PREPARING YOUR PROPERTY FOR RENTAL
Minimum Security requirements
The Western Australian governments have provided minimum security requirements for all residential properties in WA. Click here to ensure your investment property complies
www.commerce.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/atoms/files/minimumsecurityrta.pdf
Blinds and Chords
Likewise the safety of young children is paramount. Legal requirements for securing curtains and blinds chords can be found here.
www.commerce.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/atoms/files/landlordscordedblinds.pdf
Swimming Pool/Spa/Ponds Safety Requirements
Legal requirements for many water features may apply. Click here for up to date regulations. www.commerce.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/atoms/files/rules_for_pools_and_spas_a4_booklet_june_2016_web.pdf
Smoke Alarms
The Western Australian governments have provided a fact sheet on RCD’s and the requirements for all residential rental properties in WA. Click here for up to date regulations.
www.commerce.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/atoms/files/dp0457_smoke_alarm_laws_4_a ug_2014_print.pdf
Residual Current Devices (RCD’s)
The Western Australian governments have provided a fact sheet on RCD’s and the requirements for all resid1ential rental properties in WA. Click here for up to date regulations. www.commerce.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/atoms/files/rcd_fact_sheet_0.pdf
Cleaning and Moving
If you are living in the property and have decided to use a removalist; many of them undertake cleaning services as well as packing & moving. So if you’re time poor, the cleaning services offered could be worth pursuing to save you hassles.
It’s not necessarily going to be easy, but it could well be essential. There are numerous businesses out there which will assist you with your task if you feel you do not have the time.
What do you need to look at when cleaning your property?
You will need to look at all rooms in the house – from top to bottom. It is easy to cast a cursory glance over rooms you’ve become accustomed to while living somewhere for a length of time, but how often do you miss that cobweb in the corner or the layer of dust over the skirting boards? Do you still think your house is spotless?
Think about the grouting between the tiles in kitchens & bathrooms, or that stained barbecue outside. Windows are always a good accumulator of any type of grime. How impressed will your new tenant be upon moving in? The way you leave it for tenants is more than likely the way they will leave it for you
Professional Carpet Cleaning is always required & a receipt by a professional carpet cleaner supplied to your agent to prove to the ingoing occupants that it has been carried out, otherwise they are not required to do this when they vacate
Wall washing is also required you would be surprised the amount of dust that builds up and this can cause mould or peeling and flaking
Drapes & Blinds are another given when it comes to cleaning the property after moving out. Many owners have been caught out with how clean, or unclean, the blinds were. You must ensure that curtains and/or blinds are cleaned.
Exterior Walls You may need to consider washing the exterior walls depending on what type of activity you’ve got up to.
Rubbish Removal is also a priority and must be taken care of prior to giving the keys to your agent.
Gardening-Lawn mowing – It is a great idea that you ensure the lawns are mowed & edged & the gardens are free of leaf debris and weeds. Again how you present it to the new occupants is more than likely how they will leave it for you.
Windows – don’t forget these & also the screens and tracks – quite often forgotten in the mad rush.
FINALLY DON’T FORGET TO RE-DIRECT YOUR MAIL AND DISCONNNECT ALL UTILITIES.