Is the ex-tenant, the lease-holder, your friend?  Are you still in touch with him/her?  If yes, you can easily go together to the agent and explain the situation and request the lease be put into your name.  the agent will of course need to do reference checks (and will treat you as new applicant)  but I'm sure they would rather keep the unit occ…[Read more]

I did live there and didn't think it was a big deal, nor did I think it was dangerous.  Thats why I've been surprised by the agents take on this.

Geez – 1.2million!!!  I do have landlords insurance and building insurance too…. but I am going to double check the policy for PL inclusion.   Thanks

I'm sorry to hear what an difficult time you are having.  I would have thought that you could turn up Tuesday morning  – an extra day for carpet drying time???  What rot!!  I wish I had some good advice – good luck.

I am surprised to hear that JacM.  I don't suppose you could provide any links to said cases?  I'd be very interested to read the particulars.

Yes Andrew, I've just emailed the agent to ask them to arrange a quote, plus I am arranging my own builder to quote on the upgrade.  I am usure about the safety issue though.  I've lived in a lot of rentals before, most of them period homes and there were always items there that would today be considered safety issues.  It never occurred to me, no…[Read more]

Thanks for your comments .  I am going to make an appointment with the rental manager and talk about how they are not meeting my expectations.  We had to sign a 2 year Management contract with the agency and looking through it last night I am unsure how I could get out it if I wanted to.  The funny thing is the tenant herself: she is the re…[Read more]

I'm insured with Allianz…….  I've never had to make a claim yet though so I don't really know what they are like.  I also got a quote from Terri Scheer but Allianz was a few hundred cheaper

In case you are interested, here is the comparison and breakdown of costs between the agents standard, and their blue ribbon package, taken from IP guide: Our Scenario – property rent of $250 per week for comparison – calculations for a 12 month period. Weekly rent $250 Management fee $24.75 [Read more]

Hi,My IP is in the Barossa Valley and (I am a little embarassed to say….) I am paying 14.5% inc GST.  I interviewed 3 agencies in the region and they all charged 9.9% plus first two weeks rent plus this and plus that.  The agent we went with also charged 9.9% as a a standard but we decided to sign up for their Blue Ribbon package which is all i…[Read more]