A fixed-term tenancy agreement has a start date and a fixed end date and cannot be terminated at will by either party. A periodic tenancy agreement may be terminated by giving written notice to terminate the fixed-term tenancy; the tenant must give 21 days’ written notice to terminate the tenancy agreement.
The deposit is usually equivalent to four weeks’ rent and is paid as security at the start of the tenancy. Once the property manager has received the deposit, they will forward it to the lettings department within 28 days. It will be held in safe custody until both parties have received and signed the deposit refund form. The lettings department will take up to three working days to process the deposit refund and transfer the funds into the tenant’s bank account.
The cost of moving in includes one week’s rent paid in advance and a four-week rent for bond, usually totaling five weeks’ rent.
Yes, if you are on a fixed-term tenancy, once the initial fixed-term contract has expired, you may choose to renew it for a further fixed term of one year, or you may opt to continue the tenancy on a periodic tenancy. If you are on a periodic tenancy, it is sufficient for your contract to stipulate that the landlord must give 60 days’ written notice.
Yes, they can, but if the tenant is on a fixed-term tenancy, the agreement remains valid and the tenant may continue to occupy the property until the end of the term specified in the tenancy agreement.
Mission Property currently uses state-of-the-art maintenance reporting software (Tapi). Should you require urgent repairs during your tenancy, please notify your property manager via Tapi as soon as possible, and we will take the necessary action.
Tenants must pay their rent via bank transfer. All necessary documents (direct debit forms or deposit slips) will be provided before the tenant moves in.
We recommend that tenants read the tenancy agreement carefully, as it sets out all the charges. Your property manager should go through the agreement with you and answer any questions you may have before you sign it, to avoid any disputes arising in the future.
Landlords are responsible for ensuring that their let properties have an adequate water supply. If the property does not have a sufficient water supply, the landlord must provide a solution for collecting and storing water. Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, the tenant is responsible for paying water charges attributable solely to that tenant, with the supplier charging for water based on consumption. If the water supplier has a contract with the landlord and the landlord passes on the obligation to pay the water charges to the tenant, the tenant is obliged to pay those charges.
If the tenant has paid the charges but the landlord fails to pay the water supplier and the water supply is cut off, the landlord may be liable for the cost of reconnecting the water supply. If the sewage charges are entirely attributable to the tenant’s usage, the tenant may be charged for these charges. Some water suppliers now calculate sewage charges by reference to water supply. The landlord is responsible for the costs incurred, regardless of whether the property is occupied. For example, in most cases, a fixed sewage charge (levied regardless of whether the property is occupied) will be the landlord’s responsibility. If the property is a freehold flat, the rules of the owners’ corporation form part of the tenancy agreement. If the rules of the owners’ corporation stipulate shared water supply between units, the landlord should make this clear to any prospective or current tenant and must attach a copy of the relevant owners’ corporation rules to the tenancy agreement. If a tenant fails to pay water charges, they may be in breach of their tenancy agreement, and the landlord may serve a 14-day notice on the tenant to remedy the breach. If the tenant refuses, an application may be made to the Tenancy Tribunal.
Yes, tenants can apply to the property manager. However, this will incur certain management fees, administrative charges and penalty fees.
Depending on who caused the damage, this will determine who is responsible for the repairs. If the tenant causes any damage or repairs are required, they must notify the landlord. If the tenant fails to notify the landlord promptly and the situation worsens, the landlord may claim part of the repair costs from the tenant.
We recommend that tenants take out their own contents insurance. Your landlord’s contents insurance does not cover your personal belongings.
