Most people moving from the UK to Queensland will, initially, rent a property. This gives them time to adjust to their new lifestyle and surroundings, before committing to buying a permanent home.

The process of renting a property can be quick and simple, as long as you are prepared.

Below is an outline of the rental process in Queensland. Once a suitable property has been found…..

1. Submit an application plus supporting documents to Property Manager.
2. Application is processed. 24 to 48 hours for acknowledgement of application approved or declined.
3. Approved application presented by Property Manager to owners for consideration.
4. Owner accepts or declines.
5. If accepted, 1 week rent is required as a deposit, to be paid to Property Manager.
6. Normal practice, on or before the tenancy agreement start date, 4 weeks bond plus 1 week rent is paid.
7. Tenancy start date, keys are handed over, (tenancy agreement is signed, if not done prior), entry report is given to new tenant.

Supporting Documents

These are the most critical items of the process. Property Managers need to be satisfied that the person/persons they take on as tenants are trustworthy, honest and above all else can show they are able to pay the rent! Queensland requirements for renting are based on a 100 point security check system. Each occupant of the property, over 18, must supply documents which total 100 points. These documents can be made up of any of the following:

10 points - Birth Certificate, Medicare Card, Motor Vehicle Registration papers
30 points - Bank Statement, recent utility bill, gas, phone, electric
40 points - Drivers Licence (UK is OK), passport, last 4 rent receipts

In addition you will need to provide proof of income (pay slips) or letter of employment.

Tip: Overseas references are hard to check, therefore, obtain written references from your employer, the estate agent selling your property, your mortgage provider confirming reliable prompt payment or a long standing family friend.

Bond

The bond is a sum of money which the Property Manager asks the tenant to pay as a financial security in case the tenant does not comply to the tenancy agreement. The maximum amount a tenant can be asked to pay is 4 weeks (if the weekly rent is $500 or less). If the weekly rent is over $500 there is no maximum limit to the bond, although the norm is 4 weeks. The Property Manager will provide a receipt and lodge the bond with the Residential Tenancy Authority. At the end of the tenancy agreement, providing the tenant has complied with the tenancy agreement, the bond will be refunded in full.

Entry Report

The entry report is a document which is provided by the Property Manager. It describes the condition of the property, both internally and externally, at the time the new tenancy agreement starts. The information on this document will be used to compare the condition of the property at the beginning of the tenancy agreement to that at the end (normal wear and tear is taken into consideration). The new tenant is given 3 days to check through the report and make any additional comments or amendments. It is important to take the time to check the report thoroughly.

I hope this article has been helpful to those of you making the exciting ‘leap’ to Queensland in the near future.

Good luck!

©Sunrise Relocations