richie penn

hi, we've been offered a private rental through a friend when we arrive in Perth in september, its too good a chance to turn down as its at a reduced rate (minus agents fees), but we dont know the area very well its in spearwood near manning park, would appreciate advice on schools, area in general etc, its very near phoenix primary school so advice on that school in particular would be good.
many thanks in advance

Evelin

no idea about schools, but Spearwood is not the prettiest suburb of Perth. It's an old suburb which attracted mainly migrants from southern/eastern Europe, many from former Yugoslavia.

Some newer estates have been developed in between which might be alright. I don't like the Phoenix shopping Centre at all. We usually don't feel like driving through Spearwood on our way to Fremantle. You get an idea of the suburb if you have a look at the realestate.com.au website.

irishbloo

What agents fees are they?

Japonica

Spearwood is not my cup of tea. It's mostly older homes, although as Evelin says, there may be a few pockets of newer development.

There seem to be rentals there in the 3x1 category for around the $450 p/w mark.

If by agents fees they mean the amount the owner pays to the rental agency and that is built into the rent, it's not a huge amount. We broke a lease when our build was finished and had to pay all the leasing fees up to the date our lease would have expired and it was not substantial at all. So what I'm saying is don't feel that you have to take this rental based on that aspect alone. If it is leasing fees, it might be a $8-10 per week difference. If it's because it's a friend and you feel it would be rude to decline, or they're going to give you a cut on the rent as well as foregoing the leasing fees, that's a different matter.

Here is where you can find out some info about Phoenix Primary School:

http://www.myschool.edu.au/

Crime stat info by suburb:

http://www.police.wa.gov.au/Aboutus/...8/Default.aspx

Basic suburb profile:

http://www.domain.com.au/Public/subu...term=Spearwood

Dorothy

It really depends on what your friend means by reduced rate. As others have said there shouldn't be agent's fees paid by you.

Also, where will you be working? I'd hate to have to commute to somewhere like Osborne Park from Spearwood every day.

richie penn

hi, thanks for the replys,
he has offered us a 3x2 for $370 a week, when i said agents fees i meant that the private rental was cheaper because its minus any external costs. Also there is no lease agreement
have taken spearwood comments on board and maybe we will use this as a stepping stone property until we find out where we really like.
cheers

Japonica

Hi there,

No lease agreement...does that mean nothing in writing at all? A contract is for everyone's protection, really. Check out some of the threads on here with rental horror stories. If I was renting, I'd want all the expectations and responsibilities of all parties spelled out in a contract and a detailed inspection report with photos.

I'm sure your friend is a decent sort, but it's good to have some sort of written agreement in place.

eddie007

Make sure you have no Worries about gas certificates, elcetrical safety, smoke alarms.... And BOND lodgement issues...I take it even though you are friends your mate will be asking for a bond/deposit????

I know a couple who rented from "friends" And were right royally screwed by them....

Rental agents may be barstewards... But they serve a purpose....

richie penn

hi and thanks for all your concerns but this has been a life long friend for 30 years and see them more like family.
there is no deposit just move in, pay monthly and move out when you want either to another rental or buying, cant say fairer than that really!

Bibbs

There is nothing really in Spearwood, and it's a drive to anywhere else.

Just an anonymous suburb really.

Things to be wary of, there is an industrial rail line (can be noisy) and overhead power lines (ugly).