Recent content by KateMelb

Oops! Sorry Ben, it's not Ocean Grove but Point Cook that will be getting a new station (called Williams Landing): http://www.transport.vic.gov.au/web23/Home.nsf/AllDocs/7C5896995BC776AECA257625001CC9BE?OpenDocument Ocean Grove residents will, however, benefit from the increased and faster...

Same policy with the same premium applies to a 2 bedroom apartment and a 3 bedroom unit.

But David it's tax deductible - isn't it therefore a wise investment to protect you in case of an extremely rare but extremely expensive event?

Well, I've just renewed the Lumley (Westfarmers) policy for $202 and that buys: $20,000 accidental damage and landlord's contents $20,000 malicious damage by tenants $5,000 theft $15,000 or up to 15 weeks tenant rent default 52 weeks loss of rent if building uninhabitable $20,000,000...

If tenants are doing this to smoke detectors, then during inspections landlords or their agents should take photos of a disassembled unit, then fix the alarm so it’s working again and finally send a formal letter or email to the tenant, reminding them not to interfere with any smoke detector...

And what about the bond? No doubt the owner will claim the entire bond to cover the cost of the broken lease.

Goodness me Chilliblue! YOU had to email THEM the Act??? If they got such a crucial legal requirement wrong - something that is relevant to every single one of their landlords - how can you have any confidence in them?

No, Cosy, you don't. Don't forget the bond form: http://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/CA256EB5000644CE/page/Renting-Bond-Lodging+the+bond?OpenDocument&1=910-Renting~&2=030-Bond~&3=010-Lodging+the+bond~ And as a new self-manager, you might find this handy...

Joey, after such shabby treatment - which has cost you a fortune and jolted your otherwise fantastic long-standing relationship with your tenant - why would you consider sticking around? You have zero obligation to stick with your current PM company - would you tolerate treatment like that from...

Interesting food for thought Peter. I guess it comes down to what is reasonable in the Tribunal's eyes. Is it reasonable to stop people wearing shoes with heels in an IP with wooden floors? Probably not. People are entitled to quiet enjoyment and reasonable use of the property. When an...

Interesting point Lura. I wonder how such specialist PM companies maintain a balance between providing attentive service to tenants and landlords with making a decent profit? How many properties would be required in a rent roll to profit and pay staff? And how many properties does each staff...

Don't be so sure Bludger! We did this until the project starting runs months behind - due to our town planning company's incompetance! It was only when we intervened and spoke to the Council directly did the project get back on track and the permit was finally granted - with just 3 days to spare...

Invstor, have a read of your management agreement with the PM. It should state how you can terminate your relationship with them - which is usually through giving something like 14 days notice, provided the "exclusive" period has ended. After you give the written notice, you can change all...

Georges, in Victoria, bond money can only be accessed under specific circumstances: http://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/CA256EB5000644CE/page/Renting-Bond-Landlord+and+owner+bond+claims?OpenDocument&1=910-Renting~&2=030-Bond~&3=030-Landlord+and+owner+bond+claims~...

Actually in Victoria you can only increase the rent once every six months, even with a periodic tenancy: http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/rta1997207/s44.html Why waste money on an agent? Just fill in the form from Consumer Affairs Victoria, including any special conditions...