezer and pantry by eating all the food!

One week before the move

arrange for bills to be paid - you can schedule payments using Using BPAY

cancel services such as mowing service, newspapers and other home delivery services

confirm arrangements with utility companies

put important documents such as passports, drivers licences in a safe place.

finish packing - make sure all boxes are correctly labeled with contents and rooms

return library books and DVDs and pick up any dry cleaning

if packing all your stuff has left you with piles of rubbish, take it to the nearest tip.

pack up your computer (if you can do without it for that long!). Keep all cords and accessories together.

On moving day

make sure the house is clean. At this busy time it might be worth hiring a cleaner to finish the scrubbing and vacuuming for you

strip the beds and keep the linen in a separate box that travels with you so you can use them on the first night

disconnect remaining appliances

do one final check of your house as the removalists are loading your boxes

have final payment ready for your removalist

read the removalist document thoroughly before signing and save it for future reference

stay home until the last item is packed and make an inspection of the van to check all your goods are loaded

close and lock all the doors and windows

make sure you have the keys to your new home with you

carry valuables, personal items and important papers with you so they don’t get lost

pack a survival kit for the first hours in your new home - include tea or coffee, kettle, mugs and teaspoons, water bottle, snacks, etc.

At your new home

check all items during unloading and unpacking - look for any damaged or missing items

check the electricity/gas/phone has been switched on - if not, contact the suppliers or alternatively contact Connect Now.

start with essentials such as making the beds and cleaning the kitchen for use.

keep pets away until you are moved in

find out which day is your garbage and recycling collection day is by contacting the city council

find you local parks, shops, sports centres and swimmingpools.

join the library

get your pets familiarised to the new area as quickly as possible so they don’t try to find their old place.

take a few different routes to go places from your new home -you’re sure to find some handy shortcuts

if renting, tell the agency about any appliances that aren’t working or defects and check what you are allowed to do.

don’t forget to get an updated driver’s licence address sticker and change your car registration.

After Moving In

After you move in it’s a good time to sort out some admin. 

Contents Insurance

The owner’s insurance on the property does not cover your personal belongings. We strongly recommend that you take out contents insurance for your personal belongings against any loss, damage or theft.

Paying Rent

Rentals payment should be paid via Direct Deposit, you can set this up as a recurring payment yourself online, or your bank can assist you. Don't forget to include your Property Cose as the reference so that it matches your payment correctly in the system.

Inspections

The purpose of inspections is to advise the owner of the condition of their property and how it is being maintained. You will be given the opportunity toadvise RE/MAX Gold of any repairs or maintenance you feel is needed.

Initial Inspection

Upon the commencement of your lease, RE/MAX Gold will complete an inspection and full condition report. will be given the opportunity to check this, add to it and return it to RE/MAX Gold Real Estate within 3 business days. RE/MAX Gold refer to this report at the end of the tenancy. It is therefore in your best interest to read through the condition report thoroughly, provide comments to us within the timeframe listed on the condition report, and ensure you retain a copy in a safe place.

Periodic Inspection

RE/MAX Gold will routinely inspect your rented property -  3 months after a new tenancy and every 6 months thereafter. You will be issued with notice of these inspections and we encourage you to be there to discuss any problems affecting your tenancy, if you are unable to be present at the allocated time then please leave a note in a prominant place with any concerns - or email us us at least 1 day prior.

Final Inspection

Final inspections are conducted at the end of the lease term or upon vacating. The final inspection report is closely checked with the condition report completed during the initial inspection to ensure that there has been no damage (beyond normal wear and tear) and that no fixtures have been removed (e.g. lightfittings).

Repairs & Maintenance

For emergency maintenance such as blocked toilets, major leaks/floods, gas leaks or power outages please contact RE/MAX Gold immediately on the numbers listed below for 7 days a week support:

Emergency Contact.

Business Hours. 03 5445 0011

After hours. 03 5445 0051

Ending the Tenancy

Termination Of The Tenancy Agreement

Your tenancy agreement is a legal contract providing protection for both you and the owner. Once the fixed term has expired, the lease automatically rolls over into a "Periodic" tenancy - that is, month to month.

If you intend to vacate at the end of your tenancy agreement you are required to give RE/MAX Gold Real Estate at least 28 days notice prior to the expiry of your agreement. You cannot by law stop paying rent for the last month assuming any part of the bond as rent, however your 2 week advance payment will come in handy now - as you shoud be paid 2 weeks in advance so will not have the final 2 weeks rent to worry about!

Moving Out

When you move out of a property there are several tasks and responsibilities that you need to look after, such as cleaning the property, ensuring the garden is neat and tidy, and arranging for the utilities to be disconnected. To help you with this process, we have listed a few companies that can take the hassle out of moving.

Recommendations

Bond Refund

Your bond will berefunded to you after the property is fully vacated, less any deductions that may be agreed to or directed by the tribunal. A bond refund cannot be applied for until all keys have been returned to RE/MAX Gold and an inspection has been carried out.

Breaking the Lease

If you need to break the lease you need to notify RE/MAX Gold immediately.  You will be responsible for and must pay the rent until the property is re-let to a suitable tenant.  You will also be responsible for paying re-letting costs, advertising and associated re-letting charges.

Please contact our Rental Team on 5445 0011 or email us for further assistance.

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