Here are some general tips about applying for a rental property.

Put your best foot forward!

Get any references you have available etc

Here are some frequently asked questions about renting in WA. This information provided by DOCEP and Tenants Advice Service, WA.

QUESTION: How much are landlords allowed to increase rents by and how much notice must they give?

ANSWER: According to the Residential Tenancies Act, rents cannot be increased during a fixed term lease, unless the agreement says so and it is at least six months since the last increase. When a fixed term lease comes to an end, a landlord may increase the rent in the new lease but should consider negotiating this increase if the same tenant is staying at the property. In a periodical lease with no fixed end date, the rent can only be increased six months after the last increase and the tenant must be given at least 60 days notice in writing, telling them the amount of the increase and from when the increase will take effect.

QUESTION: Houses to rent in Hillarys. What choices are there?

ANSWER: There are many different types of houses to rent in the Hillarys area. Hillarys is a mix of modest 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom houses up to the multi-million dollar mansions on the ocean front. There are also quite a few units and high quality rental properties in the area.

QUESTION: What can I do when faced with a drastic rent increase?

ANSWER: Good tenants can try to negotiate a lower rent increase by reminding the landlord of their good tenancy record. Property owners should give any rent increase careful consideration. A rental property is a valuable investment and a short-term gain of higher rent can lead to long-term pain if potentially great tenants are priced out of the property.

QUESTION: Am I paying too much?

ANSWER: Any increase in rent should be a reflection of the fair market value for that particular property in that particular location, or justified by significant modifications to the property that benefit the tenant.

QUESTION: How do I get my bond money back?

ANSWER: Ask for a bond disposal form from DOCEP by ringing 1300 304 054. Only sign the form if you agree with how much bond you or the owner are to be paid. Never sign this form until the amounts and all other information is filled in correctly. If there is a dispute over what should be deducted from your bond and you are unable to negotiate with the owner/agent, you can apply to the court for a Magistrate to decide how the bond is to be dispersed.

The owner/agent can end a fixed term tenancy early if you and the owner/agent agree or if you breach the tenancy agreement.

QUESTION: The owner won't fix it, what can I do?

ANSWER: First check what your written Tenancy Agreement says about who is responsible for maintenance and repairs. Small items like replacing tap washers are usually the tenants responsibility. If it is the owner's responsibility to do the repairs, then write a letter to the Property manager outlining the problem and requesting they fix it.

*Information supplied from DOCEP and Tenants Advice Service, WA

Some general renting information on getting a house to rent.

Number 1: Look after your Hillarys rental property by keeping it clean and undamaged. Look after your garden. This may include mowing lawns, weeding and watering the garden often. Make sure you are given a Property Condition Report or do one yourself when you move in. If you do not understand what it is, ask or get help!

Organise the connection for electricity, water, gas and the telephone before you move in. You may need to allow a bit of time for this to take place. Don't leave it until the last moment.

There may be equipment that you are not familiar with, such as stoves, air conditioners, heaters and ovens. Make sure you learn how to look after them and use them properly. Otherwise you may have to pay for any damage. Your Property manager will gladly assist you!

The real estate agent will inspect the rental property at various times during the tenancy, to check if it is being looked after. You will usually receive a letter in the mail advising you when this will be.

Always pay the rent and on time. If you can not pay it on time, let the owner or real estate agent know immediately.

You will receive regular bills for Utilities such as water, gas, electricity and the telephone. Make sure you pay them on time. Sometimes lawn moving will be included as part of the rental agreement.

Put all your rental papers like rent receipts, Property Condition Reports, letters, Tenancy Agreement and booklets together in a file and keep this in a safe place.

There are rules about how much notice you need to give to the owner or real estate agent when vacating a rental property.

Never ignore letters or phone calls from the courts, owners or real estate agents. If you do not understand something, simply contact your property manager.

Remember.. You are being given access to someone's very valuable asset! Please treat it accordingly.

If you are looking to rent a property in the Hillarys region, there are a number of established estate agencies in Hillarys, who have some excellent rental properties on their books and will gladly assist you in finding a home.

Rental Property of the Week.
Ask around! Sometimes there are properties for rent that agencies need to get someone into quick! These may have been vacant for a while and you may find yourself in a position of 'let's do a deal' on them. Maybe a weeks free rent!!

Living in Hillarys has it's benefits! ~ Hillarys is very close to the massive (shop til you drop) Whitford Shopping centre and the Sorrento Quays shops in the Hillarys boat Harbour.
Sorrento Quays is located over the ocean ~ Literally! It is home to an outstanding selection of restaurants and cafes, a tavern, Boat marina and over 40 specialty stores including 2 Real estate agencies.

Here is an idea what you expect to pay for a house to rent in Hillarys.

PENTHOUSE APARTMENT
Price: You would expect to pay around $800 to $1000 a week to rent something with views like this this in Hillarys or Sorrento

Suburb: HILLARYS

Great Family Property for rent in Sorrento
Price: This 4 by 2 would cost you around $480 -$580 a week to rent in Sorrento

Suburb: SORRENTO

Hillarys Apartment

Price: $400 to $450 a week for a 2 by 2 Apartment.

Suburb: HILLARYS