Our property manager is charging us BAD tax. I thought that BAD was one of those to be abolished by the introduction of GST. We live in Western Oz. Anyone know?
did some research for you. the WA tax site says the following
Debits tax is a tax charged on debits (for example, withdrawals, account keeping fees, etc.) made to an account with cheque drawing facilities. This means that any debits made to the account, whether a cheque has been drawn or not, will be subject to the tax.
If the account has no cheque drawing facility then debits tax will not be payable on the account.
It might be the FID you are thinking of.
westan
Thanks Western. Is it normal for a property manager to pass on that cost when they already receive a management fee plus charge $8 per month in “sundries” as well? I also didn’t realise when I signed this company up that their fees are not GST inclusive so there is an additional 10% on top of all their other charges. I have been with them over a year now tho so am not under any contract.
I think I need to canvas half a dozen property management companies and compare them with each other.
Would be handy if I knew someone who was using a particular firm tho so that I could get references. They get references before putting tennants in but no one seems to give references on property management companies.
unfortunately
Agents get money from us every way they can, agents fees, account fees, letting fees. If your agent is doing the right thing and inspecting the properties regularily and keeping you informed i’d stay with them. i don’t mind paying if they are doing the job, it annoys me when i pay and get nothing back. so day i seek agents who have a good system of management ie regular inspections, written reports. after all the difference of 1% (agent fees)on a property of 150pw is only $1.50 each week.
regards westan
I was very happy with the first property manager I had. Unfortunately she left that company. I wish I knew whether she was still in town working for another company as I would happily take my business there. Sometimes I would get peeved that she contacted me too often, but that was better than no contact at all which (other than the monthly statements and written reports) I get at present.
We will be renting my hubby’s place out in the next month so will do a tour of all the property managers before then. []
Check your contract. You might find that the contract remains in force until either side gives 30 days (or in our case to my horror it was 90 days) notice, and there may be termination fees etc. involved. (We were hit for 2 weeks rent per property – which added up to $2400[!])