​Frequently Asked Questions

Business hours for enquiries and advice.

EthicsRealEstate.com.au is conveniently located in the centre of Canberra and our office is open for telephone enquiries and appointments from 8am -7pm Monday to Saturday. If the office is unattended please leave a message and we will return your call. Enquiries receive a same day response.

How much do you charge?

Our fees are lower than most other property management companies in Canberra and so are our overheads. Our standard fee is the first week's rent (if we need to find a tenant) plus a management fee of between 6.6% and 8.8% (GST inclusive) of the rent thereafter, depending on the property. We pride ourselves on the level of personal and individual service we give to each of our clients. It is wise for a landlord to consider all aspects of property management when making a decision to appoint an agent. Fees are only one component. We invite you to contact our office for property appraisal, and discuss a management package that uniquely suits your requirements.

How do you keep your Management fees so low?  

​There are a number of reasons we can afford to keep our service fees so reasonably priced.

1.    At EthicsRealEstate.com.au there are no franchise fees, and, with the introduction of technology, the role of a modern property manager is now quite different from that of a decade ago
   
2.   Our property management software is cloud based and makes it easier for owner, agent and tenant to view all payments, expenses, rent collected and paid, and correspondence.
3.    Our staff has a financial interest in the company.  EthicsRealEstate.com.au does not have the usual high costs associated with hiring staff and training staff. There is also little chance for staff turnover which is a significant concern for many in the real estate industry.

Our staff has a financial interest in the company.  EthicsRealEstate.com.au does not have the usual high costs associated with hiring staff and training staff. There is also little chance for staff turnover which is a significant concern for many in the real estate industry.

How quickly can you find a tenant for my property? ​

Once a Management Agreement is signed with our company, we commence marketing your property straight away. Your property is automatically placed on our website and allhomes.com.au and we contact prospective tenants registered on our database. It is important that your property is presented in the best possible condition and at a market rent. This will ensure that the property is leased within a short period of time. Prevailing market conditions will also have an impact on the vacancy period. It is our aim to lease your property at the highest possible rent to the most suitable tenant in the shortest possible time.

Can I set the rental price for my property?

In most cases, properties rent quickly when they are priced correctly in the beginning. At the end of the day, you are the landlord and we will list your property for the figure you feel is correct. We all want the best possible tenant with minimal vacancy period and maximum rental return. Once ready for market (or renewal) we will always confirm and discuss the price of your property with you.​

Can I choose the tenant?

If you wish to make final selection of the tenant, please inform us when we are preparing your Agency Agreement. However, we have many years’ experience and are most conscious of the importance of tenant selection in successful property management and have a stringent tenant application process. We reference check every tenant who applies for your property. In most cases we choose the most appropriate tenant, but will consult you before making our final decision.

How do you check a prospective tenant?

We conduct personal inspections of properties with prospective tenants. To apply for a property, a prospective tenant is required to complete a detailed application form and supply a past tenancy history in addition to employment and personal references. This form is checked thoroughly including TICA (tenancy default database).
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How do you collect the rent?

Tenants are provided with two options for payment which make it quick and easy for tenants and reduce the problem of arrears.

    ​1.               Direct credit from bank   
2.               Direct debit from bank

Once the rent has been paid, how quickly do I receive payment?

At  EthicsRealEstate.com.au we will email statements within two business working days of the end of every month and funds are deposited to you within two business working days of the end of every month.

How do you handle non-payment of rent?

We check the banking daily and once a tenant is three days in arrears, they are contacted by all available means. If payment is still not received after five days, the tenant is contacted again and advised that should they not meet their rental agreement, a final notice will be served followed by an application to the Tribunal. Due to selecting good tenants and following these procedures as a rule, we do not experience many problems with non-payment of rent.

Do you hold the bond and do I receive the interest? ​

​Estate agents are legally required to lodge all residential bonds received with The Office of Rental Bonds within seven days of receipt. The bond can only be released to the tenant or landlord by both parties signing a bond claim form. These signatures are matched up by the Bond Office against those on the bond lodgement form at the commencement of the tenancy. The interest is collected by the Office of Rental Bonds.

What is the average length of tenancy?

Most residential properties are arranged for fixed periods of six or twelve months; ​being renegotiated at the expiry of each period. The tenant is responsible for both the property and for the rent for the term of the tenancy agreement.

Can you guarantee that the tenant will pay the rent on time and won't damage my property?  

Unfortunately, no agent can guarantee that because sometimes something completely unforeseen can go wrong for the tenant, for example, change in employment or marital break-up. The critical keys to reducing the possibility of these incidents occurring are careful tenant selection and strict arrears control. At  EthicsRealEstate.com.au we use both to minimise the chances of loss to the landlord. You can also take our insurance yourself against these occurrences with a special insurance policy.

If there is any damage caused to my property, can we deduct money from the bond?

The question of what constitutes ‘fair wear and tear’ is always an issue in property management. However, in most cases, damage attributable to a tenant is not considered fair wear and tear. The Tenancy Agreement states that the tenant is liable for this type of maintenance of the property and to make good any damage at their expense.
Under normal circumstances, the bond will provide sufficient protection to remedy damage, however, if not, the owner can take civil action through the Tenancy Tribunal for damages against the tenant. An insurance policy covering malicious damage by tenants and rent protection is offered by many insurance companies and is recommended for peace of mind. We encourage a landlord and tenant to resolve any disputes as applying to the Tenancy Tribunal is costly and should be considered a last resort.

Can I inspect the property when I want?

We suggest should you wish to inspect the property; you accompany us on our routine inspections. Please notify us if you wish to do so.

Who is responsible for general maintenance?  

Under the terms of the Tenancy Agreement, both the owner and the tenant are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the property.
​ The owner agrees to keep the property in good and tenantable condition and the tenant agrees to maintain it in that way and in accordance with the original Inventory and Condition Report

Who is responsible for maintaining the grounds?

Tenants are expected to keep the grounds in reasonable order, but experience shows that it is wise for the lessor to arrange pruning of trees and shrubs. If your property is in a body corporate, in most cases, the body corporate will undertake all gardening and maintenance in the common grounds.

What information do I need to supply?

​Agent’s instructions should be completed in as much detail as possible. The instruction form assists your agent to look after matters on your behalf. Failure to supply what appears to be an insignificant detail can result in the sending of non-urgent messages or telephone calls to you.

What happens if I am absent?

Lessors are required to appoint Power of Attorney when absent to act on their behalf, if necessary.
 You are recommended to authorise us to effect necessary repairs during your absence up to a reasonable limit on the cost of each and every repair.

Can EthicsRealEstate.com.au pay my property commitments?

​Although we accept instructions to pay your commitments for rates, strata fees etc, unless notices are received when payments are due, we cannot be held responsible for non-payment.
 Payment of commitments, including mortgage repayments may not be made if funds are not available. for example, if the property is vacant.

What can I do to avoid damage to large electrical appliances?

You should leave operating instructions for all appliances remaining in the property including washing machines, dishwashers, ovens, cooktops, lawn mowers, heating and cooling, and water systems including garden sprinklers.
With good planning, landlords can budget for the expensive maintenance items in advance.