16
The end of the tenancy
When a property manager receives notification that a tenant wishes to vacate the property we will confirm the details in writing to you , clearly outlining the next steps necessary to ensure your property is tenanted as quickly as possible .
Your property will be listed as available for rent immediately unless otherwise advised by you - ( see ‘ Marketing your property ’ page 12 ).
We will also take care of all the documentation necessary to end the tenancy and will arrange to work in with the existing tenant ( if applicable ) for any property viewings for new prospective tenants .
A final inspection will be carried out to ensure your property has been left in good condition , taking into consideration fair wear and tear for which a tenant cannot be held liable - see examples below .
Common examples of fair wear and tear where tenants are generally not liable include :
• Faded curtains or frayed cords
• Furniture indentations and traffic marks on carpets
• Scuffed wooden floors
• Faded or cracked paint
• Loose hinges or handles on doors or windows , and worn sliding tracks
• Cracks in the walls from building movement
• Water stains on the carpet from rain leaking through the roof or bad plumbing .
Damage for which the tenants may be liable
• Missing , damaged or torn curtains - either caused by the tenant or their pet / s
• Stains or burn marks on carpets
• Badly scratched or gouged wooden floors
• Unapproved paint jobs or large areas of damage e . g . from posters being ripped off walls
• Broken window glass e . g . from a flatmate or child hitting a ball at the window
• Holes in the walls left by tenants removing picture hooks or shelves they have installed
• Water stains on the carpet caused by an overflowing bath or indoor pot plants .
Once a tenant has vacated and the final inspection has been completed , we will ensure the bond refund is processed and any final deductions for rent , utilities or damage are covered .
In rare occurrences where the bond does not cover any outstanding amounts due , your property manager will lodge the debt with the Tenancy Tribunal and seek to recoup the outstanding funds through a sealed District Court order . Any associated debt collection work that may be required will also be initiated .
Careless Damage & Tenant Liability
The RTA Amendments Act 2019 has implemented much clearer guidelines for landlords and tenants around who is responsible for damage caused through careless behaviour , as this can sometimes be an issue at the end of a tenancy .
If a tenant damages a rental property as a result of careless behaviour they will be liable for the cost of the damage up to a maximum of four weeks ’ rent or the landlord ’ s insurance excess , whichever is lower .
Landlords will need to provide insurance information in any new tenancy agreement via an insurance statement . This outlines whether the property is insured and if so , what the excess amount is . The statement must also inform the tenant that a copy of their insurance policy is available upon request .
Insurance companies will not be able to pursue tenants on the landlord ’ s behalf for the cost of damage unless the damage was intentional or the result of an act or omission that constitutes an imprisonable offence .
Insurance
Many investors believe they have adequate cover under their current insurance policy , only to find at the point of making a claim that all is not what it seems .
Every landlord insurance policy will likely contain unique requirements and it ’ s crucial you are aware of what these are , e . g . in a damage claim you ’ ll likely be required to show evidence of the regular inspections you have carried out at set intervals .