Tips For Renters

In terms of do's and don'ts, the following is a guide that helps identify the responsibilities of all involved:

Some of the duties of the landlord include:

• Keep the premises fit and habitable;
  
• Keep the common areas safe;
  
• Comply with building, housing, health and safety codes;
  
• Keep all systems in good working order – plumbing, electrical, heating, etc;
  
• Maintain all required appliances and equipment;
  
• Provide, in most cases, running water and reasonable amounts of hot water and heat;
  
• Provide garbage cans and trash removal;
  
• Give adequate notice, at least 24 hours before entering a tenant’s unit – except in emergencies. Enter only at reasonable times.
  

Some of the duties of the tenants include:

• Pay a bond and your rent on time;
  
• Keep the premises safe and sanitary;
  
• Dispose of rubbish in the proper manner;
  
• Keep the plumbing fixtures as clean as their conditions permits;
  
• Use electrical and plumbing fixtures properly;
  
• Comply with housing, health, and safety codes that apply to tenants;
  
• Refrain from damaging the premises and keep guests from causing damage;
  
• Maintain appliances supplied by the landlord in good working order;
  
• Permit landlord to enter the dwelling unit if the request is reasonable and proper notice is given;
  
• Comply with state or municipal drug laws in connection with the premises and require household members and guests to do likewise.
  

It's always wise to sit down with the leasing agent and go over any concerns you have or are unsure of. We are only too happy to discuss the in's and out's of the rental market and encourage renters to drop in to their local agent.

Tips for moving

The big move, for most families is an exciting start to the day and an exhausting hell at the finish. With that in mind you should balance the pain against your budget and get as much help as possible. Doing it yourself may be the cheapest moving option but you shouldn’t underestimate the stamina it will require to pack everything, load the hired truck and unload in one day. Stairs and steep driveways are hard yakka even for the professionals! Removalists can do as much or as little as you want, from lugging just the heavy furniture like the washing machine and fridge, to managing the whole move which means unpacking all your bits and pieces at the other end. Whichever way, always get at least three quotes.

Things to be done:

• Be aware that if you are doing the packing, the company's transit insurance may not cover any damage;
• When the estimator arrives to quote, be sure to show them everything that has to be moved and advise them of potential difficulties at the other end: access problems, winding staircases, narrow streets. The more information you provide, the less chance of having additional charges levied: e.g. the hire of another van because the truck was too wide for the street;
• Be sure you understand the terms of the contract, such as the hourly rate, when the charge commences and finishes, how you will be charged, how you will pay, and the exact definition of “subject to increase” clauses;
• Give the removalist as much notice as possible, especially for peak moving times such as summer and the last week of the month. Confirm dates once the sale is finalised;
• Commence the clearing out process as soon as possible to make it less of a torture test. Get rid of as much as you can before you move. Clean items as you go: for example washing all the dusty, rarely used items in the china cabinet before packing. The last thing you need when you are settling into a new place is to have to wash and polish everything as you unpack;
• Arrange for the disposal of old paint, garden chemicals, fuel etc. Drain fuel from the mower, remove batteries from battery-powered devices, empty gas cylinders and bottles. The AFRA site gives a list of items like these that removalists cannot take on their trucks;
• Pack a survival kit containing cups, kettle, tea, coffee, sugar, milk, snacks, toilet paper, light bulbs, bin liners, cleaning materials, tools, a torch and, in case you don’t get unpacked by bedtime, a change of clothes and sheets and blankets;
• Obtain packing cartons in a variety of sizes from the removalist, or a company selling packaging materials. You’ll also need packaging tape and dispenser, marking pens and bubble wrap or tissue paper for delicate items. Use butchers white paper for a cleaner pack;
• Pack by the room - it’s quicker and more rewarding. Move boxes away from doorways and beds and tape closed at the last minute;
• Clearly label cartons on the top and at least one side with the room they are to go in. Add other information for your own benefit about the contents;
• Fill cartons only to within three to five centimetres of the top to provide cushioning. Don’t let items protrude above the top of the carton, or bulge out at the sides, because they won't stack properly and may split;
• Don't make cartons too heavy, especially when packing items like books. Leave the piano, mirrors and valuable paintings to the experts!
• Slap fragile stickers or write 'fragile' over cartons containing anything breakable and use more packing paper between items just in case;
• Check the insurance cover offered by the removalist. It may not be 'new for old' cover, but instead reimbursement based on market value. Seek the removalist's advice about additional insurance you may need such as transit insurance, which bridges the gap between your household contents cover in the home you are leaving, and the one to which you are moving, providing uninterrupted security. If you are putting anything into storage, you will need additional insurance to cover your goods during the storage period. Get quotes and organise your policy as soon as possible;
• Have an unpacking plan listing boxes in order of practical importance - don't exhaust yourself unpacking non-essential items first;
• To keep your children occupied on arrival have their toys or the television ready, leaving you free to unpack in peace;
• Get a good night's sleep and plan to get up as early as possible on moving day so that you are ready for when the truck arrives;
• When the last box has been loaded onto the truck, secure the property and leave the keys at a prearranged location.
• Before the removal van arrives - inspect the property closely to ensure that everything has been left as agreed. Refer any omissions to your solicitor;
• Organise electricity, gas and phone to be turned on in your name for the day you arrive;
• Buy a bottle of champers and soft drink for the kids to celebrate - you deserve it!