Sounds like you have been given advise already but thought I would add my experience.

I too have had drainage problems and after getting out a plumber who didn’t want a bar of it I decided to do it on my own. Based on my own experience below is what can be done.

As suggested previously you can buy an Agg. pipe from Bunnings and some gravel. Dig a trench, (at least twice the size, (width and depth) of the actual pipe. From my experience it does not have to be layed in an S shape however it should try to have it sloping slightly. surround pipe with gravel. From memory the Ag. pipe costs aprox $35 per 5 meters. At the end of your drain you should build a pit and fill it with gravel. This way any excess water will go into the pit and subside into the land. I placed my pit leading into the garden so it would act as also watering the plants.

Hard labour but cheaper then getting someone in to do it.

Good luck with your project.

Apart from this you can try a gardener who may do it for you.

Cheers
Fluffy

Hi Monopoly,

Not being too nosey at all – I have 3 IP’s currently and only usually do this as a one off with every new tennant. I find it adds a nice touch. I have had feedback from my landlord that they seem to appreciate it and some have sent their thanks via them to me. One tennant in particular prunes all the tree’s for me and even pulls weeds out of the grass to try to keep the lawn looking nice – saves me from hiring someone or doing it myself.
Again, nothing substantial enough to say they would not have done this anyway. I understand in wanting to keep it as business not personal, not forgetting that customer service also plays a vital part in business though. I think that if you can put a picture in the tennants minds about you not being the horrible landlord then this may help too.

I agree that the property Manager is the key though and if you have a good relationship with them and reward/praise them when necessary they will look after your interests too.

My outlay on these items is not a lot only aprox $15 with each new tennant and I have also replaced items or put in fans etc for tennants. Seems to keep them happy and is then tax deductible.

Cheers,

Fluffy

HiTinkerbell,

Thought I would share with you what I do for my tennants. Rather than gifts as they go along the lease, I usually start with something at the beginning of their lease. I add those little touches like toilet paper in the toilet, nice smelling scents in the bathroom and I leave a bottle of wine with a note on the kitchen bench saying something like “Hope you enjoy your new home”. I do this cause I feel that if I treat people with respect or like I would like to be treated they may feel at home then they may look after the house a little more like its their own. No analysis to say this works but I havn’t had any problems so far. I don’t think it actually keeps your tennants there forever but may help start off the relationship well. I then leave the rest up to the property manager, usually getting them something as well if they have done a good job, nothing large, sometimes just a small note of appreciation is enough – everyone likes recognition for a job well done.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,
[happy3]

Fluffy