Hi All,
As this is my first IP which has been leased out for less than 6 months I have some questions for the seasoned Landlord's out there. The property is located in W.A
Quick rundown on current situation.
As I required the property to have a bank valuation undertaken, I wanted to ensure the place looked in top shape to hopefully realise the full potential of its value. The lawns were looking quite poor with the gardens and lawn being full of weeds. Before the property was appraised I arranged for myself to attend and rectify the garden/lawn issue as it was important that this was carried out before the valuation.
When I attended the property (owner was present inside) I found the gate latch broken and the side access gate blowing in the wind. I proceeded to remove the weeds (removed approx 20-30lt), fertilised the garden/lawns, turned on the reticulation and repaired the gate latch. At this time I noticed rubbish in the garden beds, (papers etc) and a plant that had been removed from it's place sitting half way out of the soil. As the property is brand new I was concerned to say the least regarding the state of it but had to distance myself from it and not get too worked up.
I also noticed a great deal of weeds growing in the reserve nature strip adjoining the property which were blowing seed throughout the property's lawn. I thought I will come back next time I return from work and will weed spray them so as to create less work for the person having to weed the lawn next time due to no weed seed being blown from from next door. It was at this time when I was carrying out the spraying that the neighbour came over and had a chat to me. I occasionally spoke to him during the building process and asked him once the house was being leased out to keep and eye out for anything that shouldn't be happening. As we were chatting he informed us that he witnessed one of the tenant's children climbing on the boundary fence and on top of the garden shed roof. He was concerned for the child falling into his yard and hurting himself as it's all paved. It was at this time that he also informed me that the garden shed roof had been caved in due to the child climbing on it to gain access to the fence. I was not impressed by hearing this and this added to my concerns that I already had.
After hearing this I dropped into the REA office on the way back home and raised my concerns along with the other items which I found during my visit to maintain the yards. She was also concerned and agreed that it was not acceptable that damage such as this is occurring. It was at this time she indicated that she was going to breach the tenant certain items. I didn't receive a copy of this letter so am unsure as to what the breach encompassed. The tenant was given 3 weeks to rectify the issue to which she has not successfully done. Attempting to repair the roof by pushing it back up in my opinion in not acceptable and will need replacing now.
She has also sent me a letter though the REA raising items which are unfounded. She has also indicated that she won't be renewing the lease, which suits me also. I have concerns as to the what might happen to the property until the end of lease now and would rather see her out.
I have asked for a meeting to be organised with the REA as I am not entirely happy with the way this is being handled and feel as though the property manager is falling for the tenants sob story. There are indiscrepancies throughout the letter and feel as though the tenant is playing the system and I would rather use the property damage and her failure to have it repaired properly to have her removed before the situation potentially escalates.
What are peoples thoughts on the above and how would you go about the situation? Would you want the tenant removed or just hang on until January and hope for the best?
Apologies for novel above
As this is my first IP which has been leased out for less than 6 months I have some questions for the seasoned Landlord's out there. The property is located in W.A
Quick rundown on current situation.
- House is 6 months old (built brand new)
- To date tenant has been paying rent on time
As I required the property to have a bank valuation undertaken, I wanted to ensure the place looked in top shape to hopefully realise the full potential of its value. The lawns were looking quite poor with the gardens and lawn being full of weeds. Before the property was appraised I arranged for myself to attend and rectify the garden/lawn issue as it was important that this was carried out before the valuation.
When I attended the property (owner was present inside) I found the gate latch broken and the side access gate blowing in the wind. I proceeded to remove the weeds (removed approx 20-30lt), fertilised the garden/lawns, turned on the reticulation and repaired the gate latch. At this time I noticed rubbish in the garden beds, (papers etc) and a plant that had been removed from it's place sitting half way out of the soil. As the property is brand new I was concerned to say the least regarding the state of it but had to distance myself from it and not get too worked up.
I also noticed a great deal of weeds growing in the reserve nature strip adjoining the property which were blowing seed throughout the property's lawn. I thought I will come back next time I return from work and will weed spray them so as to create less work for the person having to weed the lawn next time due to no weed seed being blown from from next door. It was at this time when I was carrying out the spraying that the neighbour came over and had a chat to me. I occasionally spoke to him during the building process and asked him once the house was being leased out to keep and eye out for anything that shouldn't be happening. As we were chatting he informed us that he witnessed one of the tenant's children climbing on the boundary fence and on top of the garden shed roof. He was concerned for the child falling into his yard and hurting himself as it's all paved. It was at this time that he also informed me that the garden shed roof had been caved in due to the child climbing on it to gain access to the fence. I was not impressed by hearing this and this added to my concerns that I already had.
After hearing this I dropped into the REA office on the way back home and raised my concerns along with the other items which I found during my visit to maintain the yards. She was also concerned and agreed that it was not acceptable that damage such as this is occurring. It was at this time she indicated that she was going to breach the tenant certain items. I didn't receive a copy of this letter so am unsure as to what the breach encompassed. The tenant was given 3 weeks to rectify the issue to which she has not successfully done. Attempting to repair the roof by pushing it back up in my opinion in not acceptable and will need replacing now.
She has also sent me a letter though the REA raising items which are unfounded. She has also indicated that she won't be renewing the lease, which suits me also. I have concerns as to the what might happen to the property until the end of lease now and would rather see her out.
I have asked for a meeting to be organised with the REA as I am not entirely happy with the way this is being handled and feel as though the property manager is falling for the tenants sob story. There are indiscrepancies throughout the letter and feel as though the tenant is playing the system and I would rather use the property damage and her failure to have it repaired properly to have her removed before the situation potentially escalates.
What are peoples thoughts on the above and how would you go about the situation? Would you want the tenant removed or just hang on until January and hope for the best?
Apologies for novel above